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Liposuction (Suction-Assisted Lipectomy)
Liposuction is used to improve body shape by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. It is usually performed using the tumescent technique, in which tissue is infused with saline-containing solution that has a local anesthetic. This is infiltrated before liposuction to reduce pain, bruising and swelling. Common locations for liposuction include neck, abdomen, buttocks, hips, flanks, thighs, knees and calves. Traditional liposuction takes two hours or more using local anesthesia with sedation. Patients may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness or burning sensation. With the tumescent procedure, there may be temporary fluid drainage from the incision sites. Patients can usually return to work within 5 days; however, more strenuous activity should be avoided for two weeks.
Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL)
For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) may also be used. UAL is a technique in which an ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to "liquefy" the fat before it is suctioned. It is usually performed using local anesthesia with sedation. UAL requires a slightly larger incision for the suction tube. Patients usually can return to work within one week; however, more strenuous activity should be avoided for two to four weeks.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
This procedure is used to flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles of the abdominal wall. The surgery normally takes from two to five hours and is performed using a general or local anesthesia with sedation depending on individual circumstances and extent of surgery. Patients may experience temporary pain, swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin and bruising for several weeks.
Most patients can return to work or daily activities within two weeks; however, the return to more strenuous activity may take four weeks or more.
Buttock and Thigh Lift
This procedure reduces the excess, sagging skin of the upper thighs and buttocks that can appear with age or weight loss. The skin is tightened and the deeper tissue is suspended. Patients can generally return to normal activities after two weeks.