Liposuction currently ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US. Advanced surgical techniques have liposuction more targeted and less invasive, involving reduced downtime, and minimal risk. Various approaches to perform liposuction are available today, but the overall procedure steps largely remain the same under each option.
Dr. Amir Nasir is a board certified plastic surgeon providing liposuction and various other procedures for the breast, body, and face. During the initial consultation, Dr. Nasir will apprise the patient about all the steps involved in the procedure and put them at ease. Patients in New Haven, Westport, CT, and surrounding communities have an opportunity to receive liposuction from Dr. Nasir.
Anesthesia
Although local anesthesia will be used in most liposuction plastic surgery procedures, general anesthesia may be required in a few instances where significant amount of fat needs to be removed from multiple areas or the procedure is performed in conjunction with other surgeries. Local anesthesia may be combined with mild sedation for complete patient comfort.
Tumescent liposuction technique can be effectively performed using only local anesthesia, which makes it a preferred technique for many patients. If the patient is allergic to lidocaine, they may not be allowed to undergo this procedure.
Placement of Incisions
The surgeon will make small incisions in well-hidden locations within the affected area after the patient is placed under anesthesia. Incision size will usually range from a quarter to a third of an inch. A skilled surgeon will be able to keep the incisions discreet so that subsequent scarring remains inconspicuous.
Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Nasir receives patients from New Haven, Westport, CT and nearby areas for liposuction and various other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
Eliminating Excess Fat Tissue
Through the incisions, the surgeon will insert a slim cannula to reduce or eliminate unwanted fat tissue deposits. Once this vacuum tube reaches the deeper fat layers, the surgeon will gently manipulate it to disrupt the targeted fat cells. As the fat cells get disintegrated, they will be suctioned out through a syringe or pump attached to the outer end of the cannula.
In some cases, laser, ultrasound wave energy or radio frequency energy techniques may be applied at this stage of fat removal to make liposuction more precise and less invasive. In any case, replacement fluids will be administered to the patient through IV during and after liposuction to make up for the fluid and blood loss.
Wound Closure
Once the fat reduction procedure is completed, the wounds will be closed with removable or dissolvable sutures. The surgeon will usually place drain tubes beneath the skin in the incision areas for a few days to collect excess fluid and minimize infection risks.
Both sutures and drain tubes may be removed together in about seven to 10 days. In case of very minor incisions, the surgeon may choose to keep them open in order to minimize bruising and swelling. The procedure steps may have to be slightly adjusted if liposuction is performed in conjunction with other surgeries.
To learn more about plastic surgery procedures and non-invasive treatments performed by Dr. Nasir at Lotus Cosmetic Surgery Connecticut click here to contact us or call (203) 221-1919.
Dr. Nasir is a Cosmetic Surgeon in Fairfield County serving the towns of Westport and Fairfield locally as well as surrounding communities. We also serve patients from all over Connecticut, regionally, including many from New York City, as as well as international patients.