Liposuction/Liposculpture - About the Procedure

Pre-Surgery Consultation

When you consult with Dr. Rhoda Narins about liposuction surgery, ask any and all of the questions you have. We will explain the process in detail, including the various pros and cons regarding the procedure, the type of results you can expect to achieve and any possible complications. Together, we will arrange a time and place for the surgery. Tumescent liposuction is performed using local anesthesia and we will discuss how safe this wonderful procedure with you.

After this consultation, blood tests are usually done and if you are over 55 years old or have medical problems, a physical examination and an electrocardiogram from your private physician may be requested.

Before Surgery

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofin (e.g. Motrin, Advil), aspirin containing compounds, St. John's Wort, and antiinflammatory drugs for 2 weeks prior to surgery. These drugs decrease clotting and you don't want to have excess bleeding during or after the procedure. For the same reason, avoid Vitamin E during this same period. A full avoidance list is provided prior to surgery.

It is a good idea to wash the areas that will be treated with antibacterial cleansers like Phisoderm or Hibiclens daily for I week prior to surgery. Wash your hair the day before or the morning of the surgery and take a shower as you may not be able to do so for a few days postoperatively.

Wear a warm up suit or some similar "easy on/easy off" clothing when you go for your surgery. Wear something that you can easily toss in the washing machine.

Ask a friend or relative to be available after the surgery to assist you on this day. As you will not be allowed to drive, choose a person who will be capable of getting you home and seeing to your needs through the following morning. This is necessary because you will be given pre-op sedation and your reactions may be a little slower than usual.

Tylenol will also make you more comfortable if there is some soreness. Most people don’t need it and there is usually no pain. If large areas are treated, you may have some leakage from the incision areas, it may be sensible to recline on a towel so bring clean towels and a large plastic bag for garments.

You will be given an antibiotic which you should start taking the day before surgery.

On the Day of Surgery

If you are on regular medications, take them with a few sips of water on the morning of the surgery and you can eat a light breakfast.

When you check in at the facility, the staff will show you to a private room and you are asked to remove your clothes and put on a surgical bathing suit-like garment and an examining gown. You will also be weighed.

Dr. Narins will mark all areas where fat will be removed and all possible incision site. You are encouraged to watch this procedure. Photographs (without your face and with the surgical bathing suit on) are taken so that comparisons can be made at 3 and 6 month intervals. All your questions are answered as well.

You may be given oral medication as well as intramuscular sedation to make you comfortable and relaxed and to prevent possible problems from the local anesthetic. You may have your hair put in a cap. You will be made comfortable. You can wear socks if your feet are cold.

When y ou are moved to the operating room, a surgical nurse will prep the liposuction areas with an antibacterial solution. You will be lying comfortably on a table covered with sterile sheets.

The Surgery

Injections are given with a tiny needle in at the marked incision sites. Tiny incisions (less than 1/4") are then made. Through these incisions a small tube is inserted. The bulk of the local anesthetic is injected through these tiny tubes. The local anesthetic is a very weak solution of lidocaine and epinephrine treated with sodium bicarbonate making the process virtually painless. Area to be treated are saturated with this solution. You will be awake and talking. After the area is filled ("tumesced") with local anesthetic, it is re-prepped and liposuction will begin.

The small tube or cannula that is placed in these incisions is moved back and forth in the tissue beneath the skin and fat is removed from each local area. You will probably, like most patients, be pleased as you watch yellow fat coming through the clear tubing on its way out! Multiple cannulas of different shapes and sizes are used to give an even, smooth result.

After the surgery

When the procedure is completed, the area is washed and special comfortable garments are put on. Occasionally an area is also taped for 1 day. There is virtually no blood loss. You will probably feel fine but you must have someone accompany you home because of the premedication. If only a small areas is treated, and at your request, we sometimes do not use premedication.

You will remain in the office or hospital for an hour or so to rest. Before leaving you are given a light meal and beverage.

We will then review the post operative directions again.

At Home After Surgery

After surgery, you will probably feel great, but you may be a little sore. If you have any pain, take Extra Strength Tylenol, 1-2 tablets every 4 hours, as necessary. Extra Strength Tylenol is usually all that you need.

DO NOT take aspirin or aspirin containing compounds or ibuprofin for 5 days after surgery because this will increase the tendency to bleed.

Take your antibiotics as directed.

Drainage usually occurs for 1-3 days. Normal (non-strenous) activities and light exercise may be resumed if desired. We will call you and see you just to check on your progress.

Your dressing may become slightly stained, but this should be expected. Sanitary napkins may be placed over the incision areas for absorption.

Eat and drink anything you like. There areno restrictions on food. Follow a diet if recommended by Dr. Narins.

Wear a support garment for 1-4 weeks as discussed with the doctor.

Usually, you can go to work the day following or the day after your surgery.

After 2 days, Dr. Narins will probably want to see you in the office for a, quick check up.

You can resume light, non-jarring exercise as soon as you feel up to it and heavy, jarring exercise such as aerobics, tennis and jogging in 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. Dr. Narins will discuss this with you.

There are rarely complications connected with liposuction. Because we used local anesthesia, there are none of the problems associated with general anesthesia.

Mild bruising may occur and may last up to three weeks. Patients look better immediately but it takes 6 months to see the final result.

Follow Up

1. You will be seen 1-3 days post-op.

2. We see our local patients in 7-8 days for the 2nd post-op visit and make other arrangements with our out-of-state and out-of-country patients.

Depending on the area, about 50% - 80% of the results are obtained in three months and 95% of the results occur in six months.