Liposuction in Scottsdale, AZ

Modern Liposuction is almost always performed using a "tumescent" technique. "Tumescent" means "filled with fluid", so tumescent Liposuction involves first putting a large amount of fluid into the tissue. This fluid contains a dilute anesthetic, to nearly eliminate post-operative discomfort, and epinephrine ("Adrenaline") to nearly eliminate bleeding. For Ultrasonic Liposuction, the fluid also cools the tissue, to prevent internal burns.

Before scheduling surgery, I will carefully review the areas to be suctioned, and the amount of improvement that is realistic. On the morning of surgery, the areas to be suctioned are carefully marked. Once my patient is asleep, tiny incisions are made to inject the fluid into the tissue. After the fluid is injected, I use specially-designed cannulae, or suction tubes, to remove the fat, carefully sculpting the remaining fat into a smooth, but thinner, layer. After the surgery is complete, a special surgical compression garment (an advanced girdle) is put on the patient. This garment must be worn 24 hours a day (except for showers) for three weeks, and helps produce a smoother result.

You may have heard about Ultrasonic Liposuction. Ultrasonic Liposuction uses a special cannula that transmits sound energy, which breaks up the fat and then removes the remaining fluid. It is especially useful when the fat is trapped in scar or fibrous tissue, and also for removal of excess breast tissue when skin tightening is not needed. The main disadvantage is that it requires a larger incision, and so a larger scar (about 1/2 inch long) results.

Patients almost always go home the same day. Pain following surgery is very limited, typically requiring only a single pain pill on the evening of surgery. Patients typically return to work within two days.

It is normal to see swelling and bruising for several weeks, and you may have the sutures about a week after surgery.

Bruising, if it occurs, can last up to one or two months, and generally fades in color from black and blue to green, brown, and yellow, until it eventually disappears.  It is not unusual to see the bruising worsen during the one to two weeks after liposuction, as the blood makes its way through the tissue toward the skin, where it may be visible as a bruise.  Also, the bruising may travel, and bruising on the bottom of the feet can be seen even with liposuction of the flank or thigh.

You should wear your compression garment 24 hours per day for at least three weeks, except when you are taking a shower.  You may take a shower even the same day as surgery.  Be careful to take the compression garment off slowly, as patients sometimes become feint due to blood redistribution if they take the garment off too quickly, especially if they then immediately step into a hot shower.

You can return to work within a day or two if you want, but the areas treated will likely be somewhat sore for six weeks or more, and the swelling can take twelve weeks to completely resolve.

The most important factor for patient satisfaction is a realistic expectation. If the patient expects a result that is beyond what current technology allows, disappointment is certain. For example, loose skin and "cellulite" dimpling is not improved by Liposuction; if severe, they can be improved by tissue lifting, such as thigh lifts. Abdominal bulging may be improved by Liposuction, but will still be present after surgery unless Abdominoplasty is done. But for those stubborn areas that nothing else will budge, Liposuction is an excellent solution.