Liposuction/Liposculpture

Liposuction Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, & Washington DC

Liposuction is a plastic surgical technique to remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the body, including the face and neck, upper arms, trunk, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, and the knees, calves and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method for removing localized deposits of fatty tissue that does not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction may be performed as a primary procedure for body contouring or combined with other surgical techniques such as facelift, tummy tuck, or body lift or thigh lift procedures to tighten loose skin and supporting structures.

The best candidates for liposuction are individuals of relatively normal weight who have excess fat in particular body areas. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour after liposuction. Hanging skin will not reshape itself to the new contours and may require additional surgical techniques after liposuction to remove and tighten excess skin. Tummy tuck would be an example of this. Body-contour irregularities due to structures other than fat cannot be improved by liposuction. Liposuction by itself will not improve areas of dimpled skin known as “cellulite.”

Alternative treatments for body recontouring
Alternative forms of management consist of not treating the areas of fatty deposits. Diet and exercise regimens may be of benefit in the overall reduction of excess body fat. Direct removal of excess skin and fatty tissue may be necessary in addition to liposuction in some patients.

Risks and potential complications are associated with alternative forms of treatment that involve surgery.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS of LIPOSUCTION SURGERY
Every surgical procedure, including liposuction, involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks and complications involved with liposuction. An individual’s choice to undergo a liposuction is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications with liposuction, you should discuss each of them with Dr. Michael J. Brown to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of liposuction.

Patient selection- Individuals with poor skin tone, medical problems, obesity, or unrealistic expectations of what may be achieved with liposuction, may not be candidates for liposuction.

Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to have a bleeding episode during or after liposuction surgery. Should post-operative liposuction bleeding occur, it may require emergency treatment to drain accumulated blood or blood transfusion. Do not take any of the medications listed for 14 days before surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding after liposuction surgery.

Infection- An infection is quite unusual after liposuction surgery. Should an infection occur after liposuction, treatment including antibiotics or additional surgery may be necessary after liposuction.

Change in and skin sensation- Temporary changes in skin sensation may occur after liposuction, which will usually resolve. Diminished or complete loss of skin sensation infrequently occurs and may not totally resolve.

Skin scarring- Although good wound healing after a liposuction is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues after liposuction. In rare cases, abnormal scars may result after liposuction. Scars may be unattractive and of different color than the surrounding skin. Additional treatments after liposuction, including surgery may be needed to treat abnormal scarring.

Skin contour irregularities- Contour irregularities and depressions in the skin may occur after liposuction. Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin can also occur after liposuction. Additional treatments including surgery may be necessary to treat skin contour irregularities following liposuction.

Asymmetry- Symmetrical body appearance may not result from liposuction surgery. Factors such as skin tone, bony prominence, and muscle tone may contribute to normal asymmetry in body features. These usually exist prior to liposuction surgery.

Surgical shock- In rare circumstances, liposuction can cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive areas are suctioned at one time. Although serious complications are infrequent from liposuction, infections or excessive fluid loss can lead to severe illness and even death. Should surgical shock occur after liposuction, hospitalization and additional treatment would be necessary.

Pulmonary complications- Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat droplets are trapped in the lungs. This is a very rare and possibly fatal complication of liposuction. Should fat embolism or other pulmonary complications occur following liposuction, additional treatment including hospitalization may be necessary.

Skin loss- Skin loss is rare after liposuction. Additional treatments including surgery may be necessary after liposuction.

Seroma- Fluid accumulations infrequently occur in areas where liposuction has been performed. Additional treatments or surgery to drain accumulations of fluid may be necessary after liposuction.

Long term effects- Subsequent alterations in body contour may occur as the result of aging, weight loss of gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances not related to liposuction.

Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during liposuction surgery and prescription medicines. Allergic reactions may require additional treatment.

Other- You may be disappointed with the results of liposuction surgery. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.

Surgical anesthesia- Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation, including liposuction surgery.

ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY
There are many variable conditions in addition to risk and potential surgical complications that may influence the long term result from liposuction. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are particularly associated with liposuction. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur after liposuction surgery, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained after liposuction surgery.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The cost of liposuction surgery involves several charges for the services provided. The total includes fees charged by Dr. Brown, the cost of surgical supplies, anesthesia, laboratory tests, and possible outpatient hospital charges, depending on where the liposuction surgery is performed. Additional costs may occur should complications develop from the liposuction surgery. Secondary surgery or hospital day-surgery charges involved with revisionary liposuction surgery would also be your responsibility.

As with any surgery,prior to any surgical procedure, it is imperative that you have read and understand the consent forms required for a plastic surgical procedure.