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How Liposuction Surgery Is Performed

Liposuction surgery usually takes anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to perform. If you are having additional procedures done, such as breast implants, the duration for the surgery is increased.

Before the liposuction surgery starts, the surgeon will usually use a surgical marker (basically a felt-tip pen) to mark the areas to be treated while you are standing up. This will help the surgeon see how your skin and fat hangs naturally and will determine incision points. Usually this is done before you have an intravenous (IV) line started and before you are sedated, but some surgeons may wait for you to take a sedative or have an IV inserted.

You may have an IV inserted to administer saline to keep you hydrated and allow administration of medications. If you are having tumescent liposuction, you more than likely will not have a saline drip because you will have a lot of fluid injected into your body during the procedure. Administering too much can cause pulmonary edema, or fluid in the lungs. However, you may still have an IV line inserted to be ready in case it is needed.

You may be given a sedative pill or capsule to take before your surgery. This can help reduce your anxiety a great deal and help you keep calm and relaxed. If you think that you may become very nervous or anxious, ask your surgeon about providing an oral sedative.

You may have an IV line inserted, either in the crook of your arm or the back of your hand. The initial placement of the IV may sting a bit. After the needle is inserted into the vein, it is pulled out and a little plastic tube called a catheter is left in your vein. The catheter will be taped to your skin so it won’t be accidentally pulled out and will be ready to use.

After you are brought to the operating room, you will be hooked up to monitors that will keep track of your vital signs before, during and after your liposuction.

You may also have your legs inserted into a compression sleeve system. This is a set of sleeves that will inflated and deflate around your legs to keep your circulation going, and which helps prevent embolisms (free floating blood clots) and other complications.

You will then be given anesthesia. You should discuss the type of anesthesia being used before your surgery date. After you are sedated, you will be prepped for the surgery. You skin will be scrubbed with an antimicrobial solution.

The incisions for liposuction surgery are normally made in very inconspicuous places, although this is dependent upon your own needs and the preference of your surgeon.

If you are having external ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL), your surgeon will apply a gel to your skin that allows the ultrasonic pad or wand to move smoothly over your treatment area. The gel also allows for better conduction of the high frequency sound waves to the fat below the skin. After the surgeon finishes with the application of the ultrasonic energy, the liquefied fat is aspirated using low-level suction through standard incisions.

If you are having internal UAL, the surgeon will insert an ultrasonic cannula through small incisions. The edges of the incisions will be protected by plastic caps or sleeves to help prevent burns.

After your surgeon has finished with the liposuction, he or she may insert drains to allow liquefied fat and other fluids to drain out of the treated areas. Drains are clear plastic tubes that connect to clear plastic bulbs that collect the fluid. Some surgeons simply allow for drainage by not suturing the incision. The fluids may be absorbed by gauze pads, other bandages or even sanitary napkins. Your surgeon will then either allow your incisions to remain open or use tissue glue, surgical paper tape, other bandages and dressings, or sutures to close your incisions.

Coming Out of Anesthesia

The transition period out of anesthesia can be a bit rough for some patients. You may experience nausea, dizziness, crying, depression, anxiety, haziness, or other sensations. You may also be cold and shaking. This will pass. Your throat may be sore if you were given general anesthesia via a tube in your throat.

You may have to urinate directly after surgery due to the amount of fluid infusion, In fact the surgeon may insist that you do before releasing you. You will need assistance in doing so, so be prepared for an audience of at least one.

You will be taken to a recovery area. You will usually still be hooked up to monitors so that your recovery can be properly tracked. If you feel nauseated or are in pain, alert the recovery room staff. He or she will give you a pain reliever and something to help settle your stomach. Sometimes a few sips of cool water can ease your nausea.

If you were given local anesthesia with sedation, you will probably be allowed to go home within 2 to 3 hours after your surgery. If you were given general anesthesia, you may be kept in the recovery area longer then that.

You MUST have someone to drive you home if you are leaving the same day as your surgery. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home and probably will not be in any condition to do so. You also need someone to stay with you overnight for at least the first night after your liposuction. This person must be dependable, as he or she will need to help you to the bathroom, dressing, walking, eating, etc.