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Body Contouring

How does liposuction work?

Liposuction involves making tiny incisions in the areas to be treated and then saturating the area with a diluted local anesthetic (tumescent fluid). This prevents fluid shifts on the cellular level, reduces pain postoperatively, and minimizes blood loss.

To further enhance your results, in many cases, Dr. deLeeuw utilizes LipoSelection, by VASER. This involves treating the areas with very gentle, safe ultrasound after tumescent fluid is instilled but before the fat is removed. The ultrasound gently emulsifies the fat so it can be removed more easily, resulting in an easier recovery and a smoother result. This technique has proven to be a very safe and effective way to permanently eliminate fat deposits from problem areas.

Will I lose weight?

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss or exercise, however many patients who have had liposuction find that their improved shape motivates them to lose weight and further enhances their results.

Are the results permanent?

Because the fat cells are actually removed, as long as you maintain your weight within normal variation, the results are permanent.

What areas can be treated?

Areas commonly treated include the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, buttocks, male breasts, arms, flanks, calves, and jowls. Multiple areas can be treated at the same time. Liposuction can be performed along with tummy tuck or breast enhancement surgery if desired.

How big are the scars?

The cannulas (hollow tubes used to remove the fat) are smaller around than a pencil! Generally, the scars are so tiny that they become invisible. Many patients cannot even find their scars when asked to point them out.

Is the procedure painful?

Most patients compare the discomfort after liposuction to the soreness you feel after a vigorous workout. Narcotic pain medication is provided to all patients; however, many patients find that Tylenol or Motrin is more than adequate.

Do I have to wear a special garment after surgery?

You will need to wear a compression garment for the first three weeks after surgery. The garment is not bulky and can easily be worn under regular clothing.

When can I resume normal activities?

Most patients are able to return to driving and an office job with only a weekend recovery. You may resume exercise at one week post operatively while wearing a supportive garment.

Do I have to be hospitalized for this procedure?

In most instances, the procedure can be performed in our fully accredited on site surgical suite. Our Delaware plastic surgery center strictly adheres to the patient safety guidelines set forth by the American Association for the Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which recommend limiting the volume of fat suctioned in outpatient surgical facilities to 4 liters or less.

If it is anticipated that you may need this volume of fat removed, your procedure would be scheduled in the hospital. For most patients, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, but can in some cases be performed under local anesthesia with sedation.

Aesthetic Plastic surgery of Delaware performs abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures in our Wilmington Delaware accredited surgery suite. Liposuction can be performed along with a tummy tuck to eliminate bulges and contour your shape.

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck if you have extra abdominal skin or bulging abdominal muscles. Some patients with fatty deposits on their abdomen may benefit from liposuction alone if their skin quality and muscle tone is good.

Even patients who are extremely thin may be candidates for a tummy tuck to remove loose skin and tighten muscles. Liposuction can be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to provide a more contoured abdomen.

How is a tummy tuck different from liposuction?

Liposuction alone removes excess fat, It does not address muscle bulge or loose, damaged skin. A tummy tuck involves removal of excess abdominal skin and in some cases tightening of the abdominal muscles. Excess skin is removed, the area may be liposuctioned, muscles are tightened and the skin is closed. A meticulous multiple layer closure is used to provide the best possible scar. Staples are never used in closing a tummy tuck incision.

What happens to my belly button?

The belly button is a stalk that is attached to the abdominal wall. If a large amount of skin is removed, a new opening is made for the belly button and it is simply brought through the new opening. The sutures are place inside the bellybutton to prevent scarring around the belly button.

What type of incision is used?

A standard tummy tuck incision is placed above the pubic hair and extends towards the hip bones near the natural crease at the bottom of the abdomen. If only a small amount of skin is removed, the incision may be limited to just above the pubic hair. The incision may be pink or red in color early on. It takes a full year for a scar to mature, and by this time, most scars will have faded significantly, but will never be invisible.

What is a modified tummy tuck?

A modified tummy tuck includes liposuction if indicated, but tightens the muscles using a technique that results in less discomfort and is more effective in defining the waist line than traditional muscle placation techniques.

What can I expect immediately postoperatively?

Immediately after surgery you will have 2 drains in place. These are small, egg shaped, soft rubber containers attached to very thin tubes that drain fluid from the surgical site. The drains prevent collection of fluid under the skin and remain in place for 5 -7 days.

You will also be placed in an abdominal binder. This is an elastic garment which will provide light pressure and support to your abdomen. You may take a brief shower the day after surgery, but may not immerse in a bath tub.

It is important to be up walking short distances every 1 - 2 hours after surgery to improve circulation. At a few weeks after surgery, you may notice some areas feel hard or lumpy. This is a normal part of the healing process and generally resolves within about 3 months after surgery.

When can I drive and return to normal activities?

Most patients can drive in 7 -10 days after surgery. At this point, you may return to non physically demanding work or activities. You may begin light exercise at about 4 weeks after surgery, keeping in mind that if something hurts, don't do it. At 6 weeks, you have no limitations on your activity.

 

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