Effects of Future Weight Gain

The current belief is that once fat cells have been removed from the body they do not grow back. Future weight gains tend to be distributed more evenly over the body, as weight gain is the result of existing cells swelling. Obviously liposuction removes some of those cells, so weight gain in the treated areas is proportional to an increase in size of the remaining cells.

Did you know?

1. Dermatologists perform more cases of liposuction, liposcultpure and lipoplasty per year than plastic surgeons.
2. The procedure was revolutionized in the 1980s by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatologist. He developed the tumescent technique which makes liposuction a safe outpatient procedure without the danger of hospitalization or general anesthesia.
3. Approximately 70% of all problem cases occur in hospital settings under general anesthesia.
4. Dermatologists have been shown to be five times safer than plastic surgeons for not only the reasons listed above.
5. Dr. Drugge was trained in liposuction in his residency and has been performing this safe technique for over ten years.
6. Dr. Drugge has a patent in fat research.
7. Finally, liposuction is the most popular cosmetic procedure for both men and women.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction was developed in the 1970's by Georgio Fischer, M.D. of Italy for the removal of fat deposits located in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, or that are naturally subject to fat deposition.

While not a treatment for generalized obesity, this procedure is ideal for the removal of unwanted fat deposits in the face, chin, neck, hips, buttocks, abdomen, knees, calves, chest and breasts.

Are you a candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction may be performed on nearly anyone provided they are in otherwise good health. Generally, better chances of an excellent result depend on the condition of the skin which loses elasticity with age. Ask Dr. Drugge if you are a good candidate.

Preparation, Surgery and Immediately Afterwards

Planning and discussion of liposuction may require one or two consultations before an appointment for the procedure is made. A consent form will be signed by the patient prior to treatment. Prior to having the surgery, patients should refrain from taking any aspirin, (it can interfere with proper blood clotting for at least 10 days).

On the day of the surgery, you may go about your usual routine, eat a light breakfast if the surgery is in the morning or a light lunch if it is in the afternoon. Avoid drinking large quantities of liquid, as the procedure may take 1-3 hours. Be on time for your appointment and wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes. Pre-operative digital photographs will be taken prior to the procedure.

At the surgery, the doctor will mark the areas to be treated and inject local anaesthetic into the areas where he plans to make incisions. Small incisions are then made through which saline and numbing solution will be injected using a blunt-tipped needle. Some discomfort may be felt initially as the solution starts to go in, but that should soon fade as the anaesthetic takes effect. The doctor will inject the solution across the entire area to be treated. (Patients report a feeling more of pressure than discomfort or pain during this). Then, the doctor will insert the instrument (cannula) and start to remove the fat through suction.

You will work with the doctor during the procedure and he will ask you to stand up to assess the smoothness of your new contours (fat lies differently in different positions).

If the procedure is on the buttocks, legs or abdomen, we request that you have someone to drive you home and also recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours, but there is no need to stay completely sedentary. In fact, light activity will help to stimulate healing. Post-operative bruising and discomfort is usually minimal and may be treated with low grade pain-killers such as Tylenol.

A follow up visit two days later is scheduled. You should not expect to be fully able to assess the results for a few months, as the skin recontours to the reduced fat layer. In a month, more photographs will be taken to add to compare to the pre-operative photos.

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