Liposuction : Boston plastic surgeon, Dr. Del Vecchio

Liposuction-assisted lipectomy-also known as liposuction, fat suction, or suction lipectomy-is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body, including the chin, neck, and cheeks; the upper arms and above the breasts; the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs; and the knees, calves, and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localized fat that doesn't respond to dieting and exercise.

The best candidates for liposuction plastic surgery
The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in particular areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Most important, having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour. (Hanging skin won't reshape to your body's new contours, and may require an additional procedure to surgically remove the excess skin. This procedure will leave visible scars.)

Suction lipectomy is not recommended if you've had recent surgery on the spot to be sculpted, if you have poor blood circulation in that area, or if you have heart or lung disease. You should also understand that liposuction by itself will not improve the dimpled skin known as cellulite, though some plastic surgeons offer other techniques that may improve this condition.

Planning your liposuction surgery
In your initial consultation, Dr Del Vecchio will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie, and carefully assess your skin tone. Your doctor should explain any alternative body-contouring methods that may be appropriate-such as abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck-and discuss the options or the combination of procedures that would be best for you.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr Del Vecchio . He should be equally frank with you, describing the procedure in detail and explaining its risks and limitations. Dr Del Vecchio will also explain the anesthesia he or she will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Preparing for your liposuction surgery
You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your procedure will have to be postponed.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and, if needed, to help you out for a day or two.

Where your liposuction surgery will be performed
Suction-assisted lipectomy is performed in the safety of an outpatient surgery center, located in one of several hospitals - For the North Shore, surgery is performed at Union Hospital North Shore Medical Center. For the South Shore, surgery is done at Quincy Medical Center. For central Boston, surgery is done at Boston University Medical Center, and on the Cape at Cape Cod Hospital. Surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, for cost containment and convenience. Extensive procedures may require a hospital stay of two or three days.

The liposuction surgery
Suction-assisted lipectomy usually takes an hour or two, but the time required may vary considerably — from thirty minutes to several hours, depending on the area and amount being suctioned.

To begin the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision, just large enough to allow the insertion of a hollow tube called a cannula. The opposite end of the cannula is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum. The surgeon manipulates the cannula deep within the fat layers under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. Sometimes additional incisions are needed to remove all areas of fat.

After your liposuction surgery
After surgery, a snug elastic dressing, girdle must be worn over the treated area to control swelling and bleeding, and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour. You may need to wear this garment continuously for two to three weeks, then just in the daytime for a few weeks more, depending on your surgeon's instructions. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

It's not unusual to feel depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. Try to keep in mind that this is normal and will subside as you begin to look and feel better.

Getting back to normal after liposuction surgery
Healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible, but to avoid more strenuous activity for two to four weeks. Any stitches will be removed in five to ten days or dissolve, and you should be back at work in 2 - 3 days, or as much as two weeks after your surgery. When you resume activity depends on the extent of your procedure, how you feel and what your doctor recommends.

While most of the swelling and discoloration will be gone a month or two after surgery, some swelling can remain for six months. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and to see if any additional procedures are needed.

Your new look after liposuction surgery
Suction-assisted lipectomy is a highly effective technique for giving you a new body contour with very little scarring. The results can be permanent, providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly. If you do gain weight, you'll probably gain it more uniformly throughout your body, not just in the former "bulges."

Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction — they feel more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes, and more at ease with their bodies. As long as your expectations are realistic, you should be happy with your new shape.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Del Vecchio please click here or call (617) 830-1464.