Liposuction
The modern era of liposuction plastic surgery
started in 1980 when Swiss and French physicians first presented
their techniques of "lipolysis." Viewed from the
current perspective, the description of their procedures were
revolutionary, but primitive by today's standards.
The newer techniques of liposuction, ultrasonic or ultrasound
liposuction (UAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL) are
safe and consistently produce results that were not obtainable
in the past. All aspects of the newer techniques have been
analyzed to maximize the patient's safety during the liposuction
surgery: the metabolism of fat, the anesthesia, and the reproduction
of standard techniques that afford the patient good results
and maximize the patient's safety and comfort.
It should be noted that there is no ideal method
for liposuction. Each liposuction method has its advocates,
and may produce good results. It is the experience of the
surgeon, and the surgeon's ability to produce consistently
good results with minimal complications that are important.
However, newer innovations have made the results more predictable
and consistent.
Operation: Liposuction plastic
surgery is individualized according to the needs of the patient.
It may be performed in our fully accredited operating room
facility or in the hospital. If a hospital facility is desired,
Dr. Sherman performs liposuction and ultrasound liposuction
at The New York Hospital Cornell University Medical Center,
or at Lenox Hill Hospital. The operation usually takes one
and a half to two and one half hours, depending on the amount
to be suctioned, and the number of sites. The patient then
is monitored in our recovery room, and leaves our facility
approximately 1-2 hours after surgery. If there is a large
amount of fat removed during the procedure, it is advisable
to stay in New York City for one night. Our office will help
you make arrangements at one of our local hotels or at the
Helmsley Towers of The New York Presbyterian Hospital.
In women the most frequent areas of liposuction
are the thighs (outer, inner and circumferential) hips, buttocks,
arms knees and abdomen. Other areas include the area beneath
the chin and the rolls of the back. In men, typically the "love handles" at the waist are treated, as well as the breasts and chest area to treat gynecomastia. Read more about male liposuction.
The amount of fat that may be removed varies
from patient to patient. This is based on the health of each
patient and safety. Massive amounts of fat should not be removed
at one time; the "insult" to the patient is too much. The
patient should be comfortable at all times, and the convalescence
should be manageable and comfortable. Routine amounts of fat
that are removed during liposuction range from 2.5 liters
through 6 liters.
This is a volume and contour procedure, not
the surgical answer to diet management. It is often necessary
to seek dietary counseling support to ensure that the procedure's
results are not short-lived.
Anesthesia: Most of our patients
have their surgery performed under intravenous sedation anesthesia,
a type of "twilight" sleep. The patient is breathing
without the assistance of the anesthesiologist, but is totally
unaware of the procedure that is being performed. On larger
liposuctions, you may have a general anesthesia.
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