Liposuction procedure can be performed by a cosmetic surgeon using a variety of techniques, such as tumescent liposuction, laser liposuction, or ultrasound liposuction. The procedure can also be significantly customized according to the unique needs of patient. However, the steps involved in the procedure will mostly remain unchanged in each case.
Dr. Paul McCluskey is a committed and sagacious plastic surgeon providing liposuction and various other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. At the time of pre-op consultation, Dr. McCluskey will educate the patient about various aspects of liposuction surgery and discuss the steps involved in it.
His first goal will be to help the patient make an informed choice about liposuction. Patients in Atlanta, GA and other cities around this massive southern city have an opportunity to receive liposuction surgery from Dr. McCluskey.
Anesthesia
The most commonly used technique to perform liposuction is the tumescent technique. In this technique, the surgeon can perform the procedure without involving general anesthesia, and will only use the local anesthetic lidocaine. Mild sedation may be used additionally in some cases. General anesthesia may only be recommended if the liposuction surgery involves larger fat reduction from multiple areas.
Incision Placement
The surgeon will start the liposuction procedure by making small incisions in pre-determined locations. The incision size can be from a quarter to a third of an inch. Incisions will be placed in discreet locations to minimize the subsequent scarring. Experienced plastic surgeon Dr. McCluskey provides liposuction to patients in Atlanta, GA and nearby areas.
Removal of Fat Tissue
The surgeon will introduce a slim cannula vacuum tube through the incisions into the deeper fat tissue layers. The cannula will be used to gently manipulate the fat tissue by moving it back and forth in order to disintegrate the targeted fat cells. As the fat cells are dislodged, they will be suctioned out with a syringe or pump attached to the outer end of the cannula.
Heat-Based Techniques
To make the fat removal easier, the surgeon may sometimes apply an advanced heat-based technique using laser, ultrasound or RF energy. This will liquefy the unwanted fat cells without involving aggressive physical manipulation, and make their removal possible in a less invasive way. During and after the surgery, the patient will be given IV fluids to compensate for the loss of blood and bodily fluids.
Wound Closure
Once the fat removal is completed, the surgeon will carefully close the incisions with sutures. Removable or absorbable sutures may be used as appropriate. The surgeon may place drain tubes for a few days under the incision areas to collect excess fluid. In about a week to 10 days after the surgery, the patient will have the sutures and drains removed. If very tiny incisions are involved, the surgeon may choose to keep them open to minimize bruising and expedite the recovery.
Combining with Other Procedures
In a few cases, liposuction may be combined with other surgical or non-surgical procedures to create more comprehensive results. In such a case, the overall procedure steps may slightly vary according to the custom surgical plan.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: