Liposuction FAQ’s

‘Laser lipo’ and SmartLipo™, like all thermal liposuction methods, use tremendous heat to burn the fat before removal. SmartLipo™ generates this heat by using laser energy. VASER liposuction is different from Smartlipo, because it works by ultrasound, and does not damage the tissue as SmartLipo™ does. The unfortunate by-product of all of this heat from laser is burning and coagulation of the blood vessels and supporting tissues that keep the skin and remaining fat healthy and supple. An inflammatory process follows the death of these fat cells, which leads to dermal adhesion and scarring. In rare cases, these burns can be so severe, as to actually burn through the outer skin leaving horrific scars. Ultimately, this heat-induced trauma can result in the contour irregularities, often associated with a “bad” liposuction outcome, with wavy, uneven skin that appears damaged and unnatural.  Fat from VASER Liposuction is not burned and makes an ideal graft for fat grafting when needed.

The latest technological advancements inspired Dr. Reid and Dr. Gordon to look at body contouring in an entirely new light. For decades, traditional liposuction, although considered the gold standard, was plagued with complications, such as contour irregularities, excessive blood loss, excessive pain and bruising, skin burns, and loose skin, just to name a few. Surgeons were frustrated with the limited technology available, but in 2007, everything changed, and there was an influx of new liposuction devices, like SmartLipo™, Cool Lipo, and Body-Jet. It was a promising time, but it was short lived. Unfortunately, these technologies delivered more complications than solutions, and the complications were much harder to treat than in the past, primarily because of tissue damage from heat generated by these “fat-melting devices”. The multi million-dollar companies behind these devices invested in slick direct to consumer marketing instead of scientific research. To make matters worse, they sold the majority of devices to non-plastic surgeons whose only training was a weekend course. Liposuction was being offered in family practice, gynecology and dermatology offices across the country. Body contouring centers were set up and staffed by emergency room physicians. Although the providers were doctors, many weren’t surgeons, much less board-certified plastic surgeons. Complications skyrocketed and plastic surgeons saw an influx in revisionary liposuction cases.

We want to know what’s motivating you to consider Liposuction, so we can help you best achieve your aesthetic goals. Liposuction is not a weight loss alternative.

You are an ideal candidate if you are:

• Your BMI is <30% of your ideal body weight for height and frame.
• Generally healthy and physically active.
• Have good skin quality. This is the key to great results because after Liposuction your skin must mold itself to your new contours.
• You are internally motivated and are doing this for yourself and not from pressure by your spouse or partner.
• You have realistic expectations and understand that what nature has given you (body type, skin quality) may limit the outcome. This will be discussed in detail during your consultation.

Lab work will be performed prior to surgery to ensure that you are not anemic, do not have an infection, and are not pregnant. Based on your medical history, you may be asked to have additional laboratory studies or other diagnostic tests to ensure your overall health and breast health.

You should stop smoking for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking decreases blood flow to your tissues and can lead to delayed wound healing, infection and nipple loss.

You will be advised to stop taking certain medications and vitamins or herbal supplements that can contribute to excess bleeding 2 weeks prior to surgery. You will be given a full list of medications to discontinue, but the most common ones are Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E and Aspirin. Please be sure to include all vitamins and supplements you are taking on your health history form.

The duration of your particular procedure will vary according to the areas treated, the presence of scar tissue and many other factors. In general, Liposuction is applied comprehensively to body areas, usually treating circumferentially, as opposed to “spot” treatments commonly seen with other methods. Liposuction is also frequently utilized in combination with other cosmetic procedures, such as abdominoplasty, breast surgery, and chest surgery. Surgeries can range from one hour to many hours, depending on their extent and complexity.

Your Liposuction will be performed under general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist from Capitol Anesthesiology Association, who will monitor you during the entire procedure, ensuring your safety and comfort, and will remain with you until you are fully awake. Drs. Reid and Gordon prefer general anesthesia, so that you are asleep, your muscles are completely relaxed, your airway is protected, and you are completely comfortable. Safety, comfort and a fast recovery are paramount to Drs. Reid and Gordon.

Your Liposuction will be performed at INSPIRE Surgery Centre. (Obviously a link to the ISC page)  INSPIRE is our state-of-the-art surgical facility that is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAASF), which ensures the highest standard of surgical care. INSPIRE is conveniently located in the suite adjacent to Restora Austin and is staffed by a team of board-certified anesthesiologists and very experienced nurses and surgical techs, all of whom were hand-picked by Dr. Gordon and Dr. Reid. The facility is equipped with highly advanced monitors and the finest surgical equipment, and is fully equipped to handle an emergency situation if one should occur.

Within 4-6 weeks, you will be fully recovered, but your new contours will continue to refine over the next several months. It can take up to weeks for the swelling to completely subside and then your skin contraction will occur. Normal sensation can take 6-12 months to return.

You should refrain from any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 3 weeks following surgery. You may return to light exercise around 3 weeks after surgery depending on your progress. You should avoid any twisting, weight lifting or high impact exercises for at least 3 weeks.

Do not submerge your incisions in water for 3 weeks after surgery.

You will be able to remove your garment and dressings and shower 48 hours after surgery. Steristrips directly on your skin incisions will remain in place until your first post-operative appointment.

Some pain medication can cause constipation, so we recommend that you start Colace, an over the counter stool softener, when you start taking the pain medication. During your pre-op appointment, we will tell you what medications to avoid before surgery and you will want to avoid them for 2 weeks after surgery. We will recommend vitamins and supplements, which will help to minimize bruising and swelling.

We use a rapid recovery method to limit the need for narcotic pain medication after surgery.  You will be given several prescriptions at your pre-operative appointment depending or your unique situation and needs.  These will include an antibiotic that you are required to take to prevent infection, an anti-nausea medicine if needed, a narcotic medication for pain if needed, a muscle relaxer and Celebrex, a strong anti-inflammatory or NSAID medication. Celebrex is the only NSAID that can be used after surgery because it is the only one in its class that does not interfere with platelet function or increase your risk of bleeding. For women, if you are prone to vaginal yeast infections while on antibiotics, please let us know so that we may prescribe oral Diflucan to prevent this. Also, please remember that some of these medications may interfere with the efficacy of oral contraceptive pills, so you must use another method of birth control during this time.

Most patients use the narcotic pain medication for the first few days after surgery. The soreness may last for several weeks.

Risks and uncertainties are inherent with any surgery. This is why it is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon that has knowledge and experience in managing any complication with the highest level of care. Liposuction is a very safe operation, and complications occur infrequently. Infection, loss of sensation, scarring, prolonged swelling, hematoma or accumulation of blood, seroma, contour irregularities, asymmetry, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) or dissatisfaction with your results. The most common reason for revisionary surgery after liposuction is contour irregularities. The techniques used in Liposuction greatly reduce the incidence of contour irregularities. It is important that you give us a complete medical history during your initial consultation and follow all post-op instructions. This will minimize your chances of experiencing a complication. Infection is prevented through the use of antibiotics during and after surgery. DVTs are prevented by early and frequent walking and movement. Hematomas are avoided by discontinuing the use of any medications that can affect bleeding like Aspirin, Advil or Ibuprofen for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery and by having you limit vigorous physical activity after surgery.

Liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It is a means to contour disproportionate areas that are resistant to diet and exercise

• Only clean eating, crunches and lot of core work will give you a six-pack.
• A six-pack is your muscles under the skin and fat, so those rectus muscle needs working out.

• Cellulite isn’t fat, but rather a web of connective tissue bands that connect your skin to your underlying muscle.
• Liposuction does not make cellulite better and can sometimes make it worse.

• Not all fat cells are removed in the treated areas
• Significant weight gain = return of your bulges(s)

Doctor + Operating Room + Anesthesia = Surgery. Enough said. Don’t be fooled by marketing gimmicks.

Obviously, genetics and lifestyle play a major role in our body composition, but your results can last for decades, as long as your weight remains stable and you take care of your skin.

Maintain a sensible diet and exercise routine. Liposuction doesn’t remove every fat cell in the treated area, so if you gain weight, it’s still possible to see changes in the treated areas. If you gain a significant amount of weight, other areas will begin to bulge.