Liposuction

In your initial consultation, Dr. Lesavoy will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Lesavoy will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you.

You may believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, and Dr. Lesavoy may consult you that an abdominoplasty or that a combination of traditional liposuction and UAL may be the best choice for you.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Lesavoy. He will be equally frank with you, describing the procedure in detail and explaining its risks and limitations.

Dr. Lesavoy will give you 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 surgery may have to be postponed.

Though it is rarely necessary, Dr. Lesavoy may recommend that you have blood drawn ahead of time in case it is needed during surgery.

In addition, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, to help you at home for a day or two afterwards if needed.

Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures. Together, you and Dr. Lesavoy will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of comfort for your surgery.

Liposuction can usually be performed under local anesthesia if only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved. Local anesthesia will numb only the affected areas. The local anesthesia, if you prefer, is usually used along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the procedure.

For more extensive procedures, regional anesthesia can be a good choice. The epidural block is a type of regional anesthesia, which is the same type of anesthesia commonly used in childbirth.

Some patients prefer general anesthesia, especially if a large volume of fat is being removed. A nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will be called in if this is the case to make sure you are completely asleep during the procedure.

You will more than likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions after surgery. A small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for few days to prevent fluid build-up. You may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks to control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours.

Dr. Lesavoy may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Do not expect to look or feel great immediately after surgery. Although newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Lesavoy, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.

It is also normal to feel anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling should subside as you begin to look and feel better.

Healing is a gradual process. Dr. Lesavoy will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You should begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should even be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or will dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days.

Strenuous actvity should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling could remain for six months or more.

Dr. Lesavoy will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and to see if any additional procedures are needed.

If you have any unusual symptoms between visits – for example, heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in pain – or any questions about what you can and can’t do, call Dr. Lesavoy.

You’ll see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body soon after surgery. Improvement should become even more apparent after about four to six weeks however, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling will usually disappear and the final contour will be visible.

If you have realistic expectations, you should be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in clothes and more at ease in your own skin. You can help to maintain your new shape by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, as well.

A more proportional look will emerge as healing progresses. A slimmer body contour can help you feel more confident and comfortable.

Abdominoplasties are performed by the thousands successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon trained in body contouring, results are generally positive. But as with any surgery, there are always risks associated and specific complications associated with tummy tuck surgery.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong hospital stays. Risks of blood clots can be minimized by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Poor healing will result in conspicuous scars and may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop smoking, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Lesavoy’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.