Liposuction Tummy Tuck Surgery Tucson Arizona (AZ)

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Office Location:
1102 N El Dorado Place,
Tucson, AZ 85715

Call: 520-881-4525

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Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures. Because fatty, bulgy areas often remain despite good weight control, liposuction is an ideal method to remove local excesses of subcutaneous fat. Women most often complain of fat bulges in the abdomen, hip, lateral thigh (saddlebags), inner thigh, and knees; while men most often dislike excessive fat in the abdomen and hips (lovehandles). Although not a weight loss procedure, the modern technique of liposuction often permits removal of large amounts of fat.

SURGERY

Usually suction lipectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia depending on patient desire and the amount of fat that needs removal. Tumescent fluid (a salt solution containing local anesthesia) is first injected in to the subcutaneous fat and then a hollow cannula with suction is passed through 4-5 mm incisions to remove fat. Liposuction is associated with little bleeding and only moderate postoperative discomfort. Most patients can return to work in 2 to 4 days, depending on the amount of liposuction performed. Swelling does occur and takes approximately 7-10 days to subside initially. Most patients see an improvement and can be confident with their progress within 1 to 2 weeks after liposuction. However, it takes up to 2 months before 80 percent of the improvement is seen and it can take up to six months before the final result is apparent. Patients can return to normal activities within a few days but should avoid heavy exertion and exercise for 2 to 3 weeks.

Liposuction removes only subcutaneous fat and does not tighten the skin or abdominal muscles, or improve stretch marks or cellulite. If these problems exist, they will not be corrected and the results of liposuction will be limited.

All operations have risks and so does liposuction. Complications include bleeding, infection and scarring (although each scar is only a few mm in size). Of course, the goal is to remove exactly the right amount, neither too much nor too little, but either can occur. Visible or palpable irregularities can also follow liposuction. Occasionally a revision or redo can provide further improvement.

Liposuction does not cause fat to move from one area of your body to another area. It is important, however, to control your weight. Obviously, if you gain weight you will look and, in fact, be heavier and thus have a poorer cosmetic appearance. Occasionally revision is performed four to six months later to remove more fat or to smooth out area.

The patient normally arrives at the hospital 1 to 1-1/2 hours before surgery. They will leave the hospital a few hours later after recovery from IV sedation or general anesthesia. They should rest at home with a friend or family member who are available to transport from the hospital and to stay with them and provide any help they require the night of surgery. It is important to wear a compressive garment (girdle) which covers the areas treated. This should be worn for 24 hours a day for 1 to 2 weeks and then, if possible, for 12 hours a day (either night or day) for another month. The patient is provided information where to buy a garment, or we will help you obtain sucha a garment. The compression garment is placed on at the end of surgery. It may be removed at any time for short periods of time, and you may shower daily. Significant oozing from the cannula incision sites is normal for a few days.

Surgical bandages or a simple clean washcloth can be placed within the girdle for the first day until oozing stops. The areas of liposuction are swollen and may even appear larger than they did before liposuction for the first few days because of swelling. The swelling decreases significantly over 7-10 days and then more slowly for a number of months. Normally we ask the patient to return to the office about 1 week after liposuction, and then again at 6 weeks and 4 to 6 months.

Abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

Frederick J. Menick, M.D. Specializing in Nasal Reconstruction and Rhinoplasty Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery

“The finest nose maker in the history of medicine” - Dr. Burt Brent, World Renowned Ear Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

"You are a true artist and a Godsend to these patients!!!” - Edward H. Yob, MD Past President, The American Society of Moh's Surgery"

Visiting Professor for the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgery

Past President of The Rhinoplasty Society

Information for Traveling Patients

Body Procedures

Liposuction Surgery

SURGERY

Abdominoplasty