Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific
areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.
During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy,"
has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including
ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are
helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker
recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction
can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
If you are considering liposuction, the following will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure; when it can help, how it is performed and how you might look and feel after surgery. It
will not answer all of your questions, since much depends on your individual circumstances.
Please ask Dr. Baroody if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR LIPOSUCTION
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the
procedure can do for you. It's important to understand that liposuction can enhance your
appearance and self confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal
or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully
about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Baroody.
The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have
pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable
and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients
may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient
with tighter skin.
Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant
heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the
area to be contoured.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your health, determine where your fat
deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Baroody will explain the body-contouring
methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction
in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" may more
effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and ultrasound
assisted lipoplasty (UAL) would be the best choice for you.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Baroody.
GETTING THE ANSWERS YOU NEED
Individuals considering liposuction often feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of options and
techniques being promoted today. However, Dr. Baroody can help. In deciding which is the right
treatment approach for you, Dr. Baroody will consider effectiveness, safety, cost, and
appropriateness for your needs.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Dr. Baroody 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.
Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after
the procedure and, if needed, to help you at home for a day or two.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Liposuction may be performed in Dr. Baroody's office-based facility, in an outpatient surgery
center, or in a hospital. Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis for
reasons of cost and convenience. However, if a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the
liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, a stay in a hospital or
overnight nursing facility may be required.
ANESTHESIA FOR LIPOSUCTION
Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures. Together, you and Dr.
Baroody will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of
comfort for your surgery.
If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction can be
performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas. However, if you prefer,
the local is usually used along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the
procedure. Regional anesthesia can be a good choice for more extensive procedures. One type
of regional anesthesia is the epidural block, the same type of anesthesia commonly used in
childbirth.
However, some patients prefer general anesthesia, particularly if a large volume of fat is being
removed. If this is the case, you are completely asleep during the procedure.
THE SURGERY
The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the
area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.
Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or
more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used
to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled
through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is
provided by a vacuum pump. Dr. Baroody uses the latest most advanced equipment namely the
power assisted liposuction (PAL) machine. If many sites are being treated, Dr. Baroody will then
move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it is crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to
prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous
fluids during and immediately after surgery.
TECHNIQUE VARIATIONS
The basic technique of liposuction, as described above, is used in all patients undergoing this
procedure. However, as the procedure has been developed and refined, several variations have
been introduced.
Fluid Injection is a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the
fat is removed. The solution is a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic)
and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels). Among other benefits, fluid injection help
to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.
Dr. Baroody impliments the super-wet technique which is similar to the tumescent technique,
except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the
amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia
and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL). This technique requires the use of a special cannula that
produces ultrasonic energy. As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy explodes the walls
of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction
technique.
UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the
body, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in
secondary procedures, when enhanced precision is needed. In general, UAL takes longer to
perform than traditional liposuction.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Liposuction is normally safe, as long as patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is
properly equipped and the physician is a board certified plastic surgeon.
However, it's important to keep in mind that even though Dr. Baroody is an exceptionally trained
surgeon which improves your chance of having a good result, there are no guarantees. Though
they are rare, complications can and do occur. Risks increase if a greater number of areas are
treated at the same time, or if the operative sites are larger in size. Removal of a large amount of
fat and fluid may require longer operating times than may be required for smaller operations.
The combination of these factors can create greater hazards for infection; delays in healing; the
formation of fat clots or blood clots, which may migrate to the lungs and cause death; excessive
fluid loss, which can lead to shock or fluid accumulation that must be drained; friction burns or
other damage to the skin or nerves or perforation injury to the vital organs; and unfavorable drug
reactions.
There are also points to consider with the newer techniques. For example, in UAL, the heat from
the ultrasound device used to liquefy the fat cells may cause injury to the skin or deeper tissues.
Also, you should be aware that even though UAL has been performed successfully on several
thousand people worldwide, the long-term effects of ultrasound energy on the body are not yet
known.
In the tumescent and super-wet techniques, the anesthetic fluid that is injected may cause
lidocaine toxicity (if the solution's lidocaine content is too high), or the collection of fluid in the
lungs (if too much fluid is administered).
The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. However,
imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after lipoplasty. The skin surface may
be irregular, asymmetric or even "baggy," especially in the older patient. Numbness and
pigmentation changes may occur. Sometimes, additional surgery may be recommended.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After surgery, you will experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and
to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear
over the treated area for a few weeks. Dr. Baroody may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent
infection.
Don't expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the 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 prescribed
medications, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However,
this feeling will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Healing is a gradual process. Start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to
help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week
or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are
removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days.
Activity that is more strenuous 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 may remain for six months or more.
Dr. Baroody 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 your doctor.
YOUR NEW LOOK
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However,
improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the
swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears
and the final contour will be visible.
If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very pleased with the results of your
surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at
ease with your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to
maintain your new shape.
areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.
During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy,"
has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including
ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are
helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker
recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction
can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
If you are considering liposuction, the following will give you a basic understanding of the
procedure; when it can help, how it is performed and how you might look and feel after surgery. It
will not answer all of your questions, since much depends on your individual circumstances.
Please ask Dr. Baroody if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand.
THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR LIPOSUCTION
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the
procedure can do for you. It's important to understand that liposuction can enhance your
appearance and self confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal
or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully
about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Baroody.
The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have
pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable
and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients
may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient
with tighter skin.
Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant
heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the
area to be contoured.
PLANNING YOUR SURGERY
In your initial consultation, Dr. Baroody will evaluate your health, determine where your fat
deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Baroody will explain the body-contouring
methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction
in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" may more
effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and ultrasound
assisted lipoplasty (UAL) would be the best choice for you.
Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Baroody.
GETTING THE ANSWERS YOU NEED
Individuals considering liposuction often feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of options and
techniques being promoted today. However, Dr. Baroody can help. In deciding which is the right
treatment approach for you, Dr. Baroody will consider effectiveness, safety, cost, and
appropriateness for your needs.
PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY
Dr. Baroody 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.
Also, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after
the procedure and, if needed, to help you at home for a day or two.
WHERE YOUR SURGERY WILL BE PERFORMED
Liposuction may be performed in Dr. Baroody's office-based facility, in an outpatient surgery
center, or in a hospital. Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis for
reasons of cost and convenience. However, if a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the
liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, a stay in a hospital or
overnight nursing facility may be required.
ANESTHESIA FOR LIPOSUCTION
Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures. Together, you and Dr.
Baroody will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of
comfort for your surgery.
If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction can be
performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas. However, if you prefer,
the local is usually used along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the
procedure. Regional anesthesia can be a good choice for more extensive procedures. One type
of regional anesthesia is the epidural block, the same type of anesthesia commonly used in
childbirth.
However, some patients prefer general anesthesia, particularly if a large volume of fat is being
removed. If this is the case, you are completely asleep during the procedure.
THE SURGERY
The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the
area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.
Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to recontour one or
more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used
to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled
through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is
provided by a vacuum pump. Dr. Baroody uses the latest most advanced equipment namely the
power assisted liposuction (PAL) machine. If many sites are being treated, Dr. Baroody will then
move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it is crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to
prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous
fluids during and immediately after surgery.
TECHNIQUE VARIATIONS
The basic technique of liposuction, as described above, is used in all patients undergoing this
procedure. However, as the procedure has been developed and refined, several variations have
been introduced.
Fluid Injection is a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the
fat is removed. The solution is a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic)
and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels). Among other benefits, fluid injection help
to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.
Dr. Baroody impliments the super-wet technique which is similar to the tumescent technique,
except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the
amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia
and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL). This technique requires the use of a special cannula that
produces ultrasonic energy. As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy explodes the walls
of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction
technique.
UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the
body, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in
secondary procedures, when enhanced precision is needed. In general, UAL takes longer to
perform than traditional liposuction.
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
Liposuction is normally safe, as long as patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is
properly equipped and the physician is a board certified plastic surgeon.
However, it's important to keep in mind that even though Dr. Baroody is an exceptionally trained
surgeon which improves your chance of having a good result, there are no guarantees. Though
they are rare, complications can and do occur. Risks increase if a greater number of areas are
treated at the same time, or if the operative sites are larger in size. Removal of a large amount of
fat and fluid may require longer operating times than may be required for smaller operations.
The combination of these factors can create greater hazards for infection; delays in healing; the
formation of fat clots or blood clots, which may migrate to the lungs and cause death; excessive
fluid loss, which can lead to shock or fluid accumulation that must be drained; friction burns or
other damage to the skin or nerves or perforation injury to the vital organs; and unfavorable drug
reactions.
There are also points to consider with the newer techniques. For example, in UAL, the heat from
the ultrasound device used to liquefy the fat cells may cause injury to the skin or deeper tissues.
Also, you should be aware that even though UAL has been performed successfully on several
thousand people worldwide, the long-term effects of ultrasound energy on the body are not yet
known.
In the tumescent and super-wet techniques, the anesthetic fluid that is injected may cause
lidocaine toxicity (if the solution's lidocaine content is too high), or the collection of fluid in the
lungs (if too much fluid is administered).
The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. However,
imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after lipoplasty. The skin surface may
be irregular, asymmetric or even "baggy," especially in the older patient. Numbness and
pigmentation changes may occur. Sometimes, additional surgery may be recommended.
AFTER YOUR SURGERY
After surgery, you will experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and
to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear
over the treated area for a few weeks. Dr. Baroody may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent
infection.
Don't expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the 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 prescribed
medications, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However,
this feeling will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
Healing is a gradual process. Start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to
help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after about a week
or two and you should be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are
removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days.
Activity that is more strenuous 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 may remain for six months or more.
Dr. Baroody 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 your doctor.
YOUR NEW LOOK
You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However,
improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the
swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears
and the final contour will be visible.
If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very pleased with the results of your
surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at
ease with your body. And, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to
maintain your new shape.
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| LIPOSUCTION CONSENT, INSTRUCTIONS |
| DOWNLOADS |
| 10 South Street . Suite 204 . Ridgefield, CT 46 Federal Road . Danbury, CT 203.790.5700 |
| Plastic surgeon Michael Baroody, MD offers a variety of plastic surgery procedures. Dr. Baroody's practice is located in Danbury, and Ridgfefield, CT and serves both Fairfield and Litchfield Counties. The doctor specializes in forehead lift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift, neck liposculpture, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and others as well as a variety of reconstructive procedures. Examine the website and learn more about Dr. Baroody and the various services provided. Financing options available. 10 South Street . #204 . Ridgefield, CT 06877 46 Federal Road . Danbury, CT 06810 . Phone: (203) 790-5700 |
