What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive body contouring and sculpting procedure that permanently removes 40%-60% localized fat cells from the body to slim and smooth stubborn areas that have been unresponsive to traditional weight loss techniques such as diet and exercise. This procedure has successfully helped patients achieve a desired appearance for several decades.
Will I be awake or asleep for the procedure?
Dr Misbah Khan performs all body contouring and sculpting procedures under local tumescent anesthesia. The patients will be fully awake through out the procedure. Dr Khan utilizes latest technology and advanced surgical techniques that significantly improve the accuracy precision of the procedure and reduce the pain and recovery time associated with this procedure. Tumescent liposuction is one of the safest cosmetic procedures these days when performed by an experienced and well-trained cosmetic surgeon.
Who is a candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for patients who are in good overall health and maintain a healthy life-style, but have one or more problem areas with unresponsive fat deposits. It is important to realize that liposuction is not a means for major weight loss, but instead removes localized areas of stubborn fat after the patient has attempted other natural weight loss methods.
What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be used to remove unwanted areas of localized fat from nearly any area of the body, and is most commonly used on the:
Stomach
Arms
Back
Hips
Knees
Love handles
Saddlebags
Neck
Chin
Face
Thighs
In many cases, more than one area can be treated during the same procedure in order to reduce operating costs and recovery times. Your doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan for you during your initial consultation.
What happens during the liposuction procedure?
Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. In most cases, a tumescent technique is used to help patients achieve their desired results through a much less invasive procedure.
During the procedure, several tiny incisions will be made while saline and a local anesthetic are injected into the area to expand and liquefy the fat, making it easier to remove. A small, thin tube called a cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat.
No stitches are needed after liposuction since the incisions are small enough to heal on their own. The entire procedure usually lasts from one to several hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed.
How long does recovery take?
After the liposuction procedure, patients will be able to return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after 2-3 days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be resumed as soon as possible. It is not uncommon to experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area, which can be reduced through pain medication and the use of compression garments within one week to ten days.
When will results be visible?
Based on Dr Misbah Khan’s technique, the results from the liposuction procedure are visible right away at the time of completion and patients can see themselves in the mirror and be satisfied before they leave the office that day. These results continue to improve as swelling and bruising subside. Results will be fully apparent over a period of next 6-8 weeks. Scars usually heal well and will fade with time to become less and less noticeable.
The results of liposuction can be permanent as long as patients maintains a healthy and active life-style. If substantial weight (> 60%) is gained after this procedure, results may be altered.
Are there any risks or complications associated with liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the safest procedures with only minimal downtime and a low occurrence of mild side effects. However, as with any kind of surgery, there is a risk of complications such as infection, scarring, allergic reactions, hematoma or unsatisfactory results.
All possible risks, benefits and alternatives to the procedure will be explained to the patient at great length at the time of consultation with Dr Misbah Khan in her office. A sheet with all written instructions will be provided to the patient as well. It is highly recommended to follow all instructions in order to achieve the best possible results.
