Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is a surgical procedure used to remove fat deposits from specific areas of the body, including the cheeks and neck, arms and breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, and knees and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, but a method for removing localized accumulations of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. If you are considering undergoing liposuction, you get basic information about the surgery, when indicated, how it's performed, and what results can be expected.

The ideal candidates to undergo liposuction are those who have a relatively normal weight but have fat deposits in localized areas. If you have a general state of good health, are psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you will be a good candidate. Liposuction is not recommended if you have had recent surgery in the treatment area, if you have poor circulation in that area or heart or breathing problems.

It is also important to know that liposuction does not improve cellulite. Liposuction improves your appearance and self-confidence. Before deciding whether to perform liposuction think about what you want to achieve and discuss with your plastic surgeon.

If you undergo extensive liposuction you will be instructed on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on food and fluid intake, or taking snuff or suppressing medications, vitamins and iron supplements. If you have a cold or infection of any kind, especially if skin, surgery can be postponed. Make sure also that a family member or companion can get you home when you are discharged and, if necessary, can help a couple of days.

Liposuction is performed in the operating room, within a clinic or hospital.

If the procedure is not going to be very extensive, ie, if the amount of fat to be removed does not exceed the amount your plastic surgeon consider depending on your health, body size and surgery, you may be under local anesthesia and sedation. In some cases epidural anesthesia may be used, the same as used for certain deliveries. If your plastic surgeon intends to do liposuction of large areas or treat several different areas, it is preferred to use general anesthesia.

A liposuction usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours, but time is variable (from 30 minutes to several hours) depending on the area and amount. Initially, a small incision, enough to introduce a hollow tube called a cannula liposuction is performed. The other end of this cannula is attached to a machine that produces a special syringe or vacuum. The surgeon moves the cannula from fatty deposits located under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning.

Sometimes you need to make additional incisions to remove all fat depots. If the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, you may feel some vibration and friction. During liposuction, with the liquid fat is lost, being crucial to avoid replenish produce a "shock." You will be given intravenous fluids and even, if necessary, a blood transfusion (usually autotransfusion).

After surgery tubes can be placed under the skin drainage for 2 to 3 days to reduce the possibility of fluids from accumulating. A girdle, stockings or elastic bandage over the treated area will be placed to control the swelling and bleeding and help the skin to adapt to the new contour. It is often necessary to take it for 2 or 3 weeks, and then only during the day for a few more weeks, depending on the instructions of your plastic surgeon. Antibiotics may also be administered to prevent infection. Do not wait to have the best appearance right after surgery; It also will be heavier due to excess fluids are administered. The liposuctioned areas will be swollen and bruised and you can have a burning sensation. The pain can be relieved with medication prescribed by your plastic surgeon.

You may lose sensation in the treated area; do not worry. It is not uncommon to feel somewhat depressed in the first days or weeks after surgery; know that this is normal and as you yield to seeing healing is a gradual process. Your plastic surgeon will instruct you to start walking as soon as possible (to prevent venous thrombus formation in the legs), but do not do vigorous activities for 2-4 weeks. The stitches will be removed between 5 and 10 days and may return to work in 2 to 3 days, or at most, after 2 weeks of intervention, depending on the extent of liposuction and your surgeon's recommendations. The swelling and bruising will disappear in the first or second month following the liposuction; however, minimal inflammation can be maintained for 6 months or more.

Liposuction is a safe, as long as you select the patient, the operating room is well equipped and is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, in some cases complications may occur, especially when high amounts of fat are removed at once. Another, though possible, infrequent complication is the accumulation of fluid (which must be drained) and skin lesion. Although serious complications are rare, infection and excessive fluid loss can cause a serious situation. You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon that performed this technique in a licensed clinic and carefully following his instructions.

The scars from liposuction are minimal and strategically placed so they are hidden, even when we bikini. However, there may be some cosmetic problems, regardless of the plastic surgeon's experience, such as ripples on the treated skin, pigmentation changes may be permanent if exposed to the sun. In some cases asymmetries requiring a second operation may occur.


Las cicatrices de la liposucción son mínimas y situadas estratégicamente para que queden escondidas, incluso cuando llevamos bikini. Sin embargo, pueden presentarse algunos problemas estéticos, independientemente de la experiencia del cirujano plástico, como pueden ser las ondulaciones sobre la piel tratada, cambios de pigmentación que pueden ser permanentes si nos exponemos al sol. En algunos casos pueden producirse asimetrías que exijan una segunda intervención.

Liposuction is a very effective technique to provide a new body contour with minimal scarring. The results can be permanent, as long as you maintain a proper diet and exercise regularly practice. If you gain weight it will more evenly and not just localized deposits of fat. Most patients are very satisfied with the results of liposuction; They can use more varied clothing and are more satisfied with their body.

The information contained on this website in no case, nor intended, to replace the information provided individually by your plastic surgeon. If in doubt, your plastic surgeon will provide appropriate clarifications.