Out-Patient Liposuction
When liposuction is performed as an out-patient procedure, it is done under local, as opposed to general anesthetic, and may be performed in a doctor's or plastic surgeon's office, or in an out-patient surgery facility. Barring any complications, patients are usually allowed to go home on the same day. When general anesthetic is used, the procedure must be carried out in a hospital and the patient is required to stay overnight. Given that liposuction involves sucking fat out of the body using a hollow tube called a cannula and a suction device called an aspirator, you might wonder why anyone would want to be awake during the procedure. Rest assured that the local anesthetic does eliminate all pain and it is, depending on the scale of the procedure and the health of the patient, even safer than using general anesthetic, which always brings with it a certain set of risks.
Who Qualifies For Out-Patient Lipo?
Basically, the same criteria apply to people wishing to undergo out-patient or in-patient liposuction. You must be over 18 years of age, in good health generally, and you must have already made a genuine and dedicated attempt to loose weight through sensible diet and exercise. If you want to know more about the procedure, you should talk to a licensed plastic surgeon (and make sure you check his credentials!) who will evaluate your overall suitableness for the procedure and take your complete medical history. Your plastic surgeon will consider the size of area of your body you wish to have suctioned, and the amount of fat you want to have removed, when deciding whether to perform the liposuction on an in-patient or out-patient basis. Bear in mind that medical experts recommend that no more than approximately 10 kilograms of fat are removed during any one liposuction session. If your plastic surgeon appears happy to take more than this, it might be worth getting a second opinion. Although it may be tempting to get rid of a lot of fat all at once, remember that this is an invasive procedure with serious consequences (some good and some potentially not good) for your body.
Before The Procedure
Liposuction patients will ideally not have smoked for several months before the procedure is carried out. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid certain medications, alcohol and caffeine in the days before the procedure. You may also be told to fast on the day before the procedure itself. Of course, as an out-patient, you will need to arrange for safe transport home. You might be going home the same day but you won't be able to drive yourself! Public transport is also not recommended.
After The Procedure
When you arrive home after the procedure you must follow your doctor's instructions to the letter and don't hesitate to call him if you have any worries. It is also essential that you go to all your follow-up appointments. You may be told to take antibiotics to prevent infection and painkillers to reduce pain and swelling. You'll probably be called back into your doctor's office or out-patient department within five to 10 days to have your stitches removed. You may also be advised to wear pressure bandages or a medical corset to reduce swelling. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities around 24 hours after the procedure. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
Signs of infection
Feeling faint
Shortness of breath
Severe pain
Extreme bleeding
The Benefits
Although liposuction may appear quite a daunting procedure, it does have real benefits for medically suitable patients. Liposuction can help greatly improve physical appearance, which in turn may increase self-esteem and improve health. The health benefits of liposuction are most clearly felt when a patient maintains their new physical shape through good diet and exercise. Remember, liposuction can take the fat out of your body, but if you don't take the fat out of your refrigerator, it may just find its way back to your stomach or hips!
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