Dr. Jeremy White who practices in Miami, is now providing his patients with a modernized and improved procedure, which gives the ability to use harvested fat to supplement other areas of the body which may be lacking in definition, such as the face or buttocks. Liposuction is not the safest or healthiest way to lose weight but stubborn pockets of fat sometimes cling to people in certain areas, which can be improved by surgery.
With liposuction, fluid is injected into the surgical areas which helps break the fat cells free of their surrounding structures. After that, the surgeon inserts a small, hollow tube, or “cannula,” into the body, which is used to suction the fat out. However, some modern improvements have been made in recent years—for instance, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is a method where a cannula that emits ultrasound vibrations is used, which liquefies the fat as the cannula suctions it. This typically produces less bleeding and speeds recovery. There is also laser-assisted liposuction, which also reduces bleeding, bruising, or pockets of fluid, and mildly cauterizes.
Typical recovery time for liposuction is anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Initially, some patients experience some bruising, swelling, and sometimes nausea/fatigue, but typically can resume normal functioning in a few days. Side effects are rare but do include scars, temporary pain (which can be managed through medication), numbness, swelling, and bruising. Patients typically have to wear a compression garment for a short time afterwards as well.
