Following its introduction and general acceptance in the 1980’s, liposuction rapidly became, and has remained among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. In the U.S., in 2008 it ranked #3 overall.  Liposuction is best suited for individuals who, despite having a reasonable level of weight control and fitness, have persistent excess fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates for liposuction are adults of any age, in good health, with firm and elastic skin and within 30% of their ideal weight. In such patients, liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by surgically removing localized or regional excess fat deposits, thereby improving the body’s contours and proportion, and enhancing self-image. Common areas treated with liposuction include the chin and neck, chest, abdomen, flanks or “love handles”, lateral thighs, medial thighs, knees, ankles, back, buttocks, arms and breasts.  For patients who are not ideal candidates, good to excellent results can still be obtained through the use of state-of-the-art techniques.

Modern advances in liposuction beyond the standard or traditional technique include the tumescent or super-wet technique, and liposculpture. These advances have allowed liposuction to be more dramatically effective, while remaining equally or more safe, and resulting in less post-op discomfort. The tumescent technique involves infusion into the treatment areas of saline solution with adrenaline and local anesthetic, prior to removal of excess fat.  Liposculpture describes performing liposuction with both refined artistic and surgical skill, and usually involves the use of technologically advanced equipment including ultrasound (LySonix UAL®, VASER®) or laser (SmartLipo®, CoolLipo®) energy-generating devices for the application of heat energy to fat at the treatment areas, prior to suction aspiration. This results in melting or liquefaction of fat prior to mechanical extraction, and enhanced stimulation of subsequent skin contraction. The combination of these two factors can allow more effective and precise sculpting of fat and better skin conformity, for a more improved overall body contour.

Dr. Polo routinely utilizes these latest medical techniques, including Ultrasound Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) with his liposuction procedures, allowing him to take body sculpting to its aesthetic limits.  Liposculpture is usually performed in our accredited office-based surgical center in Miami, on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia with sedation, or with general anesthesia for larger cases involving treatment of multiple areas. The procedure is usually performed with a LySonix® system, which improves the effectiveness of liposuction, particularly in fibrous areas of the body.  This method uses the high-frequency vibrations delivered through a specialized instrument or cannula to liquefy the fat, whereas traditional liposuction requires a manual effort to create the desired effect, resulting in more trauma and bruising to adjacent tissue.  With the ultrasonic waves, fat tissues can be specifically targeted, causing them to ultimately liquefy for suction removal.  Other tissues and structures such as blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves are preserved due to the fact that fat cells alone are targeted. This results in less blood loss during the procedure and diminished post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. Ultrasonic techniques also promote skin retraction and contraction and may improve cellulite.  All of these benefits should lead to a more rapid recovery, a greater improvement in body contour, and a superior overall experience, compared with traditional techniques.

The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal. Our surgeons discuss with each patient, whether the surgery is an appropriate one in light of the patient’s particular circumstances, as well as the specific risks involved with the surgery. Each patient must then decide if the benefits will achieve their goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. 

How to Prepare for the Surgery: It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with appropriate diet and exercise leading up to surgery.  Weight should be maintained as close to ideal as possible (within 30%), without use of appetite suppressants or metabolic stimulants that may increase risks of anesthesia or healing related complications. Tobacco use must be completely discontinued a minimum of three weeks before surgery and is not to be resumed until at least three weeks after surgery.  Blood thinning medications including aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided or discontinued two weeks prior to surgery, under doctor’s supervision. Some vitamins and supplements may increase risks of bleeding and should be discontinued at least two weeks before surgery. Other vitamins (A, C, zinc) and homeopathic medications (arnica montana) can aid in healing and help to minimize bruising and swelling.  Our surgeons will prescribe a specific regimen of prescription medications and vitamins and supplements to each patient individually.

What to Expect after Surgery: Following your surgeon’s instructions is vital to the success of your surgery. Compliance with use of compression garments is crucial to achieving the best possible result following liposuction.  These help to control swelling and retraction of the skin around your new body contours.  We advise compression for approximately six weeks.  After the surgery patients go home with a compression garment covering the treated areas.  For approximately two weeks, the first stage surgical garment is to be worn continually.  Patients can then switch to second stage garments, which are more comfortable and convenient.  These are similar to regular undergarments, such as lycra or spandex pants, shirts or body suits, and can be worn during daytime hours until the pain, soreness and swelling subside.  Oral medication is provided to relieve initial discomfort.

Patients should plan to be out of commission for about four days after the surgery and may resume light activities as their bodies permit. Aerobic activity may be resumed in approximately two weeks after the surgery. In about two to four weeks most bruising and swelling will subside and one can expect to see final results in about two to three months. As the swelling fully dissipates, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop. This fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue for as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A significant weight gain can reverse your results. Following liposuction, your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead.