Liposuction

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Liposuction can improve your body shape by removing fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. Common locations for liposuction include chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles. Liposuction is particularly well-suited for individuals who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them. While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for overall weight loss, nor is it an effective treatment for cellulite, a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body at the same time, and it can also be done in conjunction with other aesthetic plastic surgery.

Liposuction Consultation
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions you may have such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Dr. Broadway will want to know about previous surgeries, medical treatments and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information. How much you currently weigh and whether you plan to lose or gain weight in the future will be factors in evaluating you for liposuction. We may ask you about the effects of prior weight loss on the appearance of those areas which you have indicated for contouring. Dr. Broadway will assess the elasticity of your skin and estimate the amount of fat to be removed for optimal results.

Liposuction Surgery
Your surgery will be performed at  the Renewal medical center, which is an accredited facility owned by Dr. Broadway and Dr. John Millard.   Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure and various monitors are used to check your heart, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood. Fat is removed by first inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. The suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat.

During your liposuction procedure Dr. Broadway will inject a solution that will liquefy the fat allowing the suction to be much more gentle than standard liposuction.  Dr. Broadway’s technique is softer and the motion is similar to that of a violin player.  Not only does Dr. Broadway remove fat, but he will also sculpt the remaining fat giving patients a much nicer result. 

When the surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. There may be some discomfort, but this can be controlled by medication which you may continue taking at home. A compressive dressing such as an elasticized bandage or specially designed garment may have been placed over the areas that were suctioned. Dr. Broadway will tell you how long you should wear the garment and will instruct you on how to remove it so that you may shower or bathe. Most patients will go home after a few hours, although some patients may stay overnight if the surgery is extensive.

What happens during recovery from liposuction surgery?
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. The day after surgery, you will need to move around a bit to promote blood circulation. Dr. Broadway will advise you to limit yourself to these brief periods of gentle activities for the first few days.

Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-in-flammatory medications, and you should not smoke for a while following surgery. You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected and can last for several weeks after the surgery. There may also be numbness in some areas, and it may take several weeks before feeling returns.

The scars from liposuction are small, and Dr. Broadway tries to place them so they're hidden from view, even if you wear a bikini. However, other cosmetic problems may occur, including rippling or bagginess of the skin over the treated area, and pigmentation changes (such as brown spots).

You may be able to return to work in just a few days. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities within one or two weeks and begin some form of exercise soon after. The timing of your recovery depends largely on the extent of your surgery. Factors such as fluid retention following surgery, and prolonged swelling may delay the appearance of your new, slimmer contour. The healing process is gradual, so you should expect to wait a while before fully enjoying the results of your liposuction. Occasionally, a touch-up may be desired to further improve an area that has been suctioned.

The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain your pre-operative weight. For the best result it is important to establish a regular workout routine as well as proper nutrition. Even if you gain a few extra pounds, you may find that the weight is distributed more evenly instead of accumulating in the areas that were problematic for you in the past.

What are the risks and side effects of liposuction?
You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness and burning sensations. During the first 24 hours, you will experience temporary fluid drainage from the incision sites and you will be required to replace your bandages several times a day for the first few days.

Risks include asymmetry of the areas and rippling or bagginess of skin. There could be pigmentation changes or possible skin injury. As with any surgery, there is always chance of infection. Dr. Broadway will make every effort for a safe and comfortable healing process and you will be given a detailed manual with instructions for your recovery.