| Now with a
revolutionary new procedure called power assisted liposulpture,
both men and women can improve the contours of their bodies
through a relatively simple and safe technique. Liposuction
surgery involves the removal of fat cells from the body using
tiny tubes called cannulae. It is designed for those
who have specific areas of localized fat deposits and who
have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet,
exercise and weight loss. While the procedure is not designed
to correct general obesity, any area where excess fat deposits
have accumulated can be treated. These include the chin, neck,
jowls, cheeks, arms, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees,
hips and abdomen. Men with enlarged breasts called gynecomastia
can also benefit from this technique.
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Photos Available Upon Request |
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Men and women in good physical condition
with good skin elasticity are the best candidates for this
surgery. When the procedure was first introduced, only younger
people were considered to be good candidates; however, recent
improvements in the technique have made it possible to treat
patients of all ages. Each person seeking this treatment,
regardless of age, must be personally assessed by Dr. Edds
to determine if you are a suitable candidate for liposuction
surgery.
Before Surgery
Prior to surgery a complete medical history is taken in order
to evaluate the general health of the patient. A thorough
examination is also conducted. Dr. Edds describes the type
of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might
realistically be expected, and possible risks and complications.
Preoperative directions may include the
elimination of certain drugs, which contain aspirin in order
to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Antibiotics
may be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection. Photographs
are often taken before and after surgery in order to evaluate
the final results. The areas to be contoured are marked with
a special marking pen.
The Procedure
Liposuction surgery can be performed in our accredited outpatient
surgical facility or a hospital, depending on Dr. Edds' or
your preference. It can be done under local anesthesia with
IV sedation. Premedication is administered to help you relax.
When performing what is known as the "tumescent"
procedure, Dr. Edds injects a large amount of diluted solution
into the area. This procedure has the advantage of reducing
pain and bruising in the area. Dr. Edds then makes a small
incision in the skin and inserts a tube {cannula) either attached
to a high-pressure vacuum suction or to a syringe system.
The fat is loosened from surrounding tissue by moving the
tube back and forth and is then removed or vacuumed from the
body with the suction device. Dr. Edds determines the amount
of fat removed by feeling the skin and pinching the tissue.
Following Surgery
A compression garment should be worn after surgery. Because
liposuction surgery does not involve large incisions and extensive
cutting, pain is minimal to moderate and is controlled with
oral medication. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent
infection. Most patients are completely ambulatory following
surgery, but rest is recommended for the initial postoperative
period. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities
within a week.
Some swelling and discoloration can occur,
but usually disappear within a month. Scars, which fade significantly
with time, are for the most part, inconspicuous because they
are made within the natural creases of the body whenever possible.
Complications connected with this surgery
are rare; however, an uneven skin surface, bleeding, infection,
numbness and discoloration can occur. Some of these conditions
correct themselves in time; others respond to medications.
There are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical
procedure, which should be discussed with Dr. Edds. You can
minimize complications by carefully following directions given
by Dr. Edds.
It is important to remember that liposuction
surgery, while not a cure for generalized obesity, is an excellent
procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unsightly
fat from localized areas. Patients who choose this type of
surgery, however, must have realistic expectations about the
outcome and understand the final results may not be apparent
for up to one year.
If you are interested in learning more about
this procedure, please call our office at (270) 926-9033
and we will be happy to answer questions about the
procedure itself or about procedure cost and financing.
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