Liposuction Philadelphia, PA, Certified Plastic Surgeon

FAQs | Before & After Photos

Liposuction body sculpting (or suction-assisted lipectomy) has become one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today.

Proven safety, minimal scarring and outstanding results have made it the preferred method for removing fat from the hips, thighs, buttocks and midriff, as well as areas of the face, neck and arms. Liposuction is not an alternative to weight reduction, but can be very effective in removing fat from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise programs.

Suction-assisted lipectomy is performed under general or local anesthesia. A narrow tube (cannula) is inserted into a small incision made in an inconspicuous place. Dr. Pollard then manipulates the cannula, which is connected to a strong vacuum, breaking up fatty areas and suctioning out the fat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of anesthesia is used to perform liposuction?

All types of anesthesia may be used. Most patients prefer general anesthesia when larger areas are involved. Under most circumstances, the patient either has a heavy intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Regardless of the method of anesthesia, the patient will be comfortable during the procedure and have no recollection of the procedure or the discomfort.

Do you use a tumescent technique, how does it work?

The tumescent technique is a modification of traditional liposuction procedures where the fluids combining local anesthesia and epinephrine are used to decrease the amount of bruising and the postoperative discomfort. This technique is particularly helpful for removing larger amounts of fat from heavier patients.

Liposuction or abdominoplasty, which do I need?

At the time of your consultation with Dr. Pollard, you will have a comprehensive discussion regarding these procedures. In many instances your physical examination will determine whether lipoplasty of abdominoplasty or a combination of both best suit your needs. Lipoplasty usually is concerned with localized collections of fat while abdominoplasty will be concerned with removing excess skin or lower abdominal tissue.

Will I wear compression garments?

Yes, following all liposuction surgeries patient wear some form of compression garment whether this surgery is to the neck, tummy, or thigh. Combination of supports extend from girdles to belts. The appropriate support will be discussed with Dr. Pollard or her staff.

How long will you need to wear a compression garment?

It will depend upon the extent of your liposuction. Some patients will be able to wear the support garment for as little as two weeks and others may have to wear it as long as six weeks. As your activity increases, many patients will relate an increased comfort while wearing the support garment as your activity level increases including during times of exercise.

How long will the scars be and will they fade?

The scars should be less than one-half of an inch in length. Some will be as small as one-quarter of an inch. These are multiple in locations and are put in the most inconspicuous places. They will fade over many weeks to months. They should be inconspicuous after approximately one year.

Will there be bruising and soreness and how severe?

Yes, there will most likely be bruising and soreness following your procedure. Some treatments to small areas may not be associated with either concern. But in general bruising and swelling are associated to some degree with all liposuction procedures. The tumescent technique utilizing local anesthesia would decrease the amount of bleeding and thus the amount of bruising. This is a big advantage for most patients.

Some degree of bruising will last for a couple of weeks while the soreness will slowly resolve over approximately the same time frame.

Your activity level after surgery is simply what you will tolerate. Some patients return to work within one two days after surgery, while others take as long as a week.

How long will my bruising and swelling last?

Bruising can be expected to be in place for one to two weeks. There may be some cases where the bruising goes away even more quickly, but there also will be instances where it may last as long as several weeks. Swelling is a different matter. There will be some evidence of swelling for several weeks. This will be improving on a daily basis, but overall you will continue to see a gradual improvement over several months. These long-term changes are very subtle.

When can I begin my regular exercises after surgery?

You can increase your activity as tolerated after surgery. It is recommended that you walk 10 minutes twice a day starting the day after your surgery. Some patients have been very active within a week following the surgery. In general, Dr. Pollard would recommend that you take your time getting back to vigorous exercise, but there is no hard and fast timetable. Most patients can expect to resume their normal activity level at approximately four to six weeks.