The Best Candidate

Age is not a deterrent to liposuction, however, to obtain the best results from liposuction it is best if your skin has enough elasticity in it to achieve a smooth contour. If your skin has little elasticity (as older patients do) you may require a skin tightening procedure. It is important to have realistic expectations regarding the procedure and to understand that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, but that it can eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Patients must be of a normal weight, be physically healthy, and have excess fat in certain areas. Liposuction is not limited to either male or female therefore, both sexes are able to reap the benefits liposuction offers.

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you require fat removal or contouring in the following areas: upper arms, chin and neck, back, cheeks and jowls.

Liposuction may also be used to treat male breast reduction, known as gynecomastia, which is common in both teenage and male adults. Patients expecting their cellulite to disappear after the surgery will be disappointed as liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. See Endermologie® for cellulite removal options.

The Office Visit

During your initial consultation, Dr. Heddle will ask for your detailed medical history, including information that could cause complications during the surgery, such as, uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood-clotting problems, or the tendency to develop large scars. Be sure to tell Dr. Heddle if you smoke or are taking any drugs, medications, vitamins or herbal supplements.
Also during this initial visit, Dr. Heddle will ask questions about your emotional and psychological outlook on the surgery. While the surgery is ultimately a deeply personal decision, help and advice is available for you, so feel free to ask questions and express your concerns.
Dr. Heddle will examine where your fat deposits are and assess the condition of your skin. He will discuss with you how the procedure is performed and what you as the patient can expect from the surgery. During this time you should inform Dr. Heddle if you plan to lose or gain weight in the future as this will have an affect on the procedure. The elasticity of your skin will be evaluated along with the estimated amount of fat to be removed. There are different techniques that are used and Dr. Heddle will explain which one would be best suited for your desired procedure.

Preparing for the Surgery

Dr. Heddle will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including what you should/should not eat and drink, smoking and avoiding certain vitamins and medications prior to the procedure. If you get a cold or infection close to the day of surgery, the procedure may need to be rescheduled. It is very important to follow these guidelines in order to make the surgery go smoothly.
Plan to have someone with you on the day of the procedure who can drive you home afterwards and stay with you for the first 48 hours if needed.
An additional precaution is to set up a mini-recovery area in your home before the surgery. This recovery area may include: plenty of ice or cold compresses, clean towels, two to three medium-filled pillows for elevation, a thermometer, ointments or creams recommended by Dr. Heddle, magazines and books.

How the Surgery is Performed

The length of surgery depends on the size of the area being treated, the type of anesthesia used, the technique used, and the amount of fat being removed. Local, epidural, or general anesthesia may be used depending on what you and Dr. Heddle have decided. Fluid and fat are lost during the procedure and in order to prevent the patient from going into shock, these fluids must be replaced by intravenous fluids during and after surgery. It is for this reason there are monitors checking your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse and the amount of oxygen circulating in your blood.

A small incision is made where a tube, or cannula, is placed inside to vacuum the fat deposits underneath the skin. If possible, the incisions will be placed in the contour lines of the skin so they are not noticeable. The cannula moves back and forth through the layers of fat, suctioning them out. There are differences in techniques used, so speak to Dr. Heddle regarding which one is best for you.

After the surgery you will be brought to a recovery room where you will be monitored. If you experience any pain Dr. Heddle may prescribe you some medication. A compression garment is worn after surgery as this facilitates reduction in swelling. How long you wear the garment is up to Dr. Heddle as he will also inform you on how to remove it when you want to bathe. You may be required to stay overnight, however, most patients return home a few hours following the surgery.

After the Surgery

Recovery time varies from each patient depending on the extent of work that was performed. You may experience some discomfort, burning, swelling, bleeding, and temporary numbness after the surgery. Pain can be controlled by medications prescribed by Dr. Heddle. A small drainage tube may be inserted under your skin for a few days to prevent a build-up of fluid. In order to allow your blood to circulate, you may be required to move around, however, these periods should be brief and non-strenuous. If you are a smoker or take anti-inflammatory medications, you will be asked to strictly avoid this until otherwise directed by Dr. Heddle. You may be asked to wear a surgical garment over the treated area for a few weeks to control swelling and aid in healing. If needed, antibiotics may be prescribed in order to prevent any infection.
Swelling will diminish after a week, whereas bruising can last over three weeks. Numbness is common in certain areas but sensation will eventually return to its normal state after a few weeks. Within two weeks following surgery the stitches will be removed, if they have not yet been dissolved.

Getting Back to Normal

How quickly you recover depends on the extent of your surgery. You may return to work after a week or two. After several weeks, or as advised by Dr. Heddle, you may resume most of your normal exercise and activities. You will soon feel better a week or two after your surgery. However, it is common to see swelling for up to six months or more. If you experience anything unusual or have any further questions following surgery please contact Dr. Heddle at his office for additional information.

Liposuction can have pleasing results if you had realistic expectations. Hopefully, you will feel more comfortable with your new body. By eating a healthy diet and exercising you will be able to enjoy the permanent results that liposuction has to offer. Even if you gain a few pounds, you will notice that the weight is distributed evenly and not simply gathered in one area.