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Liposuction Kansas, Liposuction Kansas City, Liposuction in Kansas
Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) is the most advanced technique now available for fat removal.  Developed by an Italian plastic surgeon about ten years ago, it has been used extensively in Europe for several years, and was introduced in the United States in 1995.

How long have doctors used liposuction?
Ultrasound has been used in many areas of medicine since the 1970’s - it revolutionized obstetric care and cataract surgery.  The same principle is now applied to fat removal.  An ultrasonic probe produces a high frequency sound wave which causes fat cells to dissolve.  The technique is used in combination with “tumescent liposuction” - the tissues are first injected with fluid, the ultrasonic probe is introduced to dissolve fat cells, and the liquefied fat is then suctioned out.

How does ultra-sonic liposuction work?
UAL adds to the effectiveness of tumescent liposuction, allowing the plastic surgeon to remove large amounts of fat from multiple areas at one time.  It has improved results in fibrous areas that may be difficult to treat with traditional liposuction - the upper abdomen, flanks, and back.  The fat is liquefied before its removal, so that the resulting contours are smooth and natural.  Because ultrasonic energy is used to break up the fat cells, less physical force may be used by the plastic surgeon.  The connective tissue underneath the skin is preserved intact, along with nerves and blood vessels.  This means there is less bruising of the tissues and a shorter recovery time.  An added advantage of UAL is improved skin tone and appearance, due to preservation of the underlying connective tissue and collagen stimulation.

What are the benefits of liposuction?
The traditional benefits of liposuction remain the same.  Usually multiple sites are treated, using small incisions.  This allows correction of body contour disproportion’s.  The disproportion’s (“saddle bags” in women and “love handles” in men) are inherited and are not corrected by diet and exercise alone.  In women, the lower body is usually affected - the abdomen, hips, flanks, back, buttocks, thighs, and knees, and in men - the abdomen, flanks, and breasts.  Each of these areas is treated simultaneously, removing more fat where necessary to produce optimal body contours.  Other commonly treated areas are the arms, calve, and chin.

Is liposuction permanent?
Because adults have a fixed number of fat cells (fat cells swell and shrink with weight gain and loss), the extra fat cells in these areas are permanently removed by liposuction, so that the correction of body contours is permanent.  Any weight gain after surgery is distributed evenly over the body - it does not return specifically to the treated areas, and does not accumulate instead in untreated areas.  Most patients are attentive to diet and exercise after surgery and lose rather than gain weight.  By correcting body disproportion’s, patients experience a psychological benefit, and find that they are better motivated to maintain their improved body form.

What does the procedure involve?
The surgery is performed in an office operating suite under a light intravenous anesthetic.  The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the number of areas treated.  Patients are asleep for surgery and awaken quickly afterward.  Because local anesthetic is also used, patients require less medication and usually recover quickly after surgery, with minimal discomfort..  Patients go home the same day and return quickly after surgery.  A garment is worn to help reduce swelling for a period of one month.  The garment is removed for short periods to bathe and shower and may be worn under regular clothing.  Bruising usually disappears within one month.  Most of the swelling (about 80%) is gone in one month and patients may then wear shorts or a bathing suit.  It takes 3 to 4  month for the swelling to completely disappear.

What about after the surgery?
Postoperative discomfort depends on the extent of liposuction needed and the number of areas treated.  There is usually a generalized soreness and some stiffness due to swelling.  Pain is usually well controlled with medication which is used the first several days after surgery.  Most women take one week off work, or two weeks if they have a job which requires significant physical activity.  Men usually recover quickly because fewer areas are treated - they are often back to work in 3 or 4 days.  Most of the stitches dissolve on their own.  When the knees or arms are treated, these stitches are removed about one week after surgery.

Are there any risks?
Infrequent, but possible complications include anesthetic risk, fluid loss, infection, scarring, and contour irregularities.  Using monitored IV sedation, tumescent technique and ultrasonic assistance, these risks are minimized.  There is often a temporary loss of feeling in the treated areas which returns as the swelling subsides.  Patients with greater degrees of fat excess may benefit from a second “touch up” procedure.

Is it safe?
Liposuction has evolved over the two decades since its introduction into a very effective and safe technique for permanent fat removal, with a short recovery period.  Patient satisfaction is very high.  It is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure today.

This introduction is intended to provide you with information about ultrasonic liposuction.  Additional information, tailored to your particular needs, is provided at the time of consultation.  The staff of the Swanson Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery is available to answer any other questions you may have or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.  We would be happy to assist you in finalizing your plans.

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At the Swanson Center, Plastic Surgeon, Dr Eric Swanson MD provides an array of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery including breast augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, microdermabrasion, BOTOX, abdominoplasty, etc. Serving Kansas city and the surrounding area.