Liposuction, also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, is the surgical removal of localized or regional excess fatty tissue. In some cases it is performed alone, in other cases it is used with a male or female breast reduction, or a tummy tuck to enhance results. Liposuction is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise, nor a treatment for obesity or cellulite (the dimpled skin that appears on thighs, hips and buttocks).

Liposuction can:

• Permanently reshape body contours
• Eliminate excess fat deposits in areas that are disproportionately large in an otherwise balanced figure
• Reduce fat deposits in cheeks, chin, neck, upper arms, breast or chest, back, abdomen and waist, hips and buttocks, thighs, inner knees, and calves and ankles

Certain physical attributes indicate that you are ready—and have reasonable expectations—of liposuction:

You are a good candidate if you:

• Are an adult of any age and close to your ideal weight
• Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
• Are healthy and do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that would impair healing
• Don’t smoke
• Have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind

First you will:

• Discuss your specific goals with Dr. Swier
• Have your physical and emotional health evaluated
• Learn the likely outcomes and potential risks of the procedure
• Get a course of treatment recommended by Dr. Swier
• Ask questions and get answers to help you understand the process

Secondary procedures may be recommended:

• To reduce excess skin

Be sure to:

• Openly share your expectations
• Disclose your complete health history, current medications, and use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Commit to precisely follow all of Dr. Swier’s instructions

Surgical vacuum procedure
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires incisions in or near the area to be suctioned for insertion of an appropriately sized cannula. The incisions are small and only one stitch is required for closure. Once the cannula tip has loosened excess fat, the fat is removed using a surgical vacuum or powered suction device.*

Fat grafting
Manual suctioning with a syringe is more commonly used when fat removal areas are small and very isolated or when it is planned that fat will be processed and reinjected in other areas of the body. This procedure may be used to fill in wrinkles or hollow areas of the body.

You will:

• Be given diagnostic testing slips
• Be given medication prescriptions
• Be given day-of-surgery instructions and medications
• Be given specific information related to the use of anesthesia
• Be given postoperative care and follow-up instructions
• Be given consent papers and a request to sign them prior to surgery
• Learn the risks of surgery and discuss them with Dr. Swier

Your procedure may be performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.

• If you are admitted to a hospital, your stay will be short, typically one night
• You may undergo sedation or general anesthesia, depending on Dr. Swier’s recommendation
• You will emerge from surgery wearing a compression garment or elastic bandages**
• You’ll be taken to recovery where you will be closely monitored

Before you are released you and an accompanying caregiver will learn:

• How to care for the surgical site
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce discomfort and the potential for infection
• Specific things to look for during healing
• When to follow up with Dr. Swier

Common conditions during initial healing include:

• Swelling
• Numbness
• Soreness
• Bruising
• Discomfort controlled by medication

You will:

• Return to light, normal activity when you feel ready
• Have sutures removed within five to ten days
• Experience a dissipation of swelling over a period of several weeks
• Be encouraged to keep your weight in control

*The amount of fat removed is limited to five liters to make the procedure as safe as possible.

**Discontinue use of compression garments after six weeks.