Liposuction

The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, although for smaller liposuctions, sedation may be an option.

The technique involves the injection of an anesthetic solution into the targeted areas (tumescent technique). After the solution is introduced, the fat is removed using fine cannulas connected to a suction system. In most cases, the extracted fat is discarded. However, in some instances, this fat can be processed and reused as a fat graft to enhance other areas, depending on the patient’s wishes — a technique known as lipofilling or lipo-structuring.

At the end of the procedure, a compression garment is applied, which should be worn for the following 3 to 4 weeks.

In most cases, patients can return home the same day after a few hours of observation. For more extensive liposuctions or when combined with other surgical procedures, an overnight stay in the clinic or hospital is recommended.

During the first visit, it is very important that you explain which areas you want to improve so the doctor can understand your expectations and provide realistic information about the potential results.

Not all areas respond the same way. There are also other physical factors that can affect the final outcome of liposuction.

During the consultation, your medical history (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc.) and surgical history will be reviewed.

It is also important to know if you want to lose or gain weight and whether you experience weight fluctuations.

With all this information, we will advise you on the areas to treat and the amount of fat tissue to remove in order to optimize the results.

Complications are infrequent and will be explained during the preoperative visit. Hematomas or blood accumulation usually resolve on their own without the need for drainage. Infection is very rare, and you will receive preventive treatment after the procedure.

The treated areas may feel numb or have a loss of sensation, which typically recovers in the following weeks. Changes in skin tone can also occur but usually normalize over time.

If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking two weeks before and after surgery. You should also avoid medications that may cause bleeding, such as aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as some dietary supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding. During the preoperative visit, we will provide you with detailed instructions.

You must come to the operating room with someone who can accompany you home and stay with you during the first night.

You will usually be able to go home a few hours after surgery, although in cases of more extensive liposuction, an overnight stay at the clinic may be required.

From the first day, you should gradually start moving again to promote blood circulation.

You will need to wear a compression garment day and night for one week. At that point, you will have your first postoperative check-up to evaluate the treated areas.

Some areas will be bruised and you may notice swelling or puffiness. The swelling typically begins to subside about a week after surgery, while bruising usually starts to fade around three weeks post-op or later.

After surgery, lymphatic drainage massages are very important, as their goal is to reduce swelling as quickly as possible.

You can return to work one to two weeks after surgery, depending on the physical demands of your job and the extent of the liposuction. Many normal activities can be resumed after one week, and most by two to three weeks post-surgery.