Liposuction Hawaii (Lipoplasty)

Tummy Tuck | Liposuction | Fat Transfer
Gynecomastia | Buttock Lift

Liposuction is a very safe procedure with low complication rates in healthy individuals. Liposuction is performed by sucking out the fat in chosen areas of the body. Patients are usually under general anesthesia (fully asleep), although smaller amounts of fat (minor liposuction) may be liposuctioned under only sedation with the patient awake. All of our liposuction procedures are performed in our in-house surgical suite. An average liposuction case can take 2 to 3 hours time. Liposuction is performed by infiltrating (injecting) a tumenescent solution into the chosen areas to be liposuctioned. These sites are also injected with a local anesthetic prior to making the incisions. After the tumenescent is injected, Dr. Pasquale inserts a cannula into the chosen areas and begins to suck out the fat. Liposuction is a great procedure for individuals who aren't in need of a full abdominoplasty or aren't considered really obese. These people usually have some localized pockets of fat that they just cannot seem to remove through normal dieting and exercise.

Common areas that we liposuction are: abdomen, flanks, medial lateral thighs, neck, back and buttocks. We also perform fat injection regularly. Dr. Pasquale is a board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon and takes great pride in the satisfaction of all his patients. Many Doctors perform liposuction across the country, but not all are qualified plastic surgeons of the type or caliber of Dr. Pasquale. There truly is a difference in the care and detail you will receive from your surgeon pre, post, and during surgery. Dr. Pasquale has performed thousands of liposuction procedures and is always available to answer any questions you might have in regards to this procedure.

Liposuction Recovery
For the first three days after the liposuction procedure, the patient can expect some fluid to drain from the insicions. Dressings will need to be changed often during this time.

Liposuction patients can expect some swelling and bruising after the procedure, which may last for up to two weeks. In some cases, swelling may be noticeable in an area directly underneath the liposuctioned area, since the swelling and bruising will tend to gravitate downwards. It may be uncomfortable to move around, but most patients are able to return to work within 10 days. It is common to experience burning sensations, swelling, and/ or numbness in the affected areas. Medication may be prescribed for these symptoms, and body compression garments can be used to relieve swelling after liposuction.

It is important to prevent dehydration after liposuction. The patient must drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages for a few days afterward or as instructed, as besides causing dehydration, alcohol consumption may interfere with certain antibiotics.

A patient may feel faint after surgery. This can be avoided by remembering to stand up slowly from any seated or reclined position and by removing compression garments slowly.

The patient must remember that after liposuction, maintaining a healthy diet is very important. While fat cells are removed permanently by liposuction, these cells may enlarge and problem spots may return if the patient does not eat healthily. Usually however, weight gain is distributed evenly to other areas of the body after liposuction.

Complications and possible risks
Infection is one of the risks associated with liposuction. Liposuction wounds must be kept clean, and any antibiotics that may be prescribed must be taken regularly.

During liposuction, fat cells may be loosened and may enter the blood stream. It is important to watch out for shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, signs of loosened fat cells gathering in the lungs. Fat cells may also make their way to the brain. This can cause permanent disability or even fatality. The body may also experience a fluid imbalance from both the fat removal and from fluid that may be injected during the procedure. Signs of fluid imbalance include heart problems, fluid collection in the lungs, or kidney problems.

A cannula or a probe is used during the liposuction procedure. It is possible for damage to occur to internal organs, since the physician is unable to see the probe while it is inserted inside the patient. Perforations to internal organs may require additional surgery to be corrected, or may even be fatal.

In areas where tissue has been removed, there may be a pooling of serum, a liquid from the blood stream. Swelling or edema may also occur, and in some cases gravitate to parts of the body directly underneath the affected areas. Skin necrosis may also be observed in some cases, which is to say the skin on the liposuction site may die.

The patient may experience an altered sensation in the affected site, such as an increased sensitivity or numbness. The doctor must be notified if these changes persist over an extended period of time.

Severe liposuction complications are rare, and they are usually associated with the anaesthesia used during surgery. Licodane is commonly used during liposuction. It is injected into the site. A patient may experience light-headedness, restlessness, drowsiness, slurred speech, a metallic taste in the mouth, numbness, shivering, muscle twitching and convulsions.

Having too much fat removed at one time may be dangerous. This may cause dents, lumps, and sagging skin. It is advised to schedule multiple procedures at least several days apart.

To minimize the risk of complications, the patient will be given a set of instructions to prepare the body both before and after surgery. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure a good result and successful healing.

677 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 404 • Honolulu Hawaii 96813 • Phone: 808-737-0205 • Privacy Notice
©2006 Copyright Aloha PlasticSurgery LLC. All rights reserved Dr. Michael A. Pasquale D.O.