Chattanooga Tennessee Liposuction at The Plastic Surgery Group, P.C.

Chattanooga, Tennessee Liposuction
The Plastic Surgery Group, P.C., in Chattanooga, Tennessee offers the latest plastic surgery procedures, includingliposuction. For more information on the body contouring procedures we offer, visit our plastic surgery procedures page or call our plastic surgery staff at (423) 756-7134 or (800) 634-3334. You can also e-mail us your questions and we will be in touch with you shortly.

8. What Are The Differences Between The Various Liposuction Techniques?

The basic liposuction technique involves inserting a cannula (slim, hollow tube) through one or more small incisions so that the tip penetrates the fat. The cannula is connected by flexible tubing to a suction pump that vacuums the fat into the tube as the surgeon moves the cannula back and forth.
The tumescent technique includes pre-injecting a salt-water solution containing small amounts of adrenaline and local anesthesia into the fat.
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty requires a two-step technique using energy from sound waves to liquefy fat before it is suctioned.

Certain body areas respond better to one techniques or another but there are certain additional risks with ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. It is imperative that you choose a Plastic Surgeon certified in this technique and that board-certified anesthesiologists trained in fluid management are available during surgery. Other differences include considerable drainage from your introduction incisions and more nerve irritation.

9. How Much Bruising and Swelling Is There In The Immediate Postop Period and How Are Garments Used?

Liposuction of the soft tissues produces a fair amount of bruising and swelling. Compression garments or elastic bandages, which are provided by our office, are extremely helpful in controlling and minimizing swelling. Usually, garments are worn anywhere from two weeks to three months depending on the areas treated. You may remove the garments to bathe.

During the first week, the swelling will be greatest and then gradually subside. After several weeks, your bruises will fade and disappear and your sensation will return to normal. You may return to nonstrenuous work after a week and resume your normal exercise and activities after two to three weeks.

10. Is Liposuction Performed As An Outpatient or Inpatient Procedure and Do I Have To Be Put To Sleep?

The vast majority of liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis. We use our accredited office surgical suite or any other outpatient surgery center. Although large volume ultrasonic liposuction can be performed in an outpatient setting where anesthesiologists are available for fluid management, patients often stay for 23-hour observation period.

Various types of anesthesia can be used when performing liposuction. We prefer our patients to have the most effective level of comfort during their procedure. Therefore, during liposuction performed in our office surgical suite, we utilize IV sedation where the patient is awake but not aware of the procedure. For some patients general anesthesia may be the best choice. Your surgeon will select the safest type of anesthesia for you.