Liposuction in Colombia

Liposuction in Colombia can help men and women achieve a more ideal body contour, even if diet and exercise have failed. Several recent procedural breakthroughs in liposuction have enabled the surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery to beautify the human body with greater precision (and safety) than ever before. Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgery operations in Colombia and worldwide.

OUR SURGEONS PERFORM THE MOST POPULAR, ADVANCED LIPOSUCTION TECHNIQUES:

• Tumescent Liposuction
• Power Assisted Liposuction
• Ultrasonic Liposuction (VASER)
• Laser Assister Liposuction (LASER)

Through tiny incisions in the skin, surgeons use surgical instruments known as cannulas to break up and remove excess pockets of fat. During liposuction procedures, fat is selectively removed because it is more loosely attached to the body. Blood vessels, nerves and skin are left intact and the skin then contracts (to some degree) around the patient’s newly-contoured figure. With modern techniques, swelling and bruising during the recovery period can be minimized

Advanced medical and surgical knowledge are necessary to operate safely. Artistic vision and skilled hands are necessary to sculpt beautifully. Our plastic surgeons combine the art and science of liposuction to obtain consistently beautiful results in a caring, compassionate atmosphere. With a central focus on patient safety, our surgical planning and elegant techniques are able to achieve predictable outcomes. The figure enhancements are often quite dramatic.

TECHNIQUES FOR LIPOSUCTION IN COLOMBIA

TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION

With the tumescent technique, large volumes of saline solution, local anesthesia, and adrenaline are infused into specific the fatty areas being treated. This enables your surgeon to maneuver a small instrument called a cannula, connected to a vacuum machine, to suction away excess fat and improve body contour.

The tumescent technique is used during most liposuction procedures performed by our surgeons for patients in Cartagena. Tumescent liposuction can address distinct areas of localized fat that are disproportionate to the rest of your body. The most frequent areas treated by this cosmetic surgery procedure in Cartagena vary by gender. For men, treatment areas often include the “love handles,” chest, abdomen and neckline. In women they include: thighs, hips, back, arms stomach, knees, lower leg, cheeks, and double chins.

This procedure can be completed in just a few hours at our outpatient surgery suite in Cartagena. After surgery, you will need to wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area for several weeks. You will go home after the procedure and rest for at least 24 hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. Two or three days after your procedure you may resume non-strenuous activities.

For the right patient, liposuction can yield satisfying results and your candidacy will be reviewed carefully. Our surgeons have experience performing body contouring using a variety of techniques and will be able to recommend a personalized treatment plan for you after a thorough examination.

POWER ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION

Power-assisted liposuction is an excellent technique for removing fat. We’ve found that using PAL (power-assisted liposuction) allows us to achieve the great results and a fast recovery for our Cartagena, Colombia liposuction patients. Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is an important technology for body sculpting. It is an excellent method for permanently removing unwanted fatty bulges and creating more attractive body contours.

Power-assisted liposuction was introduced in the late 1990’s as a safer and more efficient technique for removing fat. The power-assisted system relies on a vibrating cannula tip that gently shakes fat loose and suctions it away in one step. The cannula vibrates at just the right frequency to maximize the efficient removal of fat. The vibration also helps the cannula to glide through the fatty layers with a minimal amount of force.

Power-assisted liposuction gives us more control and precision, allowing us to focus on sculpting a more beautiful figure for the patient. It also helps to minimize a patient’s recovery because there’s less trauma to the body. Because PAL is more efficient, the length of time for each procedure has been reduced. Shorter operations are safer. Because the low energy, vibrating tip does not harm surrounding tissue, patients have less bruising and swelling. This results in a faster recovery from surgery.

The significant improvements in safety and precision are making lipoplasty even more attractive for patients considering body sculpting. PAL has several important advantages over older techniques. These benefits include increased safety, decreased anesthesia time, less bruising, faster recovery, increased efficacy, and greater precision. Our plastic surgeons at Premium Care have seen firsthand that power-assisted liposuction is an effective and safer way to eliminate unwanted deposits of fat.

This procedure can be completed in just a few hours at our outpatient surgery suite. After surgery, you will need to wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area for several weeks. You will go home after the procedure and rest for at least 24 hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. Two or three days after your procedure you may resume non-strenuous activities.

For the right patient, liposuction can yield satisfying results but your candidacy will be reviewed carefully. Our surgeons have experience successfully performing body contouring using a variety of techniques and will be able to recommend a personalized treatment plan for you after an examination during your consultation

LASTING RESULTS THROUGH LIPOSUCTION IN PREMIUM CARE PLASTIC SURGERY

Liposuction results are permanent. After puberty, we do not create new fat cells. When you gain weight, you expand the fat cells that you already have. All types of liposuction in Colombia permanently remove fat cells to improve your body’s contour. With advanced techniques our surgeons at Premium Care Plastic Surgery are able to create a shapely silhouette.

Should you gain weight after liposuction, it goes to the fat cells that remain in your body. The localized fatty deposits that existed prior to liposuction can no longer balloon up out of proportion to the surrounding areas. Liposuction in Cartagena is not a treatment for cellulite, although many patients do notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after the fat cells are removed. Dimples, ripples, stretch marks, and other skin imperfections may remain unchanged following liposuction.

If you are serious about achieving a slimmer, more attractive body contour, contact Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia by calling us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or use our convenient online form to book your consultation.  You will be amazed about how affordable cosmetic surgery can be, and with an experience like no other.

LIPOSUCTION OF SPECIFIC AREAS

PROBLEM AREAS THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED WITH LIPOSUCTION:

• Chin and Neckline
• Upper Arms
• Chest
• Breast
• Back
• Stomach and Waistline
• Hips
• Thighs and Knees

CHIN AND NECKLINE:

Chin and neckline liposuction, also called submental liposuction, can remove unwanted fat from under the chin and jawline. This can help to improve your appearance by banishing your double chin and refine your jawline for a more youthful appearance. It can change the look of your face, and others will be none the wiser, often leaving them thinking you have simply shed a few pounds. A small area is being treated and a small amount of fat (usually just a few ounces) is removed.

Sometimes chin augmentation can be performed in conjunction with facial liposuction to create or restore facial harmony. Neck / chin liposuction can also be done in conjunction with buccal fat pad extraction if you are bothered by chubby cheeks.

The surgeon will make a small incision at the angle of your lower jaw and/or just beneath your chin. Your surgeon then inserts a thin tube (cannula) into the area to break up and remove the excess fat.

Arms: Many women are very displeased with excess fat in their arms. There is a tendency just to look at the back of their arms, or the part that hangs down when their arms are held straight out to the sides. But it is also important to look at the bulge to the sides of the arms that are noted when the arms are kept straight down at their sides. This can give the appearance of greater width to the body, and treating this is part of creating an aesthetic arm.

The position and size of the deltoid, triceps, and biceps all are important to take into account so that the muscle is exposed just the right amount. But many women with sun-damaged, thin, and even loose skin ask to have liposuction of their arms. Some of these women will need an “arm lift” procedure in order to remove the lax skin. This involves significant scarring, and unless the problem is very severe many women would not want to do this. It is just important to know that the arms are an area in which there is a tendency to develop lax skin, and when this happens liposuction alone is often not a satisfactory treatment.

Male chest: Treatment of male breasts – gynecomastia – is one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures. Two types of tissue make up gynecomastia: fatty tissue and glandular tissue. The glandular tissue is firm and rubbery. It cannot be removed with liposuction, but rather needs to be excised. Fatty tissue can be removed with liposuction. In some cases liposuction alone is the ideal treatment for gynecomastia, in others excision of glandular tissue alone. And in many both methods are necessary.

Female breast: The so-called “scarless breast reduction” is breast reduction by liposuction. With just two small incisions under the breasts, fat can be removed from the breasts and the breasts made smaller and lighter. It does not lift the breasts and the amount of weight removed is limited by how much of the breast is made up of fat as opposed to glandular tissue.

Upper outer breast: Many women complain of a little bulge of fat just in front of the top of their armpit which creates a bulge just to the side of the bra. In severe cases this is due to an abnormal build up of glandular breast tissue. But when it is just fat, the area can be reduced with liposuction. This is frequently done at the time of a breast augmentation.

Upper and lower back: Many patients who have liposuction of other parts of the body come in requesting liposuction of over and around their shoulder blades. That is probably because if many other fat stores are removed, the untouched fat cells in this area can swell. But many others who have not had liposuction done elsewhere, can still have excess fat here. The skin quality is usually excellent and contracts well.

Tummy: The tummy is one of the most frequently requested areas for liposuction. It is also one of the areas that most frequently has contour irregularities following liposuction. That is because there is usually less fat here than most people imagine. For most their love handles/hip rolls contribute much more to their girth than excess fat on the stomach. Stomach skin also doesn’t have the same capacity to snap back and maintain elasticity as many other parts of the body do.

After weight loss or pregnancy, this skin can be a bit loose, creating the impression of more excess fat than there really is. And this skin often develops a little bit of cellulite in the best of cases, and there is a risk that this can be worsened with liposuction of the stomach. But when the fat layer is thick and the skin quality is good, liposuction of the abdomen can yield a tremendous improvement.

Love handles/hip rolls: This is unquestionably the best area for liposuction. A lot of fat can be hidden here, the skin quality is good, and usually a lot can be removed with no change in the quality of the skin. Reshaping this area can make a big difference in someone’s overall contour, making the buttock look better and the entire body look much smaller. Many of our patients in Colombia also add fat grafting of the buttocks to enhance those feminine curves.

Buttock: Liposuction of the buttocks is uncommonly done because the buttock skin does not contract well and often looks droopy. This is only done in limited amounts in someone whose buttocks clearly has an overly inflated look. In fact, buttock fat grafting is often combined with liposuction of the hips and thighs to maximize feminine curves in this region and is very popular with our patients in Cartagena.

Outer thighs: Outer thighs are an important area for liposuction. Many very thin women have excess fat in this area that creates a disproportionate shape. The key to this area is deciding how much should be removed because it is easy to have too much removed, which makes the area look flat and androgynous. It is very important that it is done technically very sound, as dimpling and surface irregularities are possible.

Inner thighs: If someone has a bulge high up on the inner thighs, it can be reduced well with liposuction. But if someone does not have a bulge, but is just full from the top of the thigh to the knee in one straight line, it is impossible to do liposuction to thin the entire area out uniformly and evenly. It is particularly important to assess the skin quality of the upper inner thigh as well. That skin can get thin and dimpled in some patients, and if it is lax enough, a thigh lift may be necessary.

Also It is important to recognize that only in extreme cases is liposuction of the inner thighs visible to people other than you. Indeed, it is hard to demonstrate even a significant three-dimensional improvement in the inner thighs on a regular two-dimensional photograph. What is best about inner thigh liposuction is that you will not feel your thighs touching as much, and by reducing the thickness of your thighs; pants will fit looser on the outer thighs and generally allow pants to fall better on you.

Knees: Many women have a bulge in their inner knee. If this bulge is reduced even a little bit, the leg can look much longer and more slender. Sometimes a bulge just above the knee can also be removed by liposuction. But if the skin above the knee is thin, then liposuction above the knee is not a good idea because the small gain in fat reduction by working on that area is often offset by the increase in wrinkling of the skin.

Calves/ankles: Liposuction of the calves and ankles can give some of the best results in liposuction, but the recovery is longer and the swelling takes more time to resolve than most other areas of liposuction. Most people realize how much swelling can occur in the feet and ankles after a long day at work or even an airplane flight. For those same reasons, swelling in this area persists for months after calf/ankle liposuction. But for patients willing to wear compressive stockings for months after surgery the results can be dramatic. Patients who were unable to wear boots before can find themselves able to wear boots, or feel much more confident wearing shorts or a skirt.

YOUR LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION AT PREMIUM CARE PLASTIC SURGERY

Sooner or later most people develop diet resistant bulges of fat. Liposuction in Colombia is a popular option for achieving a more ideally sculpted figure. Several breakthrough techniques for liposuction in Colombia have given the procedure one of the lowest complication rates of any plastic surgery. The odds of obtaining a safe and beautiful result are improved significantly when the operation is performed by an experienced, plastic surgeon like Dr. Campbell and Dr. Restrepo at Premium Care Plastic Surgery.

When you come to our Plastic Surgery Center in the heart of Bocagrande, Cartagena for your initial consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you the different locations in which your body tends to deposit excess fat cells. Your surgeon will also assess your skin for elasticity, provide you with complete physical examination and evaluate your past medical history. This process is essential for establishing you as a candidate for liposuction in Cartagena.

Candidates for liposuction in Colombia have localized deposits of fat, and should be in good general health. Your surgeon can recommend certain steps to help you achieve optimal health for your procedure. The Premium Care Plastic Surgery team will also coordinate with your medical doctors to define the steps necessary for you to obtain medical clearance for surgery. Our team also provides access to their specialists in nutrition and exercise physiology to optimize your chances for success, and for a healthy lifestyle and more beautiful you.

Sufficient skin elasticity is an important requirement. As we age, our skin becomes less elastic. In order for our skin to adjust to a slimmer body contour, patients must have a certain degree of skin elasticity. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will determine whether or not your skin has sufficient elasticity to undergo liposuction and if additional skin removal might be necessary to achieve your desired results. For those who want larger portions of fat removed are advised regular plastic surgery procedures like thigh lifts, buttock lifts, tummy tucks, etc.

IS IT RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits – located anywhere on your body – that don’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you. The success and safety of your procedure depends on excellent analysis and planning prior to the procedure. During your consultation, you’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

BE PREPARED TO DISCUSS:

• Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
• Your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Previous surgeries
• Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, and tobacco

IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR LIPOSUCTION IN COLOMBIA ARE:

• Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring

YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON WILL ALSO:

• Take photographs for your medical record
• Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of liposuction and any risks or potential complication

Be sure to ask questions. It’s very important to ask your plastic surgeon questions about your liposuction procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon at Premium Care. Our entire staff is here to support you through your journey to a new you.

If you are want to pursue liposuction in Colombia at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, or simply want more information on these transformational procedures, please call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or schedule your consultation online.

PREPARING FOR LIPOSUCTION SURGERY IN COLOMBIA

Premium Care Plastic Surgery encourages you to take a few simple steps in preparation for your liposuction procedure in Colombia. Following the steps presented below will make your recovery from surgery as safe, short and relaxing as possible.

Your surgeon will provide you with a list of specific steps you should take leading up to your procedure. This list might include limiting your use of certain medications, alcohol and cigarettes, and minor changes in your grooming habits. These changes are temporary but very important to your comfort and safety.

BEFORE LIPOSUCTION SURGERY, YOU MAY BE ASKED TO:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS YOU RECEIVE WILL COVER:

• What to do on the day of surgery
• The use of anesthesia during your liposuction
• Post-operative care and follow-up
• Medications and compression garments to purchase and bring with you on the day of surgery.

Preparing your home before your procedure will help ensure a safe and relaxing recovery. If your procedure will impact your ability to stand or walk for long periods, or reach high places, you may want to prepare meals in advance and move kitchen items out of cupboards and onto the counter. Having a phone, medications and other necessities on a night stand or side table will keep you from having to get up and down. Having extra pillows and blankets already on your bed or couch can also keep you comfortable. If you have pets or children, you should make sure someone is available to care for them while you are recuperating.

On the day of your surgery, we ask that you wear no jewelry or make-up and avoid deodorant, skin lotions and perfume. We recommend warm, loose fitting clothing, such as pajamas or sweat pants with thick socks or slippers to prevent the chills commonly experienced after surgery. Please inform your surgeon if you have a cold, sore throat, active allergies or an open cut or sore on the day of your surgery.
Most of our patients will be able to go home the same day they undergo liposuction. It is important to make arrangements in advance for someone to drive you home and provide watchful care during the first 48 hours after surgery.

You’ll need help. Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery. Effective planning prior to undergoing liposuction can make your recovery as brief and relaxing as possible.

If you are want to pursue liposuction in Colombia at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, or simply want more information on these transformational procedures, please call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or schedule your consultation online.

ANESTHESIA FOR LIPOSUCTION IN COLOMBIA

Colombia liposuction patients have several options for anesthesia. For those patients interested in treating only one or two areas of their body, local anesthesia is a great option. Typically, more anesthesia is desirable when treating multiple areas or removing larger volumes of fat. During consultations with patients, we help them prioritize their goals and understand their best options, including anesthesia.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

THE TYPES OF ANESTHESIA WE USE FOR LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURES INCLUDE:

• Local anesthesia with or without oral sedation
• Local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, sometimes called “twilight” sedation
• “Light” general anesthesia, where the patient is asleep
• Full general anesthesia, where the patient is asleep and muscles are relaxed

LOCAL ANESTHESIA

Local anesthesia helps to minimize the hassle of small surgical procedures for patients. It reduces the necessary preparation, side effects, and downtime from surgery.

The local anesthesia we use involves a two-step process. We first inject the access incision sites with concentrated lidocaine. The needle is tiny and relatively painless. Once numb, we infuse a large amount of dilute local anesthesia solution into the fatty layers of tissue. We usually chat with the patient during this process so that they’re distracted. Most patients report afterward that they found the process easy and tolerable. Our experience is very helpful in making this a smooth process for my patients.

TWILIGHT ANESTHESIA

Some patients want sedation when they’re having liposuction, but want to avoid general anesthesia. Twilight anesthesia involves intravenous sedation in addition to local anesthesia as described above. If deep sedation is required for patient comfort, it’s usually better to use a light general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist.

LIGHT GENERAL ANESTHESIA

Our certified M.D. anesthesiologists commonly administer a light general anesthesia for liposuction patients. The patients are given medications in low doses that are just enough for the patient to drift off to sleep. Then the anesthesiologist places a mask in the patient’s mouth to monitor their breathing. At that point we infuse a large amount of dilute local anesthesia solution into the fatty layers so that a minimal amount of general anesthesia is required for the patient to remain asleep. After we complete the liposuction procedure, the patient awakens with no recollection of the surgery.

FULL GENERAL ANESTHESIA

For major body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks and body lifts, it is often advantageous for the anesthesiologist to relax the patient’s muscles during surgery. When necessary, this deeper level of sedation allows us to perform these larger procedures in the safest manner possible. We use only board certified M.D. anesthesiologists for general anesthesia.

ANESTHESIA TEAM

We work closely with our experienced anesthesiologists to provide personal care for each of our patients with a central focus on safety and quality. Our state of the art facilities in Cartagena are equipped with the latest technology and most modern anesthesia equipment to keep our patients safe and comfortable. We have rigorous standards for excellence, and our experienced team of nurses and support staff assist us in doing the best job possible for our patients.

If you are ready to talk more about your body contouring options, call Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia today at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or use our convenient online form to schedule a consultation online.

LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE STEPS

STEP 1 – ANESTHESIA

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

STEP 2 – THE INCISIONS, TUMESCENCE, AND LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion.

The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. After eliminating the excess fat, the incisions are closed and we apply a compression dressing or bandage to the area in order to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling, and support the affected area.

PROBLEM AREAS THAT CAN BE ADDRESSED WITH LIPOSUCTION:

• Chin and Neckline
• Back
• Upper Arms
• Stomach and Waistline
• Hips and Buttocks
• Thighs and Knees
• Calves and Ankles

STEP 3 – SEE THE RESULTS

Your improved body contour will be apparent when the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. With continued practices of healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter an otherwise permanent result.

If you are ready to talk more about your body contouring options, call Premium Care Plastic Surgery today at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or use our convenient online form to schedule a consultation online.

Premium Care Plastic Surgery in Colombia is able to offer some of the best prices on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures available, and with world class quality and an experience like no other.

Recovery after Liposuction in Colombia

Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These help to control swelling after liposuction and compress the skin to your new body contours.

In addition, small temporary drains may be placed in existing incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site(s), medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

When men and women in Cartagena consider liposuction, one question they have is how long recovery will take. The key to rapid recovery from liposuction is utilizing a technique that gives us a high level of control while causing minimal tissue trauma. Our refined techniques allow a high level of precision, minimal impact on nearby tissues, and less bruising. This means faster recovery for our patients.

ADDITIONAL STEPS WE TAKE TO ENSURE RAPID RECOVERY INCLUDE:

• Strategic operative planning, with careful consideration given to achieving the best possible result with minimal recovery time
• Gentle, efficient and precise techniques that minimize bruising and swelling
• Compression garments that help skin and underlying tissues re-adhere
• Arnica Montana supplements to minimize bruising

BE CAREFUL

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery and minimizing liposuction complications. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing in order to minimize the side effects of liposuction surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

LIPOSUCTION IN COLOMBIA  RESULTS WILL BE LONG-LASTING

It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate after liposuction surgery. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop. The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue as long as you control your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When you are ready to get rid of your unwanted bulges, don’t settle for anything less than state-of-the art techniques that get beautiful results. Find out if you are a candidate for liposuction in Cartagena at Premium Care Plastic Surgery. Then call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or use our convenient online form to request a consultation at our office conveniently located in the heart of Boca Grande, just 15 minutes from the Rafael Núñez International Airport.

LIPOSUCTION: WORDS TO KNOW

• General anesthesia: Drugs and/or gases used during an operation to relieve pain and alter consciousness.
• Hematoma: Blood pooling beneath the skin.
• Intravenous sedation: Sedatives administered by injection into a vein to help you relax.
• Liposuction: Also called lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, this procedure vacuums out fat from beneath the skin’s surface to reduce fullness.
• Local anesthesia: A drug injected directly to the site of an incision during an operation to relieve pain.

LIPOSUCTION: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you’re considering liposuction in Colombia, you probably have many questions about your options and what to expect. Our plastic surgeons at Premium Care will take the time during your consultation to address any concerns and provide thorough information. While the only way to get information that is specific for you is through a consultation, here are a few answers to FAQs we often encounter.

What is liposuction?

Sometimes called lipoplasty or liposculpture, liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized deposits of fat through tiny incisions to create a more attractive body contour. A small tube called a cannula is placed through a very small incision into the fatty layer of tissue under the skin. The cannula is connected to a vacuum and fat is removed.

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

The ideal liposuction patient has localized areas of excess fat; a bulge; or a disproportion. It is not for the overweight whose fat is evenly distributed. Overlying skin should be of good quality since it must contract over the thinned body. Patients need to be healthy enough to undergo elective surgery.

What are the most important factors to consider when deciding whether or not to get liposuction?

There is this notion in our society today that it is always better to be thinner. That is a flawed concept. What is best is to have a beautiful shape, and that often means having some degree of curves. So often people look to liposuction as an excuse for poor eating habits. The important factors to consider are whether you realistically can change your weight, and if not, the extent to which your overall shape would benefit from having an improved contour.

What are the anesthesia options for liposuction?

Anesthesia options for liposuction include local, twilight or general anesthesia. When multiple areas are treated, it’s usually best to supplement local anesthesia with either intravenous sedation or a “light” general anesthesia.

Is liposuction surgery?

Liposuction is most definitely surgery, but it is less invasive than procedures such as tummy tucks and facelifts. It may also have a faster recovery and lower complication rate than those other surgical procedures.

What is tumescent solution?

Tumescent solution is the dilute, local anesthesia solution that is infused into the fatty tissues as the first step of liposuction. The solution contains lidocaine (an anesthetic), adrenaline, and saline. This decreased both pain and blood loss during the procedure, allowing for an experience with enhanced comfort and safety.

What is the most common technique for suctioning fat during liposuction?

The basic suction-assisted liposuction method is still the technique most commonly used for removing fat. During this approach to liposuction, the surgeon’s own arm movement must transmit force to the rigid suction tube that sucks and disrupts clusters of fat cells. The vacuum suction device then removes the loose fat.

What advanced liposuction techniques are currently available at Premium Care Plastic Surgery?

At our Plastic Surgery Center in Cartagena, we use the most advanced procedural techniques to sculpt his liposuction patients. These include Tumescent Liposuction, Power Assisted Liposuction, Ultrasonic Liposuction, and Laser assisted Liposuction. The technique is important, but the surgeon’s skill is even more critical.

What is the one best way of doing liposuction?

There is not a single best way. It depends on how much fat there is, how dense the fat is, what the overlying skin is like, and a number of patient choice issues. Any physician who tells you that one method is always the best is almost certainly attempting to over promote the one technique with which they have access.

Which liposuction technique is best for me?

This important decision will be made in consultation with your surgeon. Our surgeons are internationally recognized for their body contouring procedures and have experience performing a wide range of liposuction techniques.

Are you aggressive with liposuction?

Aggressive liposuction leads to contour irregularities, asymmetries, and a non-feminine figure. It is clear that women want to be thin, but they should not lose femininity and take on the body of a boy in order to look thinner. Our advanced techniques allow us to sculpt a feminine silhouette in a way that is safe, prudent, and with a sense of proportion and balance is the way liposuction should be done.

Which method gives the best result?

The method is less important than the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure. Do not pick your surgeon on the basis of what technique they use; select your surgeon based upon the results they get. The better surgeon will always get better results regardless of technique.

How is a great liposuction result achieved:

From a technical point of view it is about a surgeon having a great eye and ability to see in three dimensions. Technical expertise is required in order to remove fat so that a smooth contour remains. But the most important factors are not technical: it is deciding what will look best cosmetically, and determining how much of a fat removal the skin will allow. On its simplest level, people want to look thinner and liposuction makes patients thinner.

While thin is a goal, it should not be the only goal; in fact looking attractive with a beautiful contour is even more important. So deciding how much to remove where is very important. It is like the old joke about the sculptor who is asked how he can sculpt an elephant from a piece of marble. And the sculpture says that all you need to do is remove what is not an elephant! So the key in liposuction is planning what really should be removed.

But even if a lot would ideally be removed, this can only be done if the skin overlying those areas is of sufficient quality to contract back after the fat is removed. Though some patients would rather be skinnier even if it means looser skin, some do not. Anticipating how the skin will retighten is an imprecise process, but it must be done and discussed with the patient in order to plan the surgery.

What areas of my body can I have liposuction on?

Almost any area of the body with excess fat can have liposuction. The most popular areas are under the chin (submental area), the arms, the chest, the back, the love handles, the stomach, the inner thigh, outer thigh, knees, and calves/ankles.

Are there any areas that are particularly well suited for liposuction?

The hip rolls or love handles are usually the best area. The skin usually contracts very well here, and there is not a tendency to develop dimpling or cellulite. Patients will more frequently complain about their stomach than this area, but it is surprising how much fat is stored in the hips, and liposuction of the hips can therefore yield a big improvement in contour. But usually any area with good, tight skin that looks relatively full does well.

Does the fat ever return after liposuction?

Fat is removed permanently with liposuction, but it doesn’t prevent weight gain in the future. Even if a patient gains weight after surgery, the areas treated with liposuction are still likely to look better than they would have without liposuction. People who gain large amounts of weight are unlikely to have ideal figures, whether or not they have liposuction.

How does the surgeon know how much fat to remove for optimal results?

Training and experience have been most helpful to us in knowing how much fat to remove for optimal results. When done well, liposuction is essentially sculpting in three dimensions. We use a combination of science, art and experience to help our patients achieve their goals.

How much fat may be removed in one liposuction procedure?

Risks from liposuction increase significantly when over 5 liters of fat are suctioned out. We usually stay below this limit for patient safety. We’ve found that we’re able to achieve dramatic improvements for our patients with 2 to 4 liters of liposuction, depending on their needs.

Is it possible to inject the fat into other areas of the body after it is removed?

The Brazilian Butt Lift is an example of a procedure we perform with fat grafts to create a buttocks with youthful curves. Many of our patients combine this procedure to liposuction to accentuate their female curves.

Who are the best candidates for liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction in Colombia have localized deposits of fat, are in good overall health and have sufficient skin elasticity. Obese patients should try to lose weight through diet and exercise. For those unsuccessful at losing weight, liposuction in limited areas may still benefit them greatly.

Is liposuction a replacement for diet and exercise?

Liposuction is not a replacement for diet and exercise. The number of pounds of fat that are removed through surgery is limited. When somebody is excessively overweight, diet and exercise should be their first priority

Should I diet and exercise to lose weight before or after liposuction?

Liposuction is an excellent way to change body contours, but it is most effective when the treatment focuses on a few problematic areas. Liposuction is best used as a treatment for diet-resistant areas of fat rather than diffuse collections of fat. Being close to your ideal weight before your procedure is helpful to obtain the best result. Our surgeons are still able to achieve satisfying improvements for most patients, even when they are still overweight. Continuing a healthy diet and exercise after liposuction is highly recommended for our Cartagena patients.

Is liposuction safe?

Liposuction is safe when performed by a well-qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Alex Campbell and Dr. Carolina Restrepo. Plastic surgeons generally have a lower complication rate with liposuction than with any other major cosmetic surgery procedure.

What types of doctors are qualified to perform liposuction?

A wide variety of providers offer cosmetic procedures, making it difficult for patients to discern quality. You should consult with only qualified plastic surgeons for surgical procedures such as liposuction. Why take a chance? Our Premium Care plastic surgeons have all been trained at prestigious plastic surgery centers, and are experienced in all of the latest liposuction technologies. Premium Care Plastic Surgery offers a specialized team and facilities that are focused on safety and quality.

What complications are possible with liposuction?

The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Liposuction has one of the lowest complication rates of any cosmetic surgery operation. Most severe complications occur in the hands of doctors who are not qualified plastic surgeons. Excessive bleeding, infection and skin damage are all rare when liposuction is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Does liposuction hurt?

Patients who have liposuction do experience discomfort, but newer techniques have reduced the amount of pain associated with liposuction procedures. The areas to be sculpted are treated with a long-acting local anesthesia solution that minimizes pain in the hours following the operation.

How will I feel right after my liposuction surgery?

Imagine that you’ve just returned from a hard work out at the gym for the first time in several months. The day after that workout, you would feel deep aching and throbbing sensations. This is what our Cartagena patients experience after undergoing a liposuction procedure — usually a throbbing or aching feeling that is easily tolerated with moderate oral pain medications.

The first day after your surgery, you have already begun your recovery. Pain medications are usually only necessary for the first few days. On days four through fourteen you will still feel sore, but significantly less than you experienced on days two and three.

What do I have to do to care for the incision?

Liposuction incisions are very small. You do not need to do anything with them right after surgery other than to be sure that there is gauze over them to absorb any fluid that will drain. Once the sutures are removed, nothing needs to be done with the incision. Scar treatments can be used, but there is no evidence that anything will actually change the fate of a liposuction incision scar.

Why do I ooze from my incision sites after liposuction?

That is because there is a lot of watery local anesthesia infiltrated and it takes a few days for the incision to heal up and prevent any more leakage.

How much oozing is normal and how long will it last?

Most patients have some blood-tinged fluid leak out through their incisions for several days after surgery. It is often enough to significantly soil bed linens.

When do the stitches need to be removed?

The liposuction sutures will come out in 4-6 days after surgery. If you had an excision from around your nipple, those stitches are absorbable.

Will there be scars?

Liposuction incisions are each about 1 cm long. There are usually two for each area that is treated. They are usually hidden in folds, stretch marks, moles, under clothing or within tattoos. They will be pink for about a year, and then tend to fade after that.

Will I lose sensitivity in the areas that were liposuctioned?

There is temporary numbness overlying the treated areas, but this will go back to normal after a few months.

How painful is the recovery?

A lot of the pain depends on the volume of liposuction being done and whether or not you needed to have an open excision. Most patients describe the pain as the soreness experienced working out too hard. It responds well to pain medicine, so when you feel the pain building, take a pain pill and you will feel better.

How much time do I need to take off from work?

Most patients will return to work within a few days of liposuction surgery. For patients who have many areas treated or who have physically active jobs, it is better to take at least a week to rest after liposuction.

What is the most important decision for a patient considering body sculpting in Cartagena?

Choosing a surgeon is the most important decision you will make when deciding to undergo body sculpting. You should make sure you choose a qualified plastic surgeon who has expertise in liposuction. The quality and experience of the surgeon is of paramount significance.

When can I drive?

You can drive when you are off of all narcotic pain medication and feel totally unrestricted by your discomfort such that you could make any movement you might need to safely drive your car. That is ultimately a decision that we cannot make for you.

When can I travel by airplane?

There is nothing about airplane travel that poses a risk to liposuction. It is just a matter of getting out of your initial, padded liposuction garments and when you will feel well enough to travel. This is usual about five days after surgery.

When can I resume exercise?

We suggest you wait 3 weeks to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore. But you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.

What is considered to be exercise?

Elevating your heart rate or blood pressure, bleeding hard, or straining or sweating. But light walking is beneficial starting the day of surgery.

Does not being able to exercise then exclude sex?

Sex can be resumed as you feel comfortable. Most often patients hit their level of comfort in 3-7 days. Again, respect the fact that you have undergone surgery and try to avoid the manipulation of the incisions.

When can I lift my child?

You can lift a cooperative child that is up to 35 pounds right away. But don’t try to pick up your child if he or she is upset.

When can I drink alcohol?

You can drink a glass of wine right after liposuction surgery. Just wait until you are done with medications and antibiotics before drinking more than that.

When can I smoke cigarettes?

Cigarettes are not just bad for your health, but they can reduce wound healing after surgery. But of all surgeries, liposuction is the least susceptible to problems from smoking.

When can I sunbathe?

There are no restrictions about going into the sun after liposuction.

When can I shower/take a bath?

You can shower as soon as you are told the dressing can come off, which is typically 48 after liposuction. Wait about a week before immersing yourself in a bath.

What will my post-operative appointment schedule be like?

You will usually be seen the day after surgery, four or five days later for suture removal, at one month, three months, and yearly thereafter. But is determined according to the patient progress and we will see patients as often as they wish to be seen or have questions.

How long does the swelling last?

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

Once the swelling subsides, how much smaller will I be?

You will be as much smaller as the amount of fat that is removed. Some times only a little bit is removed and only you will feel or see a small difference. In other situations the change is dramatic and you need to get an entirely new wardrobe.

Can any medications help during my recovery?

Arnica Montana is a wonderful homeopathic medication used to help reduce bruising and swelling. It can be applied to the skin as a cream or gel, or swallowed in tablet form. Our doctors have found Arnica Montana to be beneficial for liposuction patients.

What is my next step?

If you are want to pursue liposuction in Colombia at Premium Care Plastic Surgery, or simply want more information on these transformational procedures, please call us at (+57) 312 545 5569 in Cartagena and (+1) 305 848 1909 in United States or use our convenient online form to schedule a consultation online.