Liposuction is also defined as lipoplasty, which is the surgical procedure indicated to remove localized fat that does not respond to traditional diets, physical exercises, and that does not decrease with balanced food. It is recommended for patients with good skin elasticity and appropriate subcutaneous tissue consistency. It is important to remember that Liposuction should not be understood as a weight loss method. Its application aims at restoring a harmonious contour for body shape by removing excessive localized fat.

TECHNIQUE:
Liposuction is performed through an incision of about 5 mm near the liposuction area. Through this orifice, a thin cannula connected to a special vacuum cleaner is inserted for the fat removal. The limit that is adopted in Liposuction is up to 5% of the body weight liter volume, i.e., from a 60 kg person, it is possible to eliminate up to 3 liters of fat. If it is necessary to remove a larger amount of fat, other surgical stages may be programmed to achieve a definitive result.

AREAS:
Liposuction may be performed in various parts of the body, with better results on the thigh sides (saddlebags), under the chin (double chin), inner thighs, anterior abdomen, lateral abdomen (waist), back and buttocks.

RESULTS:
The surgery results start to be observed more clearly about 30 days after its execution, time in which an edema (swelling) reduction is observed. The definitive results may be observed between the 3rd and 6th month.

PERIOD OF HOSPITALIZATION:
12 to 24 hours.

SURGICAL TIME:
1 to 3 hours, depending on the amount of Liposuction areas.

ANESTHESIA:
Local (for small areas), epidural or general (when several areas of the body are sucked).

POST-OPERATIVE:
To avoid pain, the patient shall maintain relative rest for 5 days after surgery. Ecchymosis (bruises) often arise in the liposuction areas, which disappear until the fourth week. It is necessary to use elastic shapers, specific compressive for liposuction areas, for at least ninety days. The free exposure to the sun is only authorized after the ecchymosis disappearance. The practice of physical exercises is authorized after 30 days. It is very important that the patient starts the lymphatic drainage as soon as possible, since it decreases ecchymosis and reduces the edema, thereby facilitating the recovery.