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Liposuction of the Neck

LIPOSUCTION

1. Description

Suction of fatty tissue from such areas as the stomach, love handles, thighs, knees, face, neck, etc. is the most popular cosmetic procedure performed in the United States. In fact, since its inception into the U.S. in 1983 (it originally started in France in 1976), suction lipectomy has become the fastest growing operation performed by plastic surgeons. Basically, if there is a fatty deposit in a conspicuous portion of the body, it can be removed with suction.

Dr. Clavin has been performing suction lipectomy since 1983 on thousands of patients with no complications. It is done safely in the office (or hospital at the patient's request) with an anesthesiologist in attendance. No compromises are made -- PATIENT'S SAFETY COMES FIRST. The patient remembers little of the procedure, often having amnesia for the total event. Usually, within one hour after completion of the operation, the patient is home with a binder in position over the suctioned area.

This unique operation involves removing undesirable body fat that has been amenable to removal by other methods, such as weight reduction, exercise or massage. Small pin point surgical incisions are made at various inconspicuous locations and through these incisions a high powered suction is inserted, utilizing specialized tubing and cannulas. No harm is done to muscles, tendons, or nerves. Postoperative discomfort is minimal. A binder is worn for two or three weeks, day and night. It may be taken off for bathing, showering, cleaning or going to the bathroom. The object of the binder is to keep swelling down in the operative site. Therefore, the more it is worn, the faster swelling will disappear.

2. Extent of Body Change

Don't expect a major change in weight. You will, however, notice a significant contour change in the area treated. Examples: your clothing will be loose, belts will have to be tighter, bulges are gone, etc. Since fat cells are removed, you will never bulge as much as before in the treated area, even if you gain weight. The extent of fat cells removed varies tremendously from one area to another. Example: small amounts of fat from the face and neck can be removed with suction or a large amount of fat removed from the stomach and hip area. Up to 3000 cc's (3 quarts) of fat may be removed safely in an office setting. Multiple separate staged procedures may be necessary for patients with extensive fatty deposits. Suction is not a substitute for generalized obesity.

3. Convalescence

The recovery period from suction lipectomy is amazingly fast especially with the new tumescent technique. Even when large amounts of fat are removed, the patient usually feels quite well within one to three days. Patients are usually able to go back to work within three days or less. Binders should be worn most of the time for the first few weeks. Pain is usually minimal, easily handled with a few pain and sleeping pills. Bruises last for up to two weeks. Makeup may be used to cover black and blue areas, if desired. Swelling and some irregularities may last up to three months -- so be patient. Most individuals, however, after one week begin to notice the very exciting results achieved. With proper binders in position, you may begin walking, along with limited exercises almost immediately. Showers may be taken starting the first day after surgery.

4. Age

The age of patients treated has expanded tremendously in recent years. Originally reserved for the younger person, suction is now performed on all ages -- from teenagers to people in their seventies. Most people in good health can have fat removed by suction. However, the final decision must rest between yourself and the plastic surgeon. Dr. Clavin reviews with all patients their desires and he in turn will determine whether you are a potential candidate. Often, suction of fat is performed at the same time as other plastic surgical procedures, such as face lifts, tummy tucks, breast reductions, etc.

5. Complication

Any surgical procedure has potential complications. In capable hands suction lipectomy has proved very safe.

6. Patient Acceptance

Suction lipectomy is becoming widely accepted as a major breakthrough in treating body contour deformities in a relatively simple way. It has opened up new dimensions to treat fat tissue deformities that up to just recently required major surgical procedures. Dr. Clavin has found patient acceptance of this technique amazingly enthusiastic. For information on even newer procedures, such as FAT INJECTION to build up contour deformities, ask the office. Three months are needed to truly appreciate the results of suction - so PLEASE DON'T ANALYZE THE FINAL RESULTS UNTIL THAT TIME HAS PASSED.