Cosmetic Procedures/Photos
- Liposuction -
 
Click any image for a larger view.
Before After
Age: 30
Liposuction of the abdomen, hips, lateral and medial thighs
Total aspirated: 3325cc
Before After
Age: 18
Liposuction of the lateral and medial thighs
Total aspirated: 600cc
Before After
Age: 27
Liposuction of the abdomen, flanks, lateral thighs, and medial thighs.
Total aspirated: 2575cc
Before After
Age: 34
Liposuction of abdomen, hips, lateral and medial thighs and knees
Total aspirated:1500 total cc
Before After
Age: 44
Liposuction of the hips and lateral thighs
Total Aspirated: 1300cc
Before After
Age: 44
Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks.
Total aspirated: 1350cc
Before After
Age: 43
Liposuction of the abdomen, lateral mammary folds, hips, lateral and medial thighs and medial knees.
Total aspirated: 2890cc
Before After
Age: 38
Liposuction of abdomen, flanks and male breast reduction, gynecomastia
Total aspirated:3350cc
Before After
Age: 27
Liposuction of the abdomen and flanks.
Total aspirated: 2525cc
Before After
Age: 43
Total aspirated: 1350cc
Liposuction of the abdomen and lumbar regions
Before After
Age: 39
Total Aspirated: 1800cc
Liposuction of Abdomen
Before After
Age: 36
Liposuction of the abdomen
Total aspirated: 1800cc
Before After
Age: 41
Liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and medial thighs
Total aspirated: 3900cc
Before After
 
   

Description: Liposuction

Suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) is a surgical procedure performed to remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the body.   Liposuction is not a surgical treatment for being overweight.  Obese individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone surgery until they are able to maintain a stable weight.

The best candidates for liposuction are individuals of relatively normal weight who have localized areas of excess fat that have not responded to dieting and exercise.  Having firm, elastic skin will generally result in a better contour following liposuction.  Liposuction will not improve skin tone and will not improve areas of dimpled skin (cellulite).

Areas commonly treated by liposuction include the abdomen, "love handles", hips, thighs, inner knees, chest (in men), arms, and chin.

Dr. Friedman generally performs tumescent liposuction to minimize bleeding and bruising after surgery.  Tumescent liposuction involves the infiltration of fluid containing lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (adrenaline) into areas of excess fat.  A hollow metal tube (cannula) is then inserted through quarter-inch skin incisions and passed back and forth through the fatty deposit.  The cannula is attached to a vacuum source to remove the fat.   Depending on the areas treated, fat removal may vary from several ounces to several pounds.

Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure.  To maximize your comfort, a general anesthetic is used most frequently.  Pain medication is necessary for 7 to 10 days following surgery.  Most patients return to light activities within 3 to 5 days, depending on the areas treated.  A compression garment must be worn over the surgical site for 1 to 2 months to maximize the surgical result.

When you visit our office, Dr. Friedman will discuss your specific concerns.  He will give you a realistic expectation of what you can expect from surgery.  We will also show you "before and after" photos of liposuction procedures performed by Dr. Friedman.  If you wish to speak to other patients who have undergone these procedures, we will provide you with phone numbers.

Pre- & Post-operative Instructions:

One week before surgery:

  1. Do not take aspirin-containing products, as these may increase your risk of bleeding. Use extra-strength Tylenol for any headaches or other minor pains.
  2. Please notify Dr. Friedman's staff if you become sick with a fever, significant cough, etc. If necessary, your surgery can be rescheduled to a time when you are feeling better.
  3. Do not smoke at all or use a nicotine patch for at least two weeks (and preferably 4 weeks) prior to surgery and 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking interferes with wound healing and increases your risk for anesthetic and surgical complications.
  4. Arrange to have a relative or friend drive you home after surgery and stay with you for the evening. You cannot drive yourself home.

The evening before surgery:

  1. Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time.
  2. Make some jello and/or soup for after surgery. Have some juice in your refrigerator.
  3. The anesthesiologist will contact you by phone to discuss your medical history and to answer any questions.
  4. Day of surgery: before you leave home
  5. Remember not to eat, drink, or smoke. This includes no chewing gum, mints, etc.
  6. Make sure someone is available to drive you home. Put a pillow and blanket in the car.
  7. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy make-up, jewelry, or contact lenses. Please do not use any lotion, baby oil, perfume or powder. LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME!

Day of surgery: at the facility before surgery

  1. Dr. Friedman will talk to you before surgery to answer any last-minute questions. He mark your areas of undesirable fat to help him accurately plan your surgery.
  2. You will meet the anesthesiologist and surgical nurses.

Day of surgery: at the facility after surgery

  1. You will be taken to the recovery area to wake up after surgery. Dr. Friedman will go to the waiting room to speak to your family/friends.
  2. Approximately 1 hour later, your family can visit you. Once you are feeling well enough, you may go home.

At home after surgery:

  1. Have someone stay with you for the first night. You may be weak and drowsy.
  2. Take the antibiotics (3 times daily), pain medication (as needed), and anti-nausea medicine (as needed) that Dr. Friedman has prescribed for you.
  3. Sleep with your head elevated. Sleep on your back (not your stomach or side).
  4. Leave the compression garment on for 3 days. On the third day after surgery, you may temporarily remove the garment and the underlying foam padding and begin showering. Wash your garment and then put it back on. You may shower daily
  5. It is common to experience temporary drainage from the incision sites, which may be blood-stained. If the drainage is bloody and persistent, contact Dr. Friedman.
  6. If you experience a prolonged fever (oral temperature greater than 101), contact Dr. Friedman.
  7. Call Dr. Friedman's office to arrange your first follow-up visit.

Your first follow-up visit (about 1 week after surgery):

  1. Dr. Friedman will examine the suctioned areas and the overlying incisions. The suctioned areas will be swollen and firm. Over the next 3 to 6 months, the areas will gradually soften and the swelling will resolve.
  2. You should massage the suctioned areas aggressively beginning 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. This will help smooth any irregularities or areas of firmness. If you would like, we will provide you the phone number of a licensed massage therapist.
  3. Wear the compression garment all day and all night during the first month. Wear the garment at least 12 hours per day (or night) for the second month. You may wish to wear elastic support hose for a few weeks to prevent ankle and foot swelling (if you have had liposuction of the thighs or knees).
  4. You may gradually resume light exercise 2 to 3 weeks after surgery and unrestricted exercise at 6 weeks after surgery.
  5. You may not drive while you are taking the prescription pain medication. You may begin driving (preferably an automatic transmission) about 7 to 10 days after surgery. Please avoid freeways and tollways until you feel comfortable with city driving.
  6. The incisions may become increasingly firm and red for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. After this, they will gradually soften and fade. Final results are at about 1 year after surgery. Avoid direct exposure of the incisions to the sun or tanning booths for 6 months.

Please feel free to ask Dr. Friedman or his staff about any additional questions or concerns.

Return to top