Liposuction in Costa Rica

WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?

Liposuction improves body contour as it removes unwanted fat deposits from specific areas in women and in men. Through a small incision, a small tube or cannula is used to suck fat accumulation.

A suction lipoplasty is not a substitute for weight reduction, but it is a method for removing localized fat that does not respond well to diet or exercise. It is a body contouring procedure that removes the bumps to create a more aesthetic body profile.

This surgery is usually performed when the fat cells to be treated have been infused with a saline solution containing epinephrine to decrease blood loss, allowing them to be extracted more easily and reducing post-surgical discomfort. The most common areas where liposuction is performed chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen and back, thighs, buttocks, knee area and calf.

Several types of techniques are used in liposuction; however, the ‘traditional’ method performed by Dr. Badilla remains the most commonly used by surgeons worldwide.

Technique: 

The procedure lasts approximately from 1 to 3 hours. It depends on the areas that need to be treated.

A liposuction is usually done under anesthesia, but the type used depends on the amount of fat that is planned to suck out and from which part of the body will be removed or extracted. For small areas, Dr. Badilla can use local anesthesia (which numbs only the region to try). Usually, the doctor administered a sedative (oral or injected) with local anesthesia to relax the patient. Alternatively, one can provide an epidural, which blocks the sensations of an entire part of the body (e.g., hip down). Complete anesthesia also can be used when a large amount of fat will be removed. As with most liposuction procedures that are currently performed, the doctor injects local anesthetic as part of a fluid mixture.

When the patient is properly anesthetized, Dr. Badilla continues to make a small incision in the area where fat will be removed. Then, through this opening, he inserts a hollow tube made of stainless steel (called a cannula) to reach the lower layers of fat. Working with these layers is much safer to work with layers and no risk of damaging the skin. The doctor will continue to pull the tube as it passes through the layers of fat, as the cannula is been move, it breaks up or fragments the localized fat cells while a suction pump removes it from the body.

When finished, small stitches are apply in the incisions. You need to use a compression garment or girdle around the region suctioned to prevent excessive inflammation and accelerate the recovery process for at least three weeks. Micropore ® should be used for no rubbing or friction points directly to the wound with dressing while protecting the wound.

Risks: 

Each medical or surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk. To minimize the risks of liposuction and side effects, patients should learn about the different types of liposuction procedures, while talking about their expectations and concerns with your doctor.

Possible risks of liposuction:

With any type of cosmetic surgery, including liposuction, complications can occur but are rare. Some dangers of liposuction include infection, reaction to anesthesia, blood clotting, and fluid loss. Risks of liposuction include less severe “bruising” and scars, problems with numbness of the skin, and moderate, such as changes in skin pigmentation.

Complications of liposuction may include:

  • Infección
  • Prolonged healing time
  • Inflammation
  • Allergic reaction to medication or anesthesia
  • Fat or blood clots: clots can migrate to the lungs and lead to death.
  • Excessive loss of fluids: fluid loss can cause shock and in some cases, death.
  • The accumulation of liquid – liquid should be drained
  • Friction burns
  • Damage to the skin or nerves
  • Damage to organs

Serious complications of liposuction:

Serious complications associated with liposuction are rare but must be taken into account when deciding whether liposuction is right for you. Serious complications include adverse reactions to anesthesia, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrhythmia, internal blood clots, excessive bleeding, serious drug interactions, and allergic reactions to medications, permanent nerve damage, seizures and brain damage from anesthesia.

Dangers of excessive liposuction:

The most common dangers of liposuction include risks associated with the removal of excess fat from specific areas, at a time and have too much liposuction on a single day. Excessive liposuction can cause problems such as subsidence, bumps and sagging skin. In order to minimize surgical complications and side effects of overexposure to anesthesia, patients should schedule multiple liposuction procedures at least several days apart.

Minimization of complications:

Minor complications of liposuction, problems, and general dissatisfaction can be minimized by fully understanding the risks and benefits associated with liposuction and by having realistic expectations. It is very important to choose a plastic surgeon that goes on to explain clearly and thoroughly the possible side effects and risks of liposuction.

To maximize the success of liposuction surgery and minimize the risk of complications, always follow your plastic surgeon for surgical preparation and postoperative care. If you smoke, your plastic surgeon will advise you to leave four weeks before and after liposuction surgery. You can also choose another way to eliminate fat. There are non surgical alternatives available for patients who are not good candidates for liposuction or just prefer other methods.