Liposuction

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Liposuction is performed by inserting a hollow tube, or cannula, through very small, inconspicuous incisions to remove fatty deposits with suction. Medicated fluid is first infiltrated into the area to ease suctioning and minimize bleeding. Liposuction is ideal for treating isolated areas of excess fat where the overlying skin has good elasticity. Patients should be at a stable body weight. If the overlying skin is loose, the results of liposuction may be suboptimal.

Liposculpture refers to liposuction done to more finely contour specific areas. Sometimes fat is injected back into other areas (lipotransfer, or fat grafting) to "fill out" the area.
Local anesthesia with or without sedation can be used to treat small areas with liposuction, although more significant liposuction is best performed with a light, general anesthesia. The surgery is performed in the fully accredited, on-site surgical center on an outpatient basis.
Swelling is normal post-operatively, and Dr. Wilke provides a compression garment to be worn for 3-6 weeks after surgery to help minimize the swelling.