Liposuction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis in an ambulatory surgery center. The surgical procedure lasts from 1-3 hours, depending upon the number of areas being treated, and is typically performed under general anesthesia. Many patients worry about the risk of general anesthesia, but it is very safe and it assures that you will be completely comfortable during surgery.
Prior to liposuction surgery you will be required to obtain routine bloodwork and in some cases preoperative clearance from your primary medical doctor. Medical photographs will be taken by Dr. Naidu prior to surgery.
The evening before surgery, you should not eat or drink anything after midnight. This ensures that you will have an empty stomach prior to surgery, which is very important for your anesthesiologist to care for you safely. You will meet with the anesthesiologist prior to surgery, who will perform a brief medical history and answer any questions you may have. If you have had prior reactions to anesthesia such as nausea or vomiting, please let him or her know so that these items can be addressed with medication. Your anesthesiologist and surgeon need to know about all medications you have been taking, including herbals and alcohol and drug use, to ensure the safest possible procedure.
Dr. Naidu will also meet with you immediately prior to surgery to make several marks on the site of treatment for use during the procedure, and to answer any additional questions you might have.
Following surgery, small dressings will be placed over the incisions and a compression garment will be applied. Special wraps, pumps, and drains are generally unnecessary and are not used. Some patients may wish to purchase a second garment for use, in order to allow one to be washed while the other one is worn. Continuous use of the garment is recommended for two to six weeks following surgery as it assists in reduction of swelling.