Cosmetic Surgery Medical Tourism Philippines: Post-Op Care and Instructions before and after undergoing Liposuction
Laser Liposuction / SMART Lipo
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide by certified cosmetic plastic surgeons. The three most commonly performed techniques are the tumescent or superwet liposuction, Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty and Laser or SMART Liposuction. The tumescent or super-wet technique requires an infusion of saline solution mixed with adrenaline to facilitate the aspiration or removal of excess fat. Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty uses ultrasonic energy that liquefies the fat prior to surgical suctioning. While Laser or SMART liposuction is quite similar with ultrasound assisted technique in which fats is initially dissolve and then aspirated. There was a sudden increase in demand for SMART/Laser liposuction and Ultrasound lipoplasty when this was introduced in the market because it was believed to have more superior results than the traditional method. However, in our experience, the advantage that Laser Liposuction offers patients are improved pain control after surgery and body swelling is significantly less compared to the traditional tumescent technique. With regards to the result, all the 3 techniques are just the same. There is no superiority of one method over the other in attaining a pleasing body contour.
Whether the procedure will be performed as an Out-Patient or as a hospital procedure, preoperative laboratory and medical clearance (For patient 40 y/o and above, Medical condition that required treatment) is required. This is done a day before the surgery. The procedure can be performed either under local anesthesia or deep sedation depending on the extent of the procedure. After the procedure, incision site will soak for 2 to 3 days and eventually dries on the 4th to 5th day. All patients are instructed to strictly apply or wear pressure garments for 2 to 3 weeks at all body parts addressed by liposuction. The pressure garment will help the skin redrape to underlying muscles thus obliterating the space left after aspirating the fat and also control the swelling. This will assist and enhance the healing process. Sutures are removed on the 7th or 9th day after surgery.
Patients are always advised that there will be swelling and some bruising after the surgery. This is temporary and may resolve after 1 to 2 weeks. The initial result may be noted after 2 to 4 weeks since much of the swelling had subsided. However, the final result will be appreciated by the 2nd to 6th month after surgery. Patients are advised to avoid the following for 2 to 3 weeks before surgery; smoking, alcoholic beverages, steroids, NSAIDs or pain medications like mefenamic acids and naproxen, herbal tea, herbal medications, Vitamin E, blood thinning medications like aspirin, heparin and coumadin, regulated drugs like valium, prohibited drugs like methamphetamines, diet pills and oral contraceptive pills. These medications and social activity may delay healing, prolong bleeding during surgery and may interact with the medications used during surgery. It is advised that patients discuss this further with their surgeon to minimize possible risks and complications.
Patients planning to have this procedure will be required to allot 8 to 14 days for the initial consultation, laboratory, medical clearance, surgery, follow up, suture removal and early recuperation. After this, the patient is safe to travel since all wounds are already dry and healed. Cosmetic Philippines staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.
The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary. The decision to have liposuction is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.
For more information about the procedure, before and after photos you may visit www.cosmeticplasticsurgery.ph or www.philippinecosmetic.com
