How Is Liposuction Done?

By Millicent Odunze, M.D., About.com Guide

Updated September 28, 2011

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Depending on your surgeon’s preference, your incisions may be left to heal without any stitches (open drainage) or they may be closed with suture (closed drainage). In some cases, small tubes/drains will be placed at the incision sites to help drain excess fluid. Your surgeon may put steri-strips or another type of bandage onto your incisions. She may also place a type of absorbent bandage instead of or in addition to the steri-strips. Whether or not your incisions have been closed with suture, you will experience drainage of fluid from your incisions. This can be quite alarming to you or those around you if you are not expecting this drainage. Drainage after liposuction is normal for 24-48 hours after surgery.

Previous

• The areas to be liposuctioned are marked.
• Anesthesia is administered.
• The incisions are made.
• Tumescent fluid is injected into the fat.
• The fat is suctioned.
• The incisions are closed.
• A compression garment is placed onto the patient.

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