Panama Medical Vacations

Liposuction
Liposuction is the process of surgically removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. This procedure is also known as lipoplasty. There are various procedures used, but all involve pumping fat out of the body. The process is considered low risk and beneficial to the overall appearance. Your surgeon at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, can help you pick the proper procedure for your wants and needs.

Prior to Surgery
Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure
The areas to be treated by liposuction are numbed first with a tiny injection of standard local anesthetic, just as would be the case for the removal of a mole or skin lesion. A very small incision is then made in this anesthetized area. A very narrow infusion instrument is then inserted into the incision, and a very dilute local anesthetic solution is then delivered to the fatty tissues. This process continues until the fat tissue is plumped up, or aerated.

The same tiny incision that was used to infuse the tumescent anesthetic solution is used to remove the fat. About 10-20 minutes after an area is infused, it becomes numb, and the actual removal of fat by liposuction is performed. The fat is suctioned away via a very thin tube-like instrumentwhich has small openings or slits about half an inch from its rounded tip. The other end of the instrument is attached to a hose which is connected to a collection vessel and to a vacuum source, an aspirator. The instrument is moved back and forth, that is advancing and withdrawing, throughout the fatty area which is to be reduced.

After Your Surgery
After the liposuction is complete, you will be placed in a compression garment, and receive post-operative instructions. After you have been briefly monitored to ensure that you are feeling fine and doing well, you can be taken home by a friend or relative.

Risks
As with any type of surgical procedure, there are risks involved. Although liposuction is considered one of the safest cosmetic surgeries, patients should be aware of the dangers. Some risk factors include scarring, adverse drug reactions, shock, infections, nerve damage, bleeding and blood clots, and asymmetry (uneven removal of fat deposits). Those with a history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood-pressure, allergies and smoking should discuss their medical history thoroughly with their surgeon to determine their risk of complications with this surgery.

While there is always an element of risk, having an American-trained surgeon, a professional staff and a world-class hospital make your Panama brow lift at Hospital Punta Pacifica, Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, a safe and rewarding procedure.