Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, M.D. Fairfield,
Connecticut
When is the optimal time for my
surgery?
Being in the best shape, mentally, physically and skin wise, as
well as
being close to your optimal weight is always best. The bulging
and laxity
you see will not improve with exercise. The position of fat on
the body is
genetically determined. You may not be able to recontour areas
that
bulge with diet and exercise.
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Will there be loose skin?
The quality of skin before surgery determines how the skin
tightens or
shrinks during the year after healing. The more stretched the
skin is before
the procedure the less it will tighten.
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Will I have all the bulges smoothed out?
Every effort will be made to sculpt and contour your body. Not
every
area will have the same result. Once in a while a second
sculpting or
liposuction procedure will give added results. We would not
contemplate
this for 6 months to a year after the first surgery, as healing
takes at least 1
year to be complete. There will be additional fees for the
second procedure.
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Can I have only one area suctioned?
Usually, it is necessary to contour multiple areas to offer you
the best
results. The body is uneven on both sides and needs to be made
more
symmetrical where possible.
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What are the common areas that require liposuction?
Usually, the problematic areas are the hips, inner and outer
thighs, inner
knees, abdomen, upper back below the bra, upper arms and under
the
chin. Men require the spare tire and occasionally the breast
areas.
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Where is the surgery performed?
Surgery is either at a private surgical facility or at
Bridgeport Hospital.
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What will I need before surgery?
You may be asked to obtain a medical evaluation by your family
physician to ensure that you are in the best possible health.
Will I stay overnight?
No, you will go home the same day.
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Will there be drainage?
Fluid is placed under the skin to aide in fat removal and to
afford you the
greatest comfort during and after surgery. Some of this pink or
bloodtinged
fluid will leak out from the small cut for 2-3 days following
surgery.
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Will I wear a garment?
You will be given two supportive garments to be worn for at
least 3 weeks.
You may shower the following day after surgery. When you resume
more
active exercise in 3-4 weeks, it is recommended that you wear an
elastic
sports garment for support.
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Will smoking effect my healing?
Yes- The effect of each cigarette lasts 12 hours on the blood
vessels, and
the smoke is toxic. Consequently, smoking causes the skin to
heal poorly
and the complications associated with smoking are tremendous.
Even
second hand smoke during the weeks before and after surgery will
adversely affect your results. Stopping is a must before and
after any operation.
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Type of Anesthesia:
You are gently put to sleep so that you will be comfortable
throughout the
operation. Once asleep, I will place a local anesthetic under
the skin so
that you will feel no discomfort and the amount of medicine you
receive
during the operation will be minimized. By putting you to sleep
your heart
rate, blood pressure, and amount of oxygen will be optimized.
Rest
assured that being asleep for hours is generally very safe, so
the 2.5-3.5
hours you sleep will be just fine.
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How long will the surgery take?
I take my time and like to be meticulous. That means not rushing
through
your surgery to work on another patient. In addition, there are
many
things that must be done before the operation can even start,
including
washing and preparing the area, making sure that your body is
well
cushioned, and placing your legs in special boots to compress
them
during the surgery. Likewise, at the end of surgery I need to
wash you and
apply a special well padded dressing. I will also wait in
recovery after the
surgery to be certain that all is going well before I leave.
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What can I expect?
Within a few weeks you will note an improvement in your shape.
Large
bulging areas will be smoother and better contoured. Clothing
that used
to bind you in these spots will fit much better. The improvement
will be
evident in weeks, but the final results will take at least one
year.
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When can I shower?
The day after surgery.
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Where are the scars?
The scars are scattered about the areas to be suctioned. Where
possible
they are placed in areas less visible. These scars take one year
to finish
healing. They are permanent but on the small side.
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Will I hurt?
Generally, there is moderate discomfort for the first week that
is relieved
with pain medication that I will prescribe for you. The second
week after
surgery the discomfort is minimal.
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When I can resume activities?
It is best to relax for the first 10 days. Bruising is
variable and usually
located in the areas suctioned. However, do to gravity, the
swelling and
bruising may descend to lower positions. After 3 weeks you
should be
almost back to your old self except with a new and improved
body. It is
not a good idea to exercise or increase your heart rate for 3
weeks from
the time of surgery, and no vigorous lifting or exercise for 6
weeks from
surgery. This will help to diminish your swelling and improve
the rate at
which you heal.
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When can I drive again?
When you can move about without any discomfort and are not on
any
pain or muscle relaxant medications. This is usually, between 7
and 10 days.
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What can I do to expedite my healing?
We will give you a set of guidelines that tells you what
medicines to stay
away from and which vitamins to take. Not allowing anyone to
smoke in
your presence for several weeks, using ice often, resting,
maintaining a
low salt diet, and having a positive attitude all go a long way
to assisting
your recovery.
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When will I see you again?
Depending upon the combination of surgeries, you will revisit
the office
within 7-8 days. There will be multiple visits (which are
included in your
care) to evaluate your progress and support your healing needs.
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Are there any additional fees to what was quoted?
If the surgery takes a bit longer (as there is never a rush) you
may owe a
bit more for the operating room and anesthesia. If future
surgery or
procedures are necessary there will be additional fees for
anesthesia, the
operating room, and the surgeon.
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