tive fibrous tissue
that connects the skin and the underlying muscle fascia. The construction
and amount of these bands differ from one area of the body to another and
also from individual to individual. In women with cellulites these fibrous
bands or septa have a more vertical arrangement compared to the oblique
position of the bands commonly seen in men.
Skin that has developed cellulite is difficult to improve with liposuction
treatment. A new method for external treatment of "cellulites” has
been described: endermology. This is a type of external vacuum machine which
gives the skin a special type of massage. After 10 to 20 treatments (once
a week) many patients experience improved structure of the skin. It has
also been demonstrated in limited investigations that endermology improves
the result after a liposuction operation.
Preparing for the
operation
At the consultation,
the doctor examines the patientms general health, the nature and location
of the fat deposits, and the elasticity of the overlying skin. One of the
most important purposes of the visit is to give the patient a realistic
idea of what can and can not be achieved by the liposuction.
If the operation is
to be a large one, blood tests may be made and an ECG or lung x-ray may
also be required.
The patient should be healthy, rested and in good physical and psychological
condition for the operation. If there is any medical doubt about whether
the body can take the operation, it should not be done. An examination by
an internal medicine specialist is sometimes recommended beforehand, so
that the margin of safety will be as large as possible and the risks of
the procedure as small as possible.
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin etc.) should not be taken for two weeks prior
to surgery or a week afterward, since it tends to encourage bleeding. After
the operation the patient will be given a prescription for analgesic tablets
that do not affect the coagulation of the blood. The risks of smoking are
not particularly large with liposuction, but it is still a good idea to
refrain.
On the morning before surgery (or the evening before, if the operation is
scheduled before lunch) the patient should shower and shampoo. On the day
of the operation, no food
