Liposuction


Related Terms

  • Abdominoplasty
  • Liposculpture
  • Reduction of Adipose Tissue
  • Suction Assisted Lipectomy
  • Suction Lipectomy
  • Tumescent Liposuction

Specialists

  • Dermatologist
  • Plastic Surgeon

Comorbid Conditions

Factors Influencing Duration

The extent of the surgery, specifically the location and size of the area involved, and any associated complications from the procedure would influence the length of disability.

Medical Codes

ICD-9-CM:
86.8 - Repair and Reconstruction of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue, Other
86.83 - Size Reduction Plastic Operation; Liposuction; Reduction of Adipose Tissue: Abdominal Wall (Pendulous), Arm (Batwing), Buttock, Thighs (Trochanteric Lipomatosis

Definition

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove unwanted fat (adipose) tissue. Also known as suction lipectomy, the procedure is performed with a suction pump device and typically focuses on fatty areas around the abdomen, upper thighs, breasts, face, and upper arms.

Liposuction is generally performed for cosmetic reasons—to remove specific areas of excess fat that have remained despite diet and/or exercise. Occasionally liposuction may be performed to remove benign fatty tumors (lipomas). It is the most common type of plastic surgery done in the US.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor



Reason for Procedure

Liposuction is usually performed for cosmetic purposes. However, it is occasionally used for removing benign fatty tumors or treating enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia). The procedure is not appropriate as an alternative to diet and exercise or for removing large amounts of excessive body weight. Rather, it is used for pockets of fat in particular areas of the body.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor



How Procedure is Performed

Liposuction involves making an incision in the skin, inserting a narrow tube (cannula), and applying suction to remove fat (also known as Suction Assisted Liposuction or SAL). A commonly used method (known as the Fluid Injection technique) involves injecting a medicated solution before the fat is removed. The fluid is a saline solution with a local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictive drug to control bleeding. A newer technique involves a cannula that emits ultrasonic energy to liquify the fat (Ultrasound Assisted Lipoplasty). Depending on the technique used and the size of the area involved, the procedure may be done under local or general anesthetic, and in a hospital or outpatient setting.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor



Prognosis

In most cases, recovery is uneventful and the procedure results in an improved appearance. However, as with any surgical procedure, complications are possible, the most serious being shock from fluid loss, and pulmonary thromboembolism.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor



Complications

Complications include shock, hemorrhage, infection, blood or fat clots, and pulmonary edema and/or cardiac arrest due to excessive fluid administration during the surgery.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor



Return to Work (Restrictions / Accommodations)

If the job is sedentary, the individual may be able to resume regular duties within a few days. If the job is particularly strenuous, temporary reassignment may be necessary.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor



References

General

Shelton, Ron. "Tumescent Liposuction." eMedicine. Eds. Shobana Shood, et al. 7 Dec. 2004. Medscape. 21 May 2005 <http://emedicine.com/derm/topic526.htm>.

Grazer, Frederick M., and Rudolph H. de Jong. "Fatal Outcomes From Liposuction: Census Survey of Cosmetic Surgeons." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 105 (2000): 436-446.

Source: Medical Disability Advisor






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