Glossary
Anesthetic. drugs that cause the loss of feeling or sensation.
Canula (or cannula). a hollow pen-like instrument or tube used to draw off fluid.
Edema. swelling caused by large amount of fluid in cells or tissues.
Emboli. something that blocks a blood vessel. See embolism.
Embolism. the blocking of a blood vessel or organ by pieces of matter such as fat.
Emulsify. to break up into small pieces.
Epinephrine. a drug injected before liposuction to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
Infection. invasion by and multiplication of bacteria or microorganisms that can produce tissue injury.
Lidocaine. an anesthetic that may be injected in large amounts of liquid during liposuction.
Lipoplasty. another name for liposuction.
Liposuction. a usually cosmetic surgical procedure in which fat is removed from a specific area of the body, by means of suction.
Necrotizing Faciitis. a bacterial infection in which bacteria infect and kill the skin and underlying tissues.
Paresthesia. a change in feelings or sensation. May be an increase in feeling (pain) or a decrease in feeling (numbness).
Pulmonary embolism. pieces of fat may find their way into the blood stream and get stuck in the lungs during liposuction. This causes shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Probe. see canula.
Sedative. a drug which helps a person to relax and may make them feel sleepy.
Seroma. a collection of fluid from the blood that has pooled at the liposuction site.
Skin necrosis. skin or underlying tissue dies and falls off.
Suction assisted liposuction. see liposuction.
Thrombophlebitis. inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot.
Toxic Shock Syndrome. an infection caused by bacteria that release toxins into the body. This type of infection can occur after surgery if bacteria are accidentally introduced during the surgery.
Ultrasound assisted liposuction. a type of liposuction in which fat is first loosened by using an ultrasonic probe and then removed by means of suction.