Liposuction - Types, Risk Factors and Complications

Overview

Liposuction is one of the most popularly performed surgeries, during which the surgeon removes excess fat from specific areas of the body which include the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, arms, and neck. Liposuction is often performed by a plastic surgeon. Liposuction is advised for patients who have a lot of body fat deposition in a particular area of the body.

Areas where the liposuction procedure is done

The areas where the procedure can be performed are :

• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Arms
• Face
• Cheek and chin
• Stomach
• Hips
• Neck
• Inner knee, calf
• Back and chest 

Types of liposuction

There are different types of liposuction techniques. They are listed below:

• Traditional liposuction- During this procedure, a cannula is inserted beneath the skin to break up the fat. Later a high-pressure vacuum is applied through the cannula to remove the fat
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction- During this procedure, the doctor uses ultrasonic vibrations to create a high amount of energy to extract the fat easily
• Laser-assisted liposuction
• Water-assisted liposuction
• Power-assisted liposuction- During this procedure, the doctor uses a vibrating cannula in order to break the stubborn fat into smaller pieces, making it easy to remove

Indications for the liposuction procedure

The indications for the liposuction procedure are :

• The weight of the patient should be stable for a duration of 6-12 weeks prior to the procedure
• The patient should have good skin elasticity and good muscle tone
• Patient with an overall good health condition
• Non-smokers

Contraindications for the liposuction procedure

The contraindications for the liposuction procedure are listed below:

• Patient who is a chronic smoker
• Patients who have a BMI of 25 and above
• Patients who have underlying life-threatening co-morbidities 
• Patients who have poor skin quality
• Patients who are on blood thinners
• Patients who have a weak immune system
• Patients who are underweight 

Steps for liposuction procedure in detail

Before the procedure

When the patient approaches the doctor for the procedure, the doctor initially will examine the patient, and record the medical and family history of the patient. The doctor will advise the patient to undergo a couple of tests  before the procedure. Once the patient is fit for the procedure, the doctor will advise the patient to stop a few medications which include blood thinners, anti-inflammatory drugs, and diabetic medications, and advise to stop smoking, and alcohol intake a few days before the procedure. The doctor later will advise the type of liposuction procedure suited for the patient. The doctor will counsel the patient regarding how they perform the procedure in detail, their associated risk factors or complications, and post-operative care. The patient and the patient’s relative are advised to sign a consent form prior to the procedure. On the day of surgery, the patient is advised to go empty stomach 6 hours prior to the procedure.

During the procedure

The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia or intravenous anesthesia. Once the anesthesia is administered to the patient by the anesthetist, the patient will feel numbness and will not feel any pain during the procedure. The surgeon initially will infuse local anesthesia around the operated area, followed by putting a small incision at the operated area. The doctor later inserted a small, thin cannula through the incision to loosen the excess fat using a controlled back-and-forth motion. The loosened dislodged fat is later removed from the body through the suction tube with the help of a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. The liposuction procedure can be carried out in several ways as explained above.

After the procedure

Post-surgery, the patient is shifted to the recovery room for close observation and  further management and care. Depending on the type of surgery performed on the patient, the duration of stay in the hospital is decided. Post-operatively, the doctor prescribes a couple of medications to the patient, which includes painkillers, antibiotics, and other medications if required. Once the patient recovers, the patient is advised to get discharged and is advised to have a regular follow-up with the doctor. The doctor advises a couple of instructions to the patient after the surgery, which includes- maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding fatty meal, avoiding smoking and drinking, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising regularly, following a healthy lifestyle, and having regular checkup with the doctor.

Complications associated with the liposuction procedure

Every surgery has its own risk factors or complications. Liposuction procedure also has risk factors. They include: 

Risks during surgery

• Complications associated with anesthesia
• Lidocaine toxicity
• Nerve damage
• Shock
• Puncture wounds or injuries due to surgeries

Risks associated immediately after the procedure

• Blood clots in the lungs
• Fat embolism
• Infection
• Seroma collection (accumulation of fluid in the operated area)
• Skin necrosis
• Hematoma (collection of blood at the operated area)
• Heart and kidney complications
• Pulmonary edema

Risks during recovery

• Scars
• Infections
• Changes in skin contour (change in skin color, texture)
• Delayed wound healing
• Numbness
• Postoperative persistent pain, and swelling in the operated area
• Fluid imbalance
• Wavy, bumpy, dimpled skin

FAQ

Is the liposuction procedure painful?

The liposuction procedure is performed under anesthesia. Hence patient does not experience any pain during the procedure. Post-procedure, the patient might complain of mild pain in the operated area. The doctor might prescribe painkillers in case of pain persists. 

How long does the liposuction procedure last?

The liposuction procedure is usually a permanent procedure. However, there is a possibility that the patient can put on weight following the liposuction procedure. One must take precautions to maintain a healthy diet and  exercise regularly after the procedure. 

Is liposuction procedure good for weight loss?

No, the liposuction procedure is not a good option for weight loss. It will help in removing the excess amount of fat in a particular area.

How common are liposuction procedures performed?

Over a period, a liposuction procedure is one of the most common procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Approximately it represents 15- 20% of all plastic surgeries worldwide. In the USA, approximately more than 2,00,000 liposuction procedures are performed every year

What are the benefits of the liposuction procedure?

The benefits of the liposuction procedure are listed below:

• It removes the excess amount of fat deposition in a particular area
• The advantage of this procedure is that it leaves a minimal amount of scar after the procedure
• It can help in treating gynecomastia condition in male

References

1.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586#:~:text=Liposuction%20is%20a%20type%20of,include%20lipoplasty%20and%20body%20contouring.
2.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11009-liposuction
3.https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/procedure
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
5.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11009-liposuction
6.https://www.healthline.com/health/is-liposuction-safe#risks
7.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11009-liposuction