Liposuction Surgery :

INDICATIONS FOR LIPOSUCTION

You can opt for liposuction surgery if you:

• Tried dieting and exercising without getting noticeable results for a considerable period
• Want to do away with fatty areas of your body and get a more sculpted look
• Seek a permanent body change

TYPES OF LIPOSUCTION

There are various liposuction procedures aimed at achieving different goals of your treatment

• Tumescent liposuction : It is the most common liposuction method. In this procedure, the surgeon injects salt water and two medicines into the problem area. While salt water helps remove fat, drugs are administered to relieve pain and narrow the blood vessels. The surgeon then makes small incisions into the skin to insert a thin tube underneath. This tube is connected to a vacuum that sucks the fat and fluids from the body.
• Suction-assisted liposuction : is the traditional form of liposuction, which uses a vacuum to remove excess fat from your body.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) : technique is used along with the traditional liposuction method. In UAL, the surgeon uses ultrasonic energy via a metal rod placed under the skin. Fat cells are liquefied using this energy before being removed from the body. Vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance (VASER) is a new kind of liposuction that falls under UAL. VASER is done with the help of a cannula, a stainless steel tool with grooves. This machine is used to improve skin shaping.
• Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) : this procedure, the surgeon will use strong laser beams on a small, flexible tube (fiber) to break down fat deposits, which are removed with the help of a thin tube. LAL is advantageous as it only requires a small incision in the skin.
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) : This form of liposuction also utilizes a small, stainless steel tool called a cannula that moves back and forth quickly over the fat deposits to break them up. This procedure is more precise and is used to pull out tough fat quickly and easily. This technique is used either for bulk fat removal or if you have already undergone liposuction.

LIPOSUCTION: FAT REMOVAL SURGERY

• Before the Surgery : Your pre-operative consultation with your surgeon involves discussing your skin type, the type of liposuction best suited to you, and the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. You must also inform your surgeon about any medications or supplements you may currently be taking. As per your surgeon’s advice, you may be required to stop taking certain medicines and vitamins and limit alcohol consumption and smoking.

The surgeon will help you set realistic goals and expectations from the liposuction procedure. It would help if you realized that liposuction is not a cure for obesity and will not prevent you from gaining or regaining weight in the future.

• During the Procedure : After anesthesia administration (local or general), your surgeon will make minor cuts in your skin. A suction device called a cannula will be inserted into the fatty areas between your skin and muscles. The cannula is then moved inside the body to liquefy or break up fat deposits. Excess fat is now removed using a large syringe or suction pipe. Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon will use stitches to close up the incision site. These stitches may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

Once you have undergone a liposuction, ensure that you start wearing post-liposuction compression garments. These garments offer comfort and support during the entire recovery period and prevent skin from sagging. They are available for all areas of the body where you might have undergone a liposuction.

SUCCESS RATE

The liposuction procedure yields permanent results by removing excess fat cells from the body. Even if you gain weight after the surgery, those areas where you had the liposuction done will not gain excessive amounts of fat again. Most people do not need a second round of liposuction as the initial results will be good and satisfactory.

LIPOSUCTION SIDE EFFECTS

While you are still recovering from the liposuction surgery, you may experience:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Soreness
• Scarring
• Bleeding
• Skin discoloration
• Contour deformities

LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY TIME

After the completion of the procedure, you may be asked to go back home or stay overnight, depending on the number of areas treated and how much fat your surgeon has removed. If you are asked to leave on the very day of the surgery, ensure that you have someone to drive you back, as you would still feel groggy under the effect of the anesthesia.

LIPOSUCTION BENEFITS

Liposuction has various benefits, which include:

• Providing a solution to remove stubborn fat deposits in the body that refuse to go away with diet and exercise
• Obtaining a well-contoured body shape that automatically uplifts your self-confidence
• Minimal scarring due to the procedure

ESTIMATED RECOVERY DAYS

Recovery time for each individual varies, depending upon how much area was involved in the surgery and how much fat was removed. On average, it can take up to six months to recover fully. However, if you had an outpatient procedure, you will most likely return to work within a few days. Moreover, the first six weeks after the surgery are critical, and you should only indulge in regular physical activities like exercising once your body completely heals.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PLASTIC SURGEON

A plastic surgeon is best equipped to perform liposuction surgery. Ensure that you get in touch with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who has a proven track record of performing many successful liposuctions. An expert surgeon should be a certified and well-trained medical professional who can handle the intricacies of the procedure.