Liposuction is a surgical operation that removes fat from particular parts of the body using a suction technique, such as the belly, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck. Liposuction isn't usually thought of as a weight-loss method or an alternative to dieting. If you are overweight, you must consider other less invasive methods to help you get in shape.
Most people would probably achieve the same or better results by adopting a healthful lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy sleep schedule. Liposuction is normally advised complimentary to the above-mentioned option. It can treat areas of fat that are resistant to exercise and diet.
Cellulite, dimples, and stretch marks are not removed throughout the surgery. The goal is just aesthetic. It is appropriate for those who want to alter and improve their body contour.
Liposuction is a procedure that permanently removes fat cells from the body, changing its contour. However, if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle post the procedure, the residual fat cells may even get larger. There is also a limit to how much fat may be safely removed.
Who is a good candidate for this procedure?
People who are good candidates for liposuction are those who have fat deposits that won't go away with diet or exercise, don't have a lot of surplus skin, have good skin elasticity, have great muscle tone, are in good physical condition and have strong overall health, aren't obese or overweight, and do not smoke.
Types of Liposuction procedures
Tumescent Liposuction
This is the most popular liposuction procedure. The surgery involves injecting a sterile solution into the treated area, an anesthetic agent to ease pain and discomfort, and medication to cause blood vessels to constrict. This causes the affected area to swell and stiffen.
After that, the surgeon makes small slits in your skin and inserts a thin tube known as a cannula beneath it. A vacuum is attached to the cannula, sucking fat and fluids from your body. An intravenous (IV) line can be used to restore your body fluids.
Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL)
UAL involves the surgeon inserting a metal rod under the patient’s skin in order to emit ultrasonic energy. The fat-cell walls are hence ruptured and broken down. This makes it easier to remove. VASER-assisted liposuction is a novel type of ultrasound-assisted liposuction that uses a device to deliver skin contouring and lessen the risk of skin damage.
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
The fat is broken down and removed using high-intensity laser light. During LAL, the surgeon uses laser to emulsify fat deposits through a small incision in the skin. A cannula is then used to extract the fat.
Risks of Liposuction
- Inconsistencies in the contour
- There is a buildup of fluid
- Numbness
- Infection
- A puncture on the inside
- Embolism of fat.
- Problems with the kidneys and the heart.
- Toxicity of lidocaine (local anesthetic agent that is frequently injected with fluids during liposuction)
The recovery period after the surgery
Depending on the type of liposuction procedure you chose to undergo, you may not need to stay at the hospital for recovery. However, it is common to experience bruising, swelling, and pain for the next few weeks at least. In order to decrease swelling, your surgeon may suggest wearing a compression garment for 1 or 2 months after the procedure.
Antibiotics will be prescribed to avoid infection and the majority of people will be able to return to work in a few days, as well as resume their routine activities in two weeks. However, recovery may vary from each person.
The possible side effects of liposuction are infection, numbness, scarring, lumpiness, and dents in the skin in case too much fat is removed. Similarly, the danger of surgery is proportional to the amount of fat that is removed. Apart from these, if there are any reasons for concerns or signs of infection, it is important you get it treated immediately.
