No matter how much you exercise and control your diet, are you having a big problem of not being able to reduce unwanted fat in certain areas of your body? For example, it is very difficult to reduce fat in places like the stomach, waist, and thighs, isn't it? So today we are going to talk about a cosmetic surgery that removes fat in such areas and gives the body a beautiful shape.
Simply put, what is liposuction?
Liposuction, or "lipo" as some call it, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that permanently removes fat cells (adipocytes) from a specific area of the body. The important thing to note here is that this is not a weight loss treatment . That is, liposuction cannot be used as a solution to obesity.
This is done to remove the stubborn fat deposits that we can't seem to reduce no matter how hard we try, and to give our body a more toned appearance.
Even though this permanently removes fat cells, you should remember that if you do not follow a healthy lifestyle, fat can be deposited back into the body.
What areas of the body can liposuction be performed on?
This treatment can be done anywhere on your body where fat is deposited. These are the most common areas where it is done.
| Body part | Common name |
|---|---|
| Abdomen, stomach, or waist | Abdomen, stomach or waist |
| Both sides of the hip | Hips or “love handles” |
| Back, chest area | Back or chest |
| Face, cheeks, chin, or neck | Face, cheeks, chin or neck |
| Buttocks | Buttocks |
| Knee, hip, or ankle joint | Inner knee, calves or ankles |
| Thigh | Thighs |
| Upper part of the arms | Upper arms |
Who would be the best person for this?
To successfully and safely undergo liposuction surgery, you need to have certain qualifications.
- Being an adult with normal or slightly overweight weight .
- Having skin that has good elasticity, does not sag, and good muscle condition.
- Being in good overall health .
- Having fat deposits that are difficult to remove and do not respond to exercise and diet.
- Being a non-smoker .
- Having realistic expectations about the results of surgery.
You can decide whether you meet these qualifications by talking to your doctor.
Who should not have liposuction?
Some people do not get successful results from this surgery, and it can also pose health risks.
- People with a body weight below normal.
- People with a body mass index (BMI) of over 25. (This means you are overweight).
- People with serious illnesses or wounds that are difficult to heal.
- People who have unrealistic, high expectations for results.
- People with very poor skin quality and sagging skin.
Especially remember that liposuction alone is not enough to remove sagging skin after weight loss. In such cases, your doctor may recommend additional skin removal surgery along with liposuction.
What types of liposuction are there?
There are several types of liposuction to choose from depending on your needs. Your doctor will recommend the method that is best for you.
| Type of liposuction | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Tumescent liposuction | This is the most commonly used method. The surgeon injects a special saline solution into the area where the fat will be removed. This makes it easier to remove the fat, reduces bleeding, and controls pain. |
| Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) | Here, ultrasound energy is used to dissolve fat cells and remove them from the body. |
| Vaser Liposuction (VASER) | This is also a type of UAL. A special device and ultrasound waves are used to break up and remove fat cells. |
| Suction-assisted liposuction | This is a traditional method. The fat is directly extracted using a vacuum. |
| Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) | Here, a small, fast-moving device (cannula) is used to break up and remove the fat. This is a more precise method. |
| Laser-assisted liposuction (Smartlipo™, SlimLipo™) | Powerful laser beams are used to melt the fat and remove it through a very small incision. |
What happens before, during and after the surgery?
Preparation before surgery
Your surgeon will give you a set of specific instructions. These include:
- Avoiding certain foods and alcohol.
- Avoiding or taking certain medications and vitamins.
- Quitting smoking.
- This may include things like necessary blood tests.
During surgery
Before the surgery, you will be anesthetized. This means you will not feel any pain. You may be given local anesthesia to numb only the area, or you may be put to sleep completely (general anesthesia).
Then, the surgeon makes several very small incisions in the skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula through them. This device is moved to break up the fat and then removed from the body with a suction pipe. Finally, the small incisions are closed with dissolvable or removable stitches.
After the surgery
After surgery, you may experience bruising, swelling, and some pain. These will gradually subside over a few days. Your doctor will instruct you to wear a special compression garment for a few weeks to reduce swelling and help the skin adjust to its new shape.
What are the benefits and risks?
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries some risks. However, when performed by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon, the risks are minimal.
Advantages:
- Being able to remove fat from areas that cannot be reduced even with exercise.
- The body looks more shapely and smooth.
- The scars left after surgery are very small.
Risks (may occur very rarely):
- Infection.
- Skin discoloration or numbness.
- Swelling or delayed wound healing.
- Scarring.
- Bleeding.
How long does it take to heal? When will I see results?
You can usually go back to work within a few days. You should be back to normal in about two weeks. However, you may need to wait about six weeks to start doing things like exercise.
Because of the swelling that occurs after surgery, it can take 3 to 6 months to see permanent results . Only after the swelling has completely subsided will you be able to see your new body shape. The results of liposuction are permanent. However, to maintain that shape, you must maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
See your doctor immediately if you have these symptoms: severe or persistent pain, excessive swelling, fluid or bleeding from the surgical site, fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
Take-Home Message
- Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment. It is used to shape the body.
- This is a good solution for removing accumulated fat that cannot be removed through exercise and diet.
- Although the results are permanent, a healthy lifestyle is essential to maintain that shape.
- Always choose a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon for this surgery. Ask your doctor about it.
- It is very important to have realistic expectations about the results.
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