Liposuction as the name implies, suggests the removal of fat in the simplest terms. Liposuction is a surgical procedure where fat cells are removed or sucked out from particular parts of the body to contour that site. With people becoming more aware of their body and overall appearance, Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures across the world.
When is a liposuction procedure indicated ?
Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure which primarily aims at refining the shape of the parts of the body namely the chin, neck, arms, chest, abdomen, buttocks, thigh and inner part of the knees.
Liposuction is performed when people want to get rid of the excess fat, to fit into their clothes better and to have an improved physical appearance. Liposuction can be performed in both men and women. Certain pathological conditions (disease or conditions) can also be corrected by liposuction procedure, such as;
- Lipoma: benign tumor of fat cells
- Gynaecomastia: appearance of breasts in males due to hormonal imbalance
- Lymphedema: collection of fluid within the tissues of the body (arms and legs) causing swelling and pain.
- Lipodystrophy syndrome: a condition in which fat accumulates in part of the body and is completely absent in the other parts of the body.
- After a weight loss surgery: After a major weight loss procedure liposuction can be done to contour of refine the parts of the body.
When is a liposuction procedure not indicated?
It is very essential to consult your general physician before deciding to undergo a liposuction procedure. Chronic conditions like high blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes usually contraindicate the liposuction procedure as it increases the chances of post-operative complication thereby reducing the overall outcome of the procedure.
A liposuction procedure is also not indicated when one is obese and wants to get rid of the excess fat. It should be kept in mind that liposuction’s principle is to refine and re-contour the parts of the body which have lost shape due to accumulation of excess fat. Liposuction is not a fat loss procedure, and the best results are achieved when the patients undergoing the liposuction procedure are their average normal weight.
Liposuction is also not indicated for individuals who want to get rid of cellulite, dimpling on the skin, stretch marks and other skin irregularities.
Who performs a liposuction procedure ?
Liposuction procedure is performed by experienced and skilled cosmetic or plastic surgeons who have been specially trained for such procedures. Ask your treating physician to suggest a cosmetic surgeon who can explain the risk, benefits and outcome of a liposuction procedure to you in detail, and suggest if it is the suitable treatment for your requirement.
How do you prepare for a liposuction procedure ?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure hence not much investigations are required. The consulting doctor will do a detailed history taking inclusive of a general physical examination to determine your overall health. In case of benign tumours X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan can be performed. Certain laboratory investigations (blood tests) may be performed to clear the patient for a liposuction procedure.
Does the liposuction procedure require the administration of anaesthesia?
Yes, Liposuction procedure is performed under the influence of either local or general anaesthesia depending upon the type and the size of the area where the procedure needs to be performed. For example, a local anaesthetic effect is sufficient for performing the liposuction procedure at small areas.
What are the types of liposuction procedure ?
Depending upon the technique which is used to suck out the fat cells, liposuction procedures can be categorized as follows.
- Tumescent Liposuction: This is the most commonly performed method of liposuction. The principle behind this procedure is the use of a cannula (a tube) or a micro cannula, which is inserted in the surgical area and is initially loaded with saline mixed with local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor (adrenaline) to help in sucking out the fat cells. Adrenaline is mixed with saline and local anaesthetic solution to reduce the bleeding. In tumescent liposuction the amount of fluid injected at the site of procedure is twice or thrice in volume of the amount of fat cells to be removed, which helps in separating the muscle from fat and hence eases the removal of fat via the cannula.
- Wet Liposuction: The principle of this procedure is usage of a low volume liquid than the fat cells to be removed. The fluid is usually a mixture of local anaesthetic, saline and adrenaline. The fluid helps in separation of fat cells thereby helping in suctioning them out.
- Super-wet Liposuction: Here the volume of fluid used is more than the one used in wet liposuction but less than the tumescent liposuction procedure. Administration of anaesthesia may be required separately
- Dry Liposuction: This is one of the older methods where no fluid is injected. This procedure is seldom performed nowadays.
- Power-assisted Liposuction (PAS): This procedure utilizes a specialized cannula which moves back and forth thereby helping the operating surgeon in the removal of fat cells. This procedure has reduced post-operative bruising and complications.
- Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL): This is a fairly advanced procedure which incorporates the use of an ultrasound vibration device with the cannula. The principle of ultrasound-assisted liposuction is based on the fact that ultrasound vibrations burst the fat cells there by liquefying them so that the fat can be easily suctioned out.
- Laser-assisted Liposuction: This procedure uses a micro cannula which is inserted after giving a small incision. Laser energy is delivered via the micro cannula to heat the fat cells which are then suctioned out with the help of a special vacuum device.
It is best advised to ask your cosmetic surgeon/ treating consultant about the most suitable procedure according to your needs and overall health.
What happens after a liposuction procedure ?
Most of the liposuction procedures do not require a long recovery time after the procedure, especially with the advent of techniques which can minimize the post-operative risks and complications. After the surgery your consultant surgeon might ask you to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to help in healing, reduce the pain, swelling, fluid collection at the site of procedure and skin contraction. The surgeon will also prescribe you with antibiotics and pain killers. The recovery period can range from about 3 weeks to six weeks. Some patients can resume their normal activities within 10 days’ post operatively with the consent of the treating surgeon. In most of the cases scars fade over a period of six months to one years.
What are the complications of a liposuction procedure ?
The most common complications associated with a Liposuction procedure are swelling, pain, formation of blood clot, infection, loss of sensation/numbness, bruising at the site of the procedure. The rare complications include pulmonary oedema and pulmonary embolism, puncture of internal organs, kidney and heart failure and death due to anaesthetic effect.
What is the outcome of a liposuction procedure ?
Liposuction helps in removal of fat cells thereby maintaining a refined shaped of the body. Liposuction can last only if a stable body weight is maintained. As mentioned earlier the best results of Liposuction are achieved in individuals who are their ideal or best body weight. Ask your consulting surgeon if a liposuction could be a choice of treatment for you.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for liposuction procedure ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for liposuction procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for liposuction procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for liposuction procedure.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for liposuction procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
