3 Facts about Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure for fat removal. It is not a treatment for weight loss or obesity; it can only treat the fat which cannot be removed by diet and exercise. This type of fat is usually because of genes than lifestyle so to get benefitted you need to be fit, active, and nonsmoker. The ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are within 30% of their ideal body weight. Liposuction is not an overall weight loss alternative. If you are overweight then you can lose more weight through exercise, diet, or bariatric methods than you lose through liposuction. If you have too much fat on specific parts of the body and have a stable body weight then liposuction is an ideal surgery for you.
In liposuction, suction technique is used to remove fat from specific body areas such as hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms, and neck. Liposuction not only removes the fat but also shapes these areas.
Side effects of liposuction
Like any other surgery, liposuction also carries risks of bleeding, infection, and reaction to anesthesia. Some of the possible complications of liposuction are
Fluid accumulation: Sometimes seromas (temporary pockets of fluid) form under the skin which needs to be drained out with the help of a needle.
Contour irregularities: Because of uneven fat removal, unusual healing, and poor skin elasticity your skin may look bumpy and wavy. These changes can even be permanent.
Spotted appearance: During the surgery, a thin tube is used which may cause damage to the skin and can give a permanent spotted appearance.
Infection: Though skin infection is rare but a severe skin infection can be life-threatening.
Internal puncture: Though it is rare but a cannula may puncture internal organs. In such conditions, emergency surgical repair is required.
Fat embolism: It is a medical emergency. During the surgery loosened fat may break and become trapped in a blood vessel. The fat can gather in the lungs or can travel to the brain.
In rare conditions, there can be damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs.
You may also feel temporary or permanent numbness in the affected area.
A shift in fluid level can also cause life-threatening kidney, lungs, and heart problems.
With the help of Liposuction surgery fat cells are removed permanently from the targeted area. In future when you gain weight your body will store fat in different parts of the body. The new fat can accumulate deeper under the skin; if it grows around the liver or heart it can be life-threatening.
Some people can even experience permanent nerve damage and change in skin sensation after the surgery.
The risk of complications increases if the surgeon is working on a large surface or doing multiple procedures during the same surgery. You can reduce the risks by making sure that the surgery is performed by an experienced and certified cosmetic surgeon.
Advances in liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most commonly used techniques of body sculpting. Introduction of latest technologies has increased the efficiency, minimize the risk of complications, and reduced surgeon fatigue. With technological advancements, liposuction has become a safer procedure with shorter recovery time and more satisfying results. Liposuction is one of the best options for both men and women who want a toned and sculpted body.
Earlier it was difficult to treat several areas with liposuction but now the most difficult fat deposits can also be removed in a less surgical time along with greater outcomes. Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction liquefies fatty areas with less trauma to surrounding healthy tissues. Power-assisted liposuction offers less operator fatigue and faster rate of fat aspiration.
Modern cannulas are more flexible and smaller which use laser or ultrasound energy to break the fatty tissues. These cannulas do not affect the nearby non-fatty tissues and results in minimal damage to surrounding tissues, less swelling and discomfort, and faster recovery time.
Now the surgery is performed under local anesthesia which allows the patient to stand and move during the procedure if required to improve the efficiency and contouring.
Areas of Enhancement
Liposuction surgery is usually recommended to remove the fat from the area which does not respond to diet or exercise such as
- Hips
- Belly
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Face
- Neck and chin
- Liposuction can also be used for breast reduction
The results of liposuction are usually permanent as long as your weight remains stable. After the surgery, your skin molds itself according to the treated area. If your skin elasticity and tone is good then soon your skin may appear smooth. If you have thin skin with poor elasticity then your skin may appear loose.