What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also works to shape (define) these areas. Other names for liposuction include liposuction and body contouring.
Liposuction is usually considered a comprehensive weight-loss method or a weight-loss alternative. If you are overweight, you are likely to lose more weight through diet and exercise or through bariatric procedures - such as gastric bypass surgery - than you might lose with liposuction..
You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have a lot of fat in certain areas but other than that you have a stable weight.
Why is this Done?
Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that have not responded to diet and exercise, such as:
• Belly
• Arms
• Buttocks
• Calves and ankles
• Chest and back
• Hips and thighs
• Chin and neck.
In addition, liposuction can sometimes be used for breast reduction or to treat gynecomastia.
When you gain weight, fat cells increase in size and volume. In turn, liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in a specific area. The amount of fat removed depends on the appearance of the area and the volume of fat. The resulting contour changes are generally permanent - as long as your weight remains constant.
• The method of performing liposuction depends on the specific technique used. Your surgeon will choose the appropriate technique based on your treatment goals, the area of your body to be treated, and whether you have had other liposuction procedures in the past.
• Tumescent liposuction. This is the most common type of liposuction. The surgeon injects a sterile solution - a mixture of salt water that helps remove fat, an anesthetic (lidocaine) for pain relief and a drug (epinephrine) that constricts blood vessels - into the area being treated. The fluid mixture causes the affected area to swell and stiffen.
• The surgeon then makes small cuts in your skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula under the skin. The cannula is attached to a vacuum cleaner that absorbs fats and fluids from your body. Your body fluids may be replenished through an intravenous (IV) line.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). This type of liposuction is sometimes used in conjunction with traditional liposuction. During UAL surgery, the surgeon inserts a metal rod that emits ultrasound energy under the skin. This causes the fat cell walls to rupture and break down the fat for easier removal. A new generation of UAL called VASER assisted liposuction uses a device that may improve skin contouring and reduce the chance of skin injuries.
• Laser assisted liposuction (LAL). This technique uses high-intensity laser light to break down fats to remove them. During an LAL operation, the surgeon inserts a fiber laser through a small incision in the skin and emulsifies the fat deposits. Then the fat is removed by a cannula.
• Energy-assisted liposuction (PAL). This type of liposuction uses a cannula that moves in a fast, back and forth motion. This vibration allows the surgeon to pull out the tough fat more easily and faster. PAL may sometimes cause less pain and swelling and can allow a surgeon to remove fat with more precision. The surgeon may choose this technique if there is a need to remove large amounts of fat or if you have previously had liposuction
After liposuction, the skin shapes itself on the new face of the treated areas. If you have good tone and elasticity, the skin is likely to look smooth. If you have thin and poorly elastic skin, the skin on the treated areas may appear loose.
Liposuction does not improve cellulite wrinkles or other skin surface disorders. Likewise, liposuction does not improve stretch marks
To be a candidate for liposuction, you need to be in good health without conditions that could complicate surgery - such as restricted blood flow, coronary artery disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system.
How to Prepare?
Food and Medicine
Before the procedure, discuss with the surgeon what to expect from the surgery. The surgeon will review your medical history and ask about any medical conditions you may have and any medications, supplements or herbs you may be taking.
Your surgeon will recommend that you stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, at least three weeks before surgery. You may also need to have certain lab tests before the procedure.
Other Precautions
If your procedure requires removing only a small amount of fat, the surgery can be done in an office. If a large amount of fat has been removed - or if you plan to have other procedures performed at the same time - the surgery may take place in a hospital followed by an overnight stay. Either way, arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for at least the first night after the procedure.
What are you Expecting
During the Procedure
Some liposuction procedures may require only local or regional anesthesia - anesthesia limited to a specific area of the body. Other procedures may require general anesthesia, resulting in a temporary state of loss of consciousness. You may be given a sedative, usually through an IV, to help you calm and relax.
The surgical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure. If you were given local anesthesia and feel pain during the procedure, tell your surgeon. The medication or movements may need adjusting.
The process may take several hours, depending on the extent of the fat removal.
If you have had general anesthesia, you will wake up in the recovery room. You will usually spend at least a few hours in the hospital or clinic so medical staff can monitor your recovery. If you are in the hospital, you can stay overnight to make sure you are not dehydrated or shocked from fluid loss.
After the operation
Expect some pain, swelling and bruising after the procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe medication to help control pain and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
After the procedure, your surgeon may leave your incisions open and place temporary drains to enhance fluid drainage. You usually need to wear tight compression garments, which help reduce swelling, for a few weeks.
You may need to wait a few days before returning to work and a few weeks before resuming your normal activities - including exercising.
During this time, expect some contouring irregularities as the remaining fats settle into place.
Results
After liposuction, the swelling usually subsides within a few weeks. By this time, the treated area should look less dense. Within several months, expect the treated area to have a leaner appearance.
It is normal for skin to lose some of its firmness with age, but liposuction results generally last for a long time as long as you maintain your weight. If you gain weight after liposuction, your fat distribution may change. For example, fat may accumulate around your abdomen, regardless of which areas were originally treated.
