Read now Best Fat Guide to Liposuction surgery, treatment, cost, side effects, risks, before and after, faqs. Revealed all the unknown secrets of most honored cosmetic surgery – Liposuction.
Looking to reshape your body parts?
Want to eliminate fat on your body?
Read now everything you need to know about liposuction surgery.
About Liposuction
Liposuction is the surgical technique used to suction the fatty deposits from certain body parts which refuses to go away even after dieting and exercising. It is one of the most sought-after methods used for removing excess fat present in different body parts.
Though it is a relatively safe procedure, liposuction methods are constantly being fine-tuned up to improve the results and most common areas of fat removal are the thighs, the stomach, and the buttocks. Read here more about top 3 liposuction myths now!
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery in which the fat is broken and sucked up from different parts of the body such as stomach, neck, chin, cheeks, arms, thighs, back etc.
Lipoplasty
Liposuction also shapes these areas and it is also known as lipoplasty and body contouring.
The expert cosmetic surgeons use an instrument like liposuction cannula and liposuction micro-cannula to accomplish the task of sucking fat from the body.
Liposuction cannula and liposuction micro-cannula are hollow and use the high-pressure vacuum to suck the fat. Once the surgery is done, the patient is given an elastic cover to wear or bandages which can be used as a support on the operated area.
It isn’t typically considered an overall weight-loss method or a weight-loss alternative. If you’re overweight then you can lose more weight through diet and exercise or through bariatric procedures like gastric bypass surgery instead of preferring the liposuction.
Why Liposuction is performed?
Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body which are not responding to diet and exercise, such as the:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Calves and ankles
- Chest and back
- Hips and thighs
- Neck
- Breast reduction.
Types of Liposuction:
Vaser liposuction or HD liposuction: The popularity of this cosmetic procedure is on the rise because of its fast and easier recovery process. HD liposuction is done using an ultrasound liposuction technology and it promotes the removal of fat without affecting blood vessels, nerves or connective tissues.
During the course of Vaser liposuction, the surgeon only targets the fat cells and easily removes them after being broken apart. This procedure is being able to make excess fat disappear from several areas of the body where the standard liposuction cannot be used. Vaser liposuction can treat several body areas like the chin, neck, chest, breasts, upper arms, hips and thighs.
Laser Liposuction: It involves the use of a laser that liquidates fat before it can be removed as it makes the suction technique less invasive. The other benefit of the laser liposuction is the production of natural collagen which minimizes the risk of post-op sagging skin.
The laser is used during this procedure which can positively influence the risk of bruising and bleeding as it cauterizes broken blood vessels.
Tumescent liposuction: Surgeons that perform this kind of liposuction use a diluted mix of various types of medication along with a local anesthetic that fills the layers of fat, which makes it easier to them so as to extract the additional fat. During this sort of procedure, the patient lies awake on the operating table and can even perform light motions if needed.
Lipodissolve: In Lipodissolve, surgeons use small chemical-filled injections to dissolve the excess fat. This procedure is ideal for patients who wish to improve the aspect of smaller areas of the body.
What happens during the procedure?
Some liposuction procedures require only local or regional anesthesia where ¾ anesthesias is limited to a specific area of your body. Other procedures may require general anesthesia in order to induce a temporary state of unconsciousness.
Your practitioner will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure and when you feel pain, tell your surgeon. The medication or motions may need an adjustment.
The procedure lasts for several hours, depending on the extent of fat removal. After the procedure, the surgeon leaves your incisions open to promote fluid drainage.
In the case of general anesthesia, you’ll wake in a recovery room where you typically spend at least a few hours in the hospital or clinic so that medical personnel can monitor your recovery. Stay overnight to make sure that you may not get dehydrated or in shock from fluid loss.
What happens after Liposuction?
After liposuction, the skin itself molds to the new treated contours areas. The skin is likely to appear smooth if you have good skin tone and elasticity. The skin in the treated areas may appear loose if your skin is thin with poor elasticity.
It involves no scope of improving the cellulite dimpling or other skin surface irregularities and doesn’t even remove stretch marks. In order to be a good candidate for liposuction, you should have a good health without conditions that could complicate surgery like restricted blood flow, coronary artery disease, diabetes or a weak immune system.
Questions for the practitioner:
Ask your plastic surgeon the following specific questions:
- What medications will I need to take?
- Will I wear bandages?
- Will I have stitches, and when will they be removed?
- When can I exercise again?
- Do I need to come back for a follow-up visit?
Who can go for Liposuction?
You can opt for liposuction if
- You are not able to get in shape even after a proper diet and targeted exercise.
- The fatty areas of your body do not fit in your regular cloth size.
- Fat makes the top and the bottom portion of your body disproportionate.
- If your arms are fat and saggy.
- If you have unwanted fat in armpits or folds on back.
- If you have flanks
Who Should Avoid Liposuction?
Liposuction is not for all people because you cannot undergo liposuction surgery if you have any serious health issues. The following are the persons who cannot go through with a liposuction surgery:
- Those who are continuing to gain weight abnormally.
- Those who are not willing to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Those who are obese and have weight-related health issues.
- Those who have a lot of loose skin but very less fat.
People with high bp, diabetes, cancer or other chronic diseases have to disclose their entire medical history to the doctor. Then your practitioner makes a clear idea of whether it will be safe for you to take the surgery or not.
Which Body Parts Can Liposuction Treat?
Any area of the body which contains fat deposit and causes contour deformity can be liposuctioned. Most common body areas where liposuction is performed are:
Abdomen Liposuction: Abdomen fat is most resistant to diet and exercise, for both men and women. Due to which, many people chose to take a liposuction surgery in the abdominal area.
Flanks (love handles) Liposuction: Flank liposuction gives the V-shape that ideally makes the male waistline because in men the flanks are the portions which ruin the masculine shape whereas in women, it’s often combined with the abdomen liposuction to create an hourglass figure.
Hips Liposuction: Women are more prone to retaining fat deposits in their hips which makes the lower body asymmetrically wide. It is also called saddlebag deformity or riding breech deformity and can be fixed through a hip liposuction.
Thighs Liposuction: Liposuction for thighs is performed chiefly on women where outer or inner thighs are liposuctioned commonly. A few men also may have thigh fat deposits too.
Arms Liposuction: Liposuction on the arms gives the toned look to arms by removing excess fat and thus, removing the saggy appearance.
Face, Neck & Chin Liposuction: Double-chin is a big fashion kill. Both men & women want that sharp triangular jawline. And they can achieve that by cutting out the sag through a facial liposuction. This procedure is entirely effortless and yet, is very safe.
This type of liposuction is mostly performed under the influence of a local anesthesia. A micro-cannula is used to perform the tumescent technique in the fatty area. This minimal invasion eliminates the chances of scarring. The best results can be achieved if this treatment is taken in combination with Botox or other dermal fillers.
Liposuction Of The Male Chest: Gynaecomastia is a condition where a man develops ‘man boobs’. The excess fat cells in such a ‘man boob’ can be extracted through a liposuction. It is generally done along with gland excision to ensure best results.
Liposuction Of Breasts: Some women develop very large breasts which cause them inconvenience in daily life. They have difficulty exercising and they cannot find well-fitting clothes. In such cases, women can opt for liposuction of breasts to reduce the volume of their breasts.
Is A Liposuction Surgery Risky?
Every surgery will have some degree of risk involved. Hence, before going through any surgery, you must consider the associated risks. Our cosmetologists can guide you on how to manage any possible minor or major complications.
The following are some risks which you should know before you go under the cannula:
Common Procedural Risks:
- Bleeding
- Swelling & Infection
- Blood clotting
- Burns from laser and ultrasounds
- Seroma (collection of fluid under the skin)
- Piercing in abdominal walls
- Damage to the surrounding tissues
- Pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in the lungs.
Possible Long-Term Risks:
- Numbness
- Discoloration of the skin or scarring
- Decrease/change in skin sensation – usually temporary
- Asymmetric outcome
- Loose or rippled skin
Risks during surgery
- puncture wounds or injuries to other organs
- anesthesia complications
- burns from equipment, such as ultrasound probes
- nerve damage
- shock
- death
Risks immediately after the procedure
- blood clot in the lungs
- too much fluid in the lungs
- fat clots
- infections
- hematoma (bleeding under the skin)
- seroma (fluid leaking under the skin)
- edema (swelling)
- skin necrosis (the death of skin cells)
- reactions to anesthesia and other medications
- heart and kidney problems
- death
Risks during recovery
- problems with the shape or contours of the body
- wavy, dimpled, or bumpy skin
- numbness, bruising, pain, swelling, and soreness
- infections
- fluid imbalances
- scars
- changes in skin sensation and feeling
- skin color changes
- problems with healing
How To Avoid The Risks Of Liposuction?
The risk of liposuction can be reduced drastically by just being more cautious. The below mentioned are some things that you need to consider:
The Amount Of Fat Removed: Fat removal within 5-8 % of the body weight in a single sitting is considered safe.
Person’s Health: Diabetes, high blood pressure or similar chronic diseases make liposuction a little riskier. So, if you suffer from any such condition, talk to your surgeon before you take the surgery.
Expertise Of The Surgeon: A cosmetic surgeon is considered trained and qualified only if she possesses certain degrees like MBBS, MS (surgery), MCH (plastic surgery) and has an experience of at least 5 years. Only such a surgeon can help you get the best results without compromising the safety factor.
Hospital Facilities: Since general anesthesia is required during a liposuction, a patient needs to be monitored every moment until s/he regains consciousness completely. Hence, it’s safe to have an ICU facility.
How Can I Prepare For A Liposuction Surgery?
Before your surgery, your surgeon will take a detailed report of your health condition including if you have any heart condition or any other major disease. But at the same time, you will need to report to your doctor if you have high bp or if you are under any kind of medication.
Based on your medical history, health condition and your desired results, the entire liposuction plan will be made. And as per the plan, you will start preparing for the surgery two weeks ahead.
However, you need to lose some weight before the surgery to meet your cosmetic target or your ideal weight, you may require a few months of diet and exercise before the liposuction surgery.
Pre-operative Care:
2 Weeks Before The Surgery
First, we will advise you to take some blood tests. If there are any issues with your health, then there will be enough time to set them right through diet, lifestyle changes or medication.
Additionally, practice the following:
- Do not smoke or drink.
- Talk to your doctor about taking any medicines or supplements.
- Do not take blood-thinning medicines.
- Eat healthy food.
- Eat foods which contain more Vitamin C.
Last-Minute Preparations
- Eat light the night before the surgery.
- Get a good sleep.
- Do not eat or drink anything 8 hours prior to the surgery.
- Wear something comfortable.
- Do not wear any jewellery or makeup on the day of the surgery.
- Arrange for a drop off to the clinic and a pickup as well
Post-Operative Care:
Many other plastic surgeons do not use these stitches. In those cases, you will see some liquid seeping out of the holes for a few days in the beginning.
The practitioners use fine, absorbable stitches to close the liposuction incision and cover those with small waterproof band-aid like dressings. So, after your surgery, your stitches will be dry, and you will not feel much discomfort.
Stitches fall off in 10 days. In addition, you will have a special surgical garment which you will wear for a month after the liposuction surgery and take it off only during the shower.
In addition, do the following:
- Keep the incisions clean, dry and unagitated.
- Do not swim.
- Stay away from sunlight.
- Use the prescribed pain medications as advised strictly.
- Shower after one day and daily thereafter. No bathtub.
- Wear the special compression garment for 6 weeks.
- DO NOT miss the postoperative check-up sessions.
- Mild activity is generally encouraged to prevent a blood clot.
- Consult the doctor if you see any abnormality or feel any discomfort
Is Liposuction worth it?
Liposuction is a revolution which changed thousands of lives as it has given hope to look better and feel great inside out for many people. If you weigh 200 pounds or 100 kg, then you have a chance to have the desired body.
It removes body fat in a matter of hours rather acts like an instant weight loss solution. While many are still skeptical the following are the wondrous health benefits.
- Reduction in Inflammatory Cells: Liposuction has the ability to reduce the total amount of inflammatory cells in the body by 11 percent. Reduction in inflammatory cells in the body results in less risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Reduction in Blood Fat Level: Participants with high blood fat levels are benefited with 43 percent reduction in triglycerides where the most medications which reduce cholesterol only provide a reduction in triglycerides of 20 percent.
- A Healthier Lifestyle: A healthy lifestyle is a key to longevity and is one of the greatest health benefits provided by liposuction is a healthier lifestyle. Many are motivated to kick-start a healthy regime with an instant drop in kilos.
- Boosting Fat Loss Journey: It can really help to kick start or boost up your fat loss journey because, after Lipo, you get rid of the extra fat cells which make it easier to lose weight and keep it off.
- Better Mobility: The fat pockets are removed with surgery, mobility is restored. However, depending on your total weight, mobility can be restored in the knees, thighs, and hips.
- Enhanced Libido: Another important liposuction health benefit is increased libido. Liposuction does wonder in restoring your diminished libido along with obese body which experiences a higher level of fatigue.
What are the side effects of Liposuction?
Liposuction is considered to be an excellent method to treat stubborn fat accumulation because this procedure helps you in improving the body contour and is associated with several satisfying results.
It is a relatively safe operation that has major benefits that result in a perfect body shape. It is an effective way to contour the body but liposuction has also had few potential side effects.
Few Liposuction Side effects are listed below:
- One may experience swelling and bruising post the surgery and this is very common in all the surgeries.
- Few minor scarring are visible, on the area where the liposuction cannulas were inserted
- One feels discomfort and experience pain after the surgery because there are changes in the body.
- Numbness around the treated area
- Some people experience swelling and fluid retention following surgery
- There is an infection after the surgery
- After the surgery one may experience bleeding
- Lumps or firmness under the skin
- Skin Pigment changes
Important health benefits from a liposuction:
A liposuction surgery often influences better habits, such as exercise and good dieting, as the results of the surgery had to be maintained.
- It can improve a person’s well being by improving severe imbalances and abnormalities in the body’s appearance. However, it is not a substitute for a healthy living style though it can make you feel good.
- It can help to treat excessive sweating in the armpit areas.
- A person’s self-esteem is closely linked with their physical appearance. It’s very common for people who are overweight to suffer from low esteem.
- Sometimes they look, and as they continue to gain weight, they continue to lose self-esteem.
- Liposuction completely changes a person’s physical appearance, and it makes them look much better. The end result is increased self-esteem.
- Liposuction surgery is a surgical procedure that removes fat pockets from different areas of the body. It not uncommon for these fat pockets to limit mobility; once they are removed with the surgery, mobility is restored. The increase in mobility can also lead to better posture.
- Liposuction can help men that suffer from gynecomastia (men develop excessive amounts of fatty breast tissue) by removing the fatty breast tissue.
- Obesity is linked to a number of different health conditions. Liposuction can prevent premature wearing of tendons and joints along with chronic neck and back pain.
Fast facts on liposuction
- The operation is normally carried out under general anesthesia.
- Liposuction is not a weight-loss tool but a cosmetic procedure with subtle effects.
- Risks include infection and scarring
- Liposuction can be used to treat some medical conditions
Liposuction – FAQs
Will my Insurance Cover Liposuction?
Most insurance plans do not consider a cosmetic procedure like liposuction. However, it is advisable to contact your insurance company if you have questions about your coverage.
Are the Results Permanent?
The results benefitted under Liposuction are permanent because the fat cells are removed permanently during liposuction, but you can gain weight back, with new fat cells, which usually go to different areas of your body.
Follow a diet that includes lots of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy in order to keep your new shape after surgery and exercise regularly.
Who performs Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction is performed by surgeons or practitioners who have acquired special training in the techniques of liposuction. Usually, the surgeons who act upon the liposuction or other cosmetic surgeries are called “cosmetic surgeons.”
Will Liposuction hurts?
The very first step is an injection of local anesthetic where the patients report a mild pinching sensation, it usually takes about 15-30 minutes to set in and once the local anesthetic has taken root. The patients report no pain at all after the injection of local anesthetic.
Will I have loose skin after liposuction?
When liposuction is done properly, the skin re-drapes and retracts to conform to the underlying tissue due to which you will not have loose skin following liposuction. Skin elasticity is vital to a good procedure.
How much does liposuction cost?
There are several factors which have to be considered when quoting liposuction costs. These factors will be assessed prior to your procedure and you will be given a quote and this may change slightly up or down through the course of the procedure.
The below mentioned are some of the factors to be included in the liposuction cost:
- Degree of difficulty
- Amount of fat to be removed
- Number of areas to be treated
- Operating room fees
- Anesthesiologist fees.