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Liposuction is the procedure that removes excess fat through a
suctioning process. Although liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss,
it is a way of changing the body's shape and contour.
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Liposuction is defined as the removal of fat from deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum.
There are various techniques for doing liposuction. Some techniques are now longer considered safe (Dry Technique), and some are recognized as world-wide standards of care (Tumescent Technique).
The Liposuction procedure may be carried out on both men and women whose fat is distributed unevenly. Liposuction is not a method of reducing weight, rather an alternative for removing fatty deposits which persist, no matter how much exercise, massage or dieting is undertaken.
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Women may have liposuction performed under the chin, on their hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the under arm and breast area.
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Healthy, normal-weight people with elastic skin and pockets of excess fat are good candidates for surgery.
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Your surgeon may require that you be within half a stone of your ideal body weight, as the results of Liposuction carried out on an obese individual may be disappointing. This is not an absolute requirement that rather than a reflection on the fact that there is a surgically safe limit for the volume removed at any one time , and a limitation on how much the skin will shrink after large volume Liposuction.
Please discuss your requirements fully with your surgeon who will advise you of the possibilities in relation to your expectations. This could mean that it may require one, two or more Liposuction sessions in order to ensure you incur no unacceptable risk, or even that an alternative procedure such as tummy-tuck rather than Liposuction may be a better choice for you.
Diabetics are not excluded from Liposuction treatment and the removal of fat has, in cases, reduced their insulin requirements. Please note that this is not the treatment recognised by insurance companies or the medical profession in general as a complement to diabetes control.
The Liposuction procedure may be carried out on both men and women whose fat is distributed unevenly. Liposuction is not a method of reducing weight, rather an alternative for removing fatty deposits which persist, no matter how much exercise, massage or dieting is undertaken.
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If the treatment you are contemplating is part of a more extensive diet and exercise programme end you are hoping to lose more than a stone in weight through this, it is better to lose most of the weight before surgery. It is fair to say that the results from Liposuction are motivating a lot of people to a better lifestyle balanced diet and exercise but you should not rely on starting all the changes after the surgery.
During your first consultation, your doctor will ask you about your general health, any specific conditions that might interfere with surgery, your goals for the surgery and specific areas of your body where you want fat removed.
Your doctor will perform an exam, explain the details of the procedure, and develop a plan for surgery and recovery with you. The plan will include the liposuction technique that the doctor will use.
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Liposuction is a technique whereby fat is removed permanently and may be performed under general or local anaesthesia, depending on the site to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed. It may be utilised in most areas of the body either as a sole procedure or as an adjunct to other procedures i.e. facelift, breast reduction or abdominal reduction. Before any fat is removed, the area to be treated is injected with a buffered salt solution containing adrenaline, which controls bleeding and a long-acting local anaesthetic to ensure you will experience less discomfort after the Liposuction operation.
Liposuction, is an adaptation of Suction Assisted Lipoplasty( SAL) a method of stroking a shaped metal tube, known as a cannula, backwards and forwards to loosen the fat which allows it to be torn off by a strong vacuum pump.
However, Liposuction employs the use of much finer cannulae allowing the removal of fat in a more controlled manner because they cause less trauma to the tissues and can be used closer under the surface of the skin giving superior results. Liposuction surgical time varies from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the extent of the procedure (number of areas treated or volume of reduction).
A more recent development in Liposuction is the ultrasound assisted technique. This procedure involves first they use of the fine probe that in contact with the fat cells under the skin leads to a relatively selective breakdown of the fatty tissue. Following the application of the ultrasound, the treatment area is addressed with suction assisted liposuction and the fatty tissue broken down is removed. The procedure is safe and controllable and can be used in all areas of the body including the face.
Less extensive Liposuction is possible as a day-case, but normally an overnight stay at the hospital is recommended. It is normal practice for the anaesthetist to give intravenous fluids to replace those lost during the Liposuction procedure.
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Immediately after Liposuction surgery the operated parts will be dressed with Elastoplast® or similar dressings which will remain in place for one week (showers and baths may still be possible during this period). The most important aspect of Liposuction treatment post-operatively is the wearing of pressure garments which may be used for up to six weeks (three weeks day and night, three weeks overnight only)..
It is important to realise that although only tiny incisions (~3 mm in length) are made in unobtrusive areas, Liposuction creates a large wound hidden under the skin and adequate rest in the days and weeks after surgery will be required as well as regular gentle exercise. This should be balanced with early mobilisation such as walking following the removal of dressings. Tenderness, bruising and swelling always occur after Liposuction, but this subsides over a period of weeks and the extent of this can be lessened by taking Arnica for one week prior to surgery and two weeks afterwards.
Liposuction postoperative discomfort may be relieved by mild analgesia such as Paracetamol (Aspirin should be avoided). Once the swelling has subsided, hardening of the treated area is usual. Massage is advised at this stage to soften and flatten the area. Beauty therapists or physiotherapists should be considered for this task and many previous patients consider the results obtained, more than justified for the relatively small expenditure for professional massage.
Do bear in mind, that it may take several months for the area to return to normal softness.
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As healing progresses, a more proportional look will emerge.
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A slimmer body contour can help you feel more confident and comfortable.
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Numbness and itching of the area may be expected initially and should gradually return to normal (permanent areas of numbness are rare). Infection after liposuction is possible but unlikely and is easily treated by antibiotics.
Experienced plastic surgeons having access to the right equipment will be able to remove fat in a way, which minimises post-operative skin irregularities or asymmetry. It is possible however, that some difference of fat removal will be apparent, necessitating a minor secondary tidy-up liposuction procedure, usually after six months. If large amounts of fat are removed, loose skin may be a problem dependent upon the skin site and type.
Some patients are fortunate and have elastic skin which contracts well, whereas others (usually those with stretch marks) may require skin-tightening procedures in addition to the liposuction. Some procedures include thigh and abdominal tucks and your surgeon will be able to inform you of the likelihood and nature of the secondary operations. Patients who have loose skin and/or dimpling (cellulite) are not ideal candidates for this procedure. Indeed, liposuction or liposculpture could make these conditions worse. Time away from work depends on the areas treated and varies from 7-14 days.
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A few weeks after Liposuction
How fast you recover depends on how extensive a procedure you had. In general, you should walk around as soon as possible to reduce swelling. You may find some fluid leaking from the incisions after surgery, and a small drainage tube may have been put under your skin for a few days.
A few weeks after Liposuction
You may wear an elastic compression garment over the treated areas for a few weeks to reduce swelling, and take antibiotics to prevent infection. Though you should rest for a day or two after surgery, and may feel some pain, burning or numbness, you should be able to go back to work within a week. During that time, your stitches will dissolve or be removed and the swelling should begin to go down. Most of the swelling will disappear after three weeks or so, though some may remain for several months. You’ll avoid strenuous activity for a month or so.
Healing is slow - but results are great
Many people feel depressed for a while after Liposuction surgery, especially in the early days when the results of the surgery aren’t apparent. This is quite normal and will pass. Healing is slow and gradual and sometimes the final results aren’t obvious for several months. But remember why you chose to have the surgery. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.
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The Complete Article
About Liposuction
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