Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is commonly used in both men and women to remove localized excess fat deposits that are resistant to dieting and exercise. The lumps and areas of fat are removed by means of thin tubes that are inserted in to the body fat through small incisions. These tubes are then attached to a vacuum pump that sucks the fat out from those areas.

What are the common areas where Liposuction is performed?

Most commonly Liposuction is performed (men and women) beneath the chin and on the flanks, hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, knees, and lower legs. In men enlarged male breasts (Gynecomastia), arms, neck and face are also treated with Liposuction. It is interesting to note that Liposuction can also remove sweat glands in the under arm area to reduce excessive sweating.

Who is an ideal candidate for Liposuction?

If you are a man or a woman with unsightly localized pockets of fat in certain areas with firm and elastic overlying skin and good general health, then you are an ideal candidate for Liposuction.

Who is not an ideal candidate for Liposuction?

If you have medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or have recently had surgery near the area where Liposuction will be done or if you are an older adult, then you are not an ideal candidate for Liposuction procedure.

What are the different techniques of Liposuction?

The most commonly used techniques of Liposuction include Tumescent Liposuction and Modified Tumescent Liposuction. In Tumescent Liposuction technique, large amounts of local anesthetic is injected in the fat that is going to be suctioned out. Local anesthetic swells the fat and makes it firm. It also numbs the pain during and after the Liposuction surgery. This technique of Liposuction is usually used in a doctor's office. In Modified Tumescent Liposuction technique, a combination of local and general anesthesia is used. This technique of Liposuction should be performed preferably in a hospital under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is a technique that requires the use of a special tube that produces ultrasonic energy. As this tube passes through the areas of fat and fibrous tissue, the energy breaks down the walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat which is then removed with the traditional Liposuction technique.

What does Liposuction involve?

A tiny incision is made over the area where localized fat deposit is to be removed. A thin tube is inserted and is connected to a vacuum which will suction out the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The thin tube is moved back and forth to dislodge and break the fat cells. Additional suction action can be provided by a syringe depending on your surgeon's preference. Incisions will be made very carefully to keep them as inconspicuous as possible. During Liposuction, large amounts of fluids and some blood may be lost along with fat. These will be replenished by intravenous fluids during and after Liposuction surgery.

How to prepare for Liposuction?

Loose only that much weight which you can realistically keep off after the Liposuction surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthetist about all the medications (prescription as well as non-prescription medications including vitamins and herbal supplements) before Liposuction. If you are taking birth control pills, stop taking them 1 week before Liposuction surgery. Stop smoking and drinking at least 2 weeks before Liposuction surgery. Do not eat or drink any thing at least 12 hours before Liposuction surgery. If you will be getting Liposuction done as an outpatient, make arrangements for someone to take you home and also help you at home for a couple days after Liposuction.

What to expect during the recovery period after Liposuction?

If Liposuction is performed on an out patient basis, you will be allowed to go home 1 - 2 hours after the Liposuction procedure. If Liposuction is being performed in a hospital, then you will be allowed to go home 2 days after the Liposuction procedure. Your stitches will be removed after 7 - 10 days following Liposuction. Avoid strenuous activities including exercises, sports, lifting weight etc for the next several weeks following Liposuction. You can resume your non-strenuous activities within a week following Liposuction.

What is the outcome of Liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat cells permanently. However, if you gain more than 10% of your weight, then the remaining fat cells only increase in size and fat accumulates in other areas of the body where Liposuction was not performed. You will normally see 90% of your Liposuction results within 3 months of Liposuction surgery. If you have realistic expectations, you will probably be pleased with your Liposuction surgery and your new look which can be maintained for life time by eating sensibly and exercising regularly.

B . R . A . N . D . of Liposuction

Benefits of Liposuction

• The benefits of Liposuction are many fold. Liposuction is considered a safe and Minimally Invasive procedure with chances of few complications and maximum number of benefits. There will be a noticeable difference in your body contour after Liposuction which will become increasingly evident as time goes by. The procedure of Liposuction involves short hospital stay, minimal anesthesia associated risks, quick re-cuperation and early return to work with an enhanced physical appearance and general well being.

Risks of Liposuction

• Infection - Keep the incision wound clean
• Bleeding - Excessive bleeding during Liposuction or localized accumulation of blood (hematoma) at the site of Liposuction.
• Visceral perforation - Perforation of bowel during abdominal Liposuction which is usually performed in combination with Tummy Tuck.
• Prolonged numbness over the area due to permanent nerve damage.
• Shock due to internal bleeding and loss of large amounts of fluids.
• Removal of too much fat
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Embolism - Thrombophlebitis of leg veins especially occurs in women taking oral contraceptives.
• Skin burn - Skin burns are common in Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction where the ultrasound probe may over heat and cause skin burns.

Alternatives to Liposuction

• Tummy Tuck - In this procedure excessive fat and skin is removed from you abdomen and groin areas. Tummy Tuck is mostly performed in combination with Liposuction to remove localized fat deposits.
• Power Assisted Liposculpture - This is certainly a worthwhile option to explore to lose localized fat deposits.

Now or Never

• Your surgeon will try and make smallest possible incision in the least conspicuous places. Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in men as well as women world wide. With introduction of Open as well as Minimally Invasive Surgical techniques, the success rates for Liposuction far out weighs it's failure rates. Modern and sophisticated techniques of Liposuction have also minimized the risk of post operative complications.

Decision to have Liposuction

• The procedure of Liposuction is seen by most men and women as dream come true. Liposuction involves permanent removal of fat cells and contour your body to the shape that you have always dreamt of. You may only be steps way from transforming your dream in to reality.