Liposuction 101: Everything You Need to Know Before Surgery
Perfection is an illusion! Many dream of having a fit and perfect body. Even relatively slim people might struggle to lose unwanted fat. While a good diet and exercise can help you stay fit and maintain a balanced weight, targeting stubborn fats in different body parts may be ideal.
Cosmetic procedures like liposuction treat targeted fats and help people gain a contoured body. In this blog post, read about how liposuction surgery works, for whom it is suitable, and how you can confirm long-lasting results.
What is Liposuction?
Lipoplasty, suction-assisted lipectomy, or liposuction targets and removes thick fat deposits to sculpt and contour specific body areas. The most common areas include:
Abdomen and waist
Thighs and hips
Upper arms
Neck
Liposuction targets specific areas that hold onto fat and reshape the body. Candidates often choose it to achieve a toned, well-shaped body.
Different Liposuction Techniques
There are different types of liposuction, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. The most popular options include:
1. Tumescent liposuction
A mixture of saline, anesthetic, and epinephrine solution is injected into the targeted area to remove blood, IV salt solution, and fat safely. Although preferred by many, the time for surgery is long.
2. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
This is a relatively easy procedure for fat removal. It uses ultrasonic waves to transform fat into liquid. It is an effective way of removing fat settled in dense areas like the lower back. It may provide excellent results when combined with the tumescent technique.
3. Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
This method uses soft vibrations to break fat cells away from tissues, making it easier to remove fat. It is an effective method for contouring and sculpting the body.
Why People Choose It?
The method can target a small amount of fat, making it suitable for targeted fat loss. It benefits people who want to reshape specific areas of their body. It is primarily a cosmetic procedure and not a regular medical procedure. Rarely, a liposuction may be recommended to treat issues like gynecomastia
It most effectively removes fat from the abdomen, thighs, and chin. A sculpted appearance can make people feel more confident.
Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Every candidate has certain expectations from a surgery. Several factors must be considered to determine whether you are fit for liposuction.
You must maintain an ideal weight; being as close to that number as possible is essential to being a suitable candidate.
Our skin has a natural tendency to expand and contract. Good skin elasticity can preserve liposuction results, preventing the skin from getting loose.
A fairly healthy person with no chronic diseases is a good fit.
A person who understands it is a fat loss procedure, not a weight loss procedure.
While these are only some key determiners, it is essential to consult a certified cosmetic surgeon to discuss your requirements and understand the procedure more thoroughly.
Preparing for Liposuction
Careful planning is necessary for a smooth procedure and recovery. Here is how you can prepare:
Be clear about your objectives and expectations.
Share details about any medical condition you may have.
Clear your doubts by asking questions.
Be open about habits like smoking.
Ask someone to assist you on the surgery day.
What Happens During Liposuction?
The anesthesiologist injects anesthesia near the targeted area.
Once the anesthesia starts to work, the surgeon makes small incisions through which a thin tube, or cannula, is inserted to break up fat cells.
The fat is removed using a vacuum device attached to the tube or cannula.
After the fat is removed, the incisions are closed with stitches (if incisions are big) or left as is (for small incisions).
Patients generally return home the same day.
Recovery and Aftercare
Patients may notice common post-surgery symptoms like swelling, bruising, or minimal pain. Surgeons provide essential instructions to ensure that patients do not suffer severe discomfort.
You may be prescribed medications and provided special garments to support the treated area. You may also be restricted from severely stressing yourselves with exercises or other activities.
To ensure a successful recovery, you must attend all follow-up visits. This helps your surgeon track your recovery's progress and recommend necessary adjustments.
Possible Risks and Complications
Risks are generally not involved if the surgery uses standard safety protocols. Consulting a board-certified and experienced surgeon minimizes these risks. Although complications are rare, some may experience symptoms like:
Infection or bleeding
Fluid buildup (seroma)
Numbness or nerve damage
Contour irregularities or asymmetry
Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Maintaining Long-term Results
The procedure essentially targets removing fat from the body. The fat that is removed does not show any significant difference. However, with proper healing, the results may be easily differentiated. Following the post-operative instructions is a must to ensure the success of this procedure.
Candidates must understand that liposuction is not a permanent fix. With weight gain, the person might grow fats in other body parts. Healthy foods, a good exercise routine, and maintaining an ideal body weight can help preserve liposuction results.
Conclusion
While there are more complex techniques to treat major concerns, liposuction is a simple technique that helps target fats in different body areas and remove them easily with as little pain as possible.
People who want a toned body but do not want to make it prominent often choose this procedure. While learning about it over the internet from various sources is easy, a surgeon might be able to help you understand it better. Knowing the benefits and disadvantages is essential to determine if you should undergo this procedure. Get in touch with The Centre for Personal Surgery to learn more!