What is liposuction and how can it help you?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to remove excess
fat deposits that form beneath the skin. This surgery targets fat
formation that does not melt away despite following the right diet
and exercise. Liposuction involves using a suction device to remove
fat. The procedure can achieve permanent fat reduction in the target
area.
Liposuction aims to improve looks
and so is classified as cosmetic surgery. When done by a skilled
surgeon, it can smooth out body contours and significantly improve
appearance. Given the incidence of excess body fat among the population,
it should be no surprise that this is one of the most commonly done
cosmetic surgeries in America.
Despite its goal of removing fat,
liposuction is not really a means to reduce weight. Nor does it
cure problems like cellulite, although there are claims that it
can improve cellulite appearance. The quantity of fat deposits removed
is often only about a quart.
Who benefits the most from this procedure?
There are two basic requirements for a patient to benefit from liposuction.
The first is that fat deposits must exist in localized areas. In
other words, if fat deposits are spread all over the body, liposuction
is not very useful.
The second requirement is that the
patient must have elastic, firm skin. Patients who have inelastic
skin will find that their skin tends to sag after far removal. Skin
that is sufficiently elastic will contract to reshape itself to
the new contours. In addition, the patient must have good overall
health and be free of major diseases.
The liposuction procedure normally
takes about half an hour to two hours or more, depending on the
amount of fat to be removed. The target area will be desensitized
by injecting a local anesthetic. Most operations follow what is
called the tumescent technique in which the surgeon injects a quantity
of fluid containing a local anesthetic under the skin. This has
the effect of making the area swollen.
The solution also contains a substance
called epinephrine, which reduces bleeding and makes it possible
to remove greater amounts of fatty deposits.
The surgeon makes small incisions
that are usually less than a quarter of an inch long to inject the
dilute anesthetic solution. He uses a device called a cannula, which
is a blunt, hollow tube to remove fat using suction. The patient
is given intravenous fluid to compensate for the loss of fluids
from the body.
After the operation, the small incisions
may be closed with stitches. Some doctors prefer not to do this,
in which case there may be a minor seepage of fluid through the
incision for a short while.
The operated area will be covered
in a support garment for two or three weeks after liposuction. If
fat has been removed from the patient's calves or ankles, he may
need to wear a support hose.
The patient may experience some discomfort
and a burning sensation for about a month after the surgery. The
tissues may remain swollen for a while.
Liposuction is fairly risk-free. Of
course, it does carry some of the risks associated with most surgeries
like formation of blood clots that can migrate to the heart or lungs
resulting in complications. It may also be possible for fat globules
to migrate to the heart. Infection is another possible risk. However,
the probability of such risks materializing is very low.
In a majority of cases, liposuction
will give the patient better looking, smoother body contours. As
long as he avoids overeating and follows a sensible lifestyle, the
patient will be able to retain his new, improved appearance.
