Liposuction
Liposuction is an aesthetic operative procedure that eliminates fat that will not go away despite diet and exercise. It benefits a smoother body appearance after the surgery. Liposuction is a cosmetic technique, not a weight-loss treatment. However, liposuction combined with other weight reduction cosmetic surgeries such as breast reductions, belly tucks, and facelifts may help.
Liposuction treats the following body areas:
- Abdomen
- Chest
- Hips
- Inner knee
- Thighs
- Upper arm
- Beneath chin
Liposuction is a procedure that eliminates fat cells from the body permanently. Please remember that liposuction does not prevent weight gain. However, it is unlikely the patient will gain weight in the region where they undergo lipo.
Alternate Name
Lipoplasty or Lipo.
Body Location:
Liposuction is a long-term fat removal procedure compared to an open body shaping treatment (which involves more extensive incisions). It might improve apparel fit by giving a sleeker body contour.
- Uses minimally invasive techniques and small incisions with only minor scarring.
- The procedure time is shorter and less dangerous.
Each fat cell gets too big in volume when a person accumulates weight. The liposuction procedure lowers the quantity of fat tissue in certain places.
Before deciding on liposuction, people should consult their doctor about the benefits and drawbacks. Liposuction must be done only after proper consideration by a specialist.
Liposuction Treatment
The types of liposuction determine the operation. For example, it might be an ambulatory procedure performed at the doctor's clinic or a surgical facility. The patient will be sent to a hospital and must remain overnight if the surgeon removes a substantial quantity of fat. Though the operation is performed in an outpatient unit, the patient will need transportation to and from the institute. The length of the liposuction operation is determined by the amount of fat the physician removes.
Anaesthesia is given before the surgery. Anaesthesia can be local or general. Following that, the doctor will:
- Use a cannula, a small stainless steel tool with a suction mechanism.
- The cannula is inserted into the fatty tissues between the skin and the muscle through small incisions.
- A suction or a big syringe is used to remove extra fat.
A patient may undergo one of the following liposuction techniques:
-
Tumescent liposuction:
This approach injects a saline solution into the fatty regions. A pain reliever and epinephrine, which constrict blood vessels, are included in the cocktail. The surgeon can remove fat more readily in this treatment. It also helps with pain relief and lowers blood loss.
-
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL):
Liquefies the fat before its removal.
-
Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL):
The most common liposuction technique that removes fat by sucking it out with a vacuum.
-
Power-assisted liposuction:
This technique, like SAL, adds an instrument to speed up fat removal.
-
VASER:
A cannula with numerous grooves is used in this form of UAL, resulting in more excellent fat removal.
-
Laser-assisted liposuction:
Is similar to Smartlipo. However, instead of ultrasound, lasers are used.
-
Waterjet assisted Liposuction:
is useful in cases where fat has to be reinjected onto body as fat grasp.
Preparation
The specialist surgeon will give preoperative guidelines. The patient will have to:
- Obey any dietary or alcohol-related restrictions.
- Certain medications and vitamins should be taken or avoided.
- Obtain laboratory testing.
- Stop smoking four to five weeks before and after the operation.
- Reduce salt intake.
- Stop taking ibuprofen or aspirin a few weeks before the procedure.
- Take iron supplements prescribed to patients with anaemia.
- Women on the contraceptive pill may be advised to discontinue using it.
Follow up
Typical or recommended follow-up care after the procedure is necessary.
Risks
Liposuction complications though uncommon, include the following:
Infection
An infection accompanied by high fever, pain, redness, or pus drainage at the incision site may occur.
Bruising
The targeted body part may experience severe bruising or burn from the equipment if the procedure is not done precisely.
Skin discolouration
Change in skin colour may occur. It also depends on the skin type and texture.
Inflammation
Poor wound healing around the stitches can cause inflammation in the nearby tissues.
Fat embolism
Little chunks of fat break off and obstruct blood flow.
Shock
Typically due to a lack of fluids during operation.
Recovery
The surgeon will discuss the recovery and success in detail with the patient. Each person's recovery is unique, considering the amount of fat removed and from which body part. The hospital stay is also based upon which type of liposuction treatment the patient has undergone.
Compressive clothing may be required in the treated body area for a few weeks. This clothing type assists the skin adjustment to its new shape by reducing oedema and allowing it to breathe. In addition, the patient may require a temporary drain to remove extra fluid from the incision.
Antibiotics will very certainly be required to avoid infection. However, most people return to work in a few weeks and resume routine activities in two weeks.
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