All About Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, suction lipectomy or simply lipo, is a plastic surgery technique which removes pockets of fat from troublesome areas.  The fat is removed through a hollow instrument, called a cannula, which is inserted under the skin. A powerful, high-pressure vacuum is applied to the cannula. Liposuction does not remove cellulite, dimples or stretch marks. Also, it is not a treatment for obesity or long-term weight loss.

Basic procedure:

The basic procedure of liposuction involves the following steps:

• Depending on the type and number of procedures undergone by a patient, local or IV sedation is used.
• Then a few minute incisions are made near the area to be treated.
• A small instrument called a cannula is inserted through them in order to reach the fat deposits.
• The cannula then breaks up and vacuums away the unwanted fat in that area.
• The procedure is finished with the incisions usually being sutured and allowed to heal.

Liposuction techniques:

The most common liposuction techniques include:

• Wet liposuction
• Super-wet liposuction
• Tumescent liposuction
• Ultrasonic Liposuction
• Micro Liposuction
• Power-Assisted Liposuction
Liposuction is performed on:
• Abdomen
• Hips
• Outer thighs (saddlebags)
• Flanks (love handles)
• Back
• Inner thighs and knees
• Upper arms
• Chin

Liposuction is sometimes used to treat certain conditions, such as

• Lymphedema: A chronic (long-term) condition in which excess fluid collects in tissues, causing edema (swelling).
• Gynecomastia: It is also used to remove fat accumulates under a man’s nipples.
• Lipodystrophy syndrome: Sometimes fat accumulates in one part of the body and is lost in another. Liposuction can improve the patient’s appearance by providing a more natural looking body fat distribution.
• Extreme weight loss after obesity: Liposuction is used to correct some posture abnormalities when an obese person looses at least 40% of his/her BMI.

People who can undergo liposuction procedure include:

• People who are close to normal weight.
• Have pockets of excess fat, but with firm skin.
• Are physically and psychologically healthy.

Healing after the procedure:

Healing process differ from person to person. Some people may notice fast healing while for some it may take time.

• Person, who had stitches, may get rid of them within the first week after surgery.
• Bruises take three weeks or longer to fade after liposuction.
• Swelling can take six months to disappear but begins to retreat after the first week.
• Numbness in the treated area nearly always goes away in three months.

Possible risks:

The various side effects of liposuction include the following:

• Infection
• Scars
• Bruising
• Prolonged swelling
• Extended healing time.
• Possible allergic reaction to medication or anesthesia.
• Fat or blood clots (They can migrate to the lungs and may even cause death).
• Dimpling
• Excessive fluid loss, it can lead to shock and, in some cases, may even cause death.
• Fluid accumulation.
• Burns, friction burns to skin or nerves due to cannula movement.
• Skin tissue death (necrosis), especially in smokers and people with diabetes.
• Harm to vital organs of the body.

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Also read:

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How to Get Rid of Abdominal Fat
8 Bollywood Actresses who have Undergone Plastic Surgery
10 Best Shapewear to Hide Tummy and Love Handles