Liposuction: Uses, Benefits and Risks

People undergoing liposuction are usually at a stable body weight but would like to remove unwanted body fat deposits in specific areas of the body.

Liposuction is not a total weight loss method. is it is not a cure for obesity.

The procedure does not remove cellulite, dimples or stretch marks. The goal is aesthetic. It suits those who wish to change and improve their body contour.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, altering the shape of the body. However, if the patient does not follow a healthy lifestyle after the operation, there is a risk that the remaining fat cells will grow.

The amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited.

There are some risks, such as infection, numbness and scarring. If too much fat is removed, there may be lumps or indentations in the skin. Surgical risks appear to be related to the amount of fat removed.

Liposuction is primarily used to improve appearance, rather than providing any physical health benefits. Most people would probably achieve the same or better results by adopting a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular exercise and a healthy sleep schedule.

Liposuction is usually only recommended if lifestyle changes have not achieved the desired results. It can treat areas of fat that are resistant to exercise and diet.

When a person gains weight, each fat cell increases in size and volume. Liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in isolated areas.

People should discuss the pros and cons of liposuction with their doctor before deciding whether to go ahead. Liposuction should only be done after a careful examination.

The results are subtle and not dramatic.

The following areas of the body are commonly targeted for liposuction treatment:

• belly
• back
• back
• bosom
• inner knees
• hips
• sides (love handles)
• neckline and the area under the chin
• thighs, both “pouches” or outer thighs and inner thighs
• arms

Liposuction works best for people with good skin tone and elasticity, where the skin forms new contours.

People whose skin lacks elasticity may end up with loose skin in the areas where the procedure was done.

The person must be over 18 years of age and in good health. Those with circulation or blood flow problems such as coronary heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system should not undergo liposuction.

Liposuction is usually done for cosmetic purposes, but is sometimes used to treat certain conditions.

These include:

• Lymphedema: A chronic or long-term condition in which excess fluid known as lymph collects in the tissues, causing edema or swelling. The swelling usually occurs in the hands or feet. Sometimes liposuction is used reduce swellingdiscomfort and pain.
• Gynecomastia: Sometimes fat accumulates under a man’s chest.
• Lipodystrophy syndrome: Fat accumulates in one part of the body and is lost in another. Liposuction can improve a patient’s appearance by providing a more natural distribution of body fat.
• Extreme weight loss after obesity: A morbidly obese person who loses at least 40 percent of their BMI may need treatment to remove excess skin and other abnormalities.
• Fats: These are benign, fatty tumors.

Before the operation, patients will have to undergo certain health tests to ensure that they are fit for surgery.

The following recommendations can be made.

• People who regularly use aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs should stop taking them at least 2 weeks before surgery.
• Women may be asked to stop taking the birth control pill.
• Patients with anemia may be asked to take iron supplements.

The individual will need to sign a consent form. This confirms that they are fully aware of the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure

During the operation

Patients may receive general anesthesia before the procedure, which can last from 1 to 4 hours.

An epidural can be used for lower body treatments. In this case, the anesthetic is injected into the epidural space surrounding the dura, or fluid-filled sac, around the spine. This partially numbs the abdomen and legs.

A local anesthetic may be used when liposuction is performed on very small areas.

If the patient only needs local anesthesia, they may be asked to stand up during the procedure to ensure proper fat removal.

There are a number of liposuction techniques.

Bulky liposuction: A few liters of saline solution with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a vasoconstrictor (epinephrine) is pumped under the skin into the area to be suctioned. The fat is aspirated, or sucked out, through small suction tubes. This is the most popular form of liposuction.

Dry liposuction: No fluid is injected before the fat is removed. This method is rarely used today. There is a greater risk of bruising and bleeding.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): Also known as ultrasonic liposuction, the cannula is activated by ultrasound. This causes the fat to melt on contact. The ultrasound vibrations burst the walls of the fat cells. This emulsifies, or liquefies, the fat, making it easier to suction. This method is suitable for fibrous areas such as the male chest, the back and areas where liposuction has been done in the past.

After the ultrasound liposuction, liposuction is performed to remove the liquefied fat.

Power-assisted liposuction (PAS): Also known as powered liposuction, PAS uses a specialized cannula with a motorized system that moves rapidly back and forth, allowing the surgeon to remove the fat more easily.

Laser Assisted Lipolysis (LAL): Also known as laser-guided fat, this procedure requires the use of a swelling liquid. It is a less invasive and bloody procedure than the traditional liposuction method of fat removal. A small tube is inserted through a small incision to deliver laser energy and heat to the fat under the skin.

After surgery, the surgeon may leave the incisions open so that excess fluid and blood can drain from the body.

After liposuction surgery

• Anesthetic: Those who have general anesthesia usually spend the night in the hospital. Those who have had a local anesthetic may be able to leave the hospital the same day.
• Support bandages: Either an elastic support corset or bandages will be placed over the target area.
• Antibiotics: These may be given immediately after surgery.
• Painkillers: Pain relievers can help relieve pain and inflammation.
• Stitches: The surgeon will remove the stitches at a follow-up appointment.
• Bruises: Significant bruising may occur in the targeted area.
• Numbness: There may be numbness in the area where the fat was removed. This should improve in 6 to 8 weeks.

Results

The results of liposuction will not be clear until the inflammation subsides. In some cases, this can take several months. Most of the swelling settles down after about 4 weeks and the area where the fat was removed should look less bulky.

People who maintain their weight can usually expect permanent results. Those who gain weight after the procedure may find that their fat distribution changes. Those who previously had fat stored on their hips may find that their buttocks become the new problem area.

Any major surgery dangerous bleeding, infection and adverse reaction to anesthesia.

The risk of complications is usually related to how long the procedure is, as well as the skills and special training of the surgeon.

The following risks, unpleasant side effects or complications are possible:

• Severe bruising: This can last for several weeks.
• Inflammation: Swelling may take up to 6 months to subside and fluid may continue to ooze from the incisions.
• Thrombophlebitis: A blood clot forms in a vein, causing inflammation and further complications.
• Contour irregularities: If there is poor skin elasticity, if the wound heals in an unusual way, or if the fat removal is uneven, the skin may appear shriveled, wavy, or uneven.
• Numbness: The affected area may feel numb for a while, but this is usually temporary.
• Infections: Rarely, a skin infection may occur after liposuction surgery. Sometimes this has to be treated surgically, with the risk of scarring.
• Internal organ puncture: This is very rare.
• Death: Anesthesia carries a small risk of death.
• Kidney or heart problems: As fluids are injected and/or suctioned, the change in body fluid levels can cause kidney or heart problems.
• Pulmonary embolism: Fat enters the blood vessels and travels to the lungs, blocking circulation in the lungs. This can be life threatening.
• Pulmonary edema: Sometimes, when fluid is injected into the body, it accumulates in the lungs.
• Allergic reaction: The patient may be allergic to drugs or materials used during the operation.
• Skin burns: The movement of the cannula can cause burns due to friction on the skin or nerves.

Those who are most satisfied with the results tend to be the people who carefully consider the pros and cons beforehand, who are informed about what to expect, who choose a skilled and experienced surgeon, and who carefully discuss the details with their surgeon.