Liposuction, also known as lipectomy, is a surgery that breaks up and sucks fats from several body parts such as thighs, abdomen, neck, buttocks, arms, calves, chin, and back. The fat is removed through a hollow instrument (cannula) that is inserted under the skin. A high-pressure vacuum is created in the cannula to do this.
Liposuction is done to patients with a stable body weight but who want to remove unwanted fat deposits in several parts of the body. It is not a weight loss method, neither is it a treatment for obesity. It does not remove dimples, cellulite, or stretch marks. Instead, its goal is aesthetic, where a patient wants to change his or her body contours. Liposuction permanently eradicates fat cells from the body. It can be used to remove:
- Lipomas (fatty tumors)
- Gynaecomastia (the occurrence of fatty breast tissue in men)
- Lipodystrophy syndrome (a fat metabolism disturbance where there is excess fat in some areas while in some there is little, or none at all)
Procedure
Liposuction removes fat using suction. During the procedure, small, thin tubes with blunt tips (cannula) are inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. Fat is then suctioned through the tubes as the doctor manipulates the tubes under the skin while targeting particular fat deposits.
Recently, improved techniques have made liposuction easier, safer, and less painful. The techniques include:
- Tumescent liposuction—this uses local anesthesia to numb the area where the tubes are inserted. An anesthetic solution containing epinephrine and lidocaine is injected into the tissue with fat before the traditional liposuction is done. This procedure does not require general anesthesia.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction—in this procedure, ultrasound is used to liquefy fats; this makes it easy to remove the fat. This technique is especially beneficial in removing fat from the back, sides, and upper abdomen.
- Laser-assisted liposuction—in this technique, low-energy waves are used to turn fats into liquid, which is then removed through the cannula.
What to Expect
The treated area is wrapped after the procedure to help reduce swelling, pain and bruising. Your doctor can use a support hose, elastic bandage and tape, special girdle, or any form-fitting garment to wrap the area. You may wear this wrap or compression garment for three to four weeks. You may experience a lot of swelling and bruising for the first seven to ten days.
Risks
All surgeries have risks, and there are several risks in liposuction too. These include:
- Temporary swelling and soreness
- Irritation and scarring around the incision sites
- Rippling or baggy skin
- Excess blood loss
- Blood or fat clots
However, the risks are minimal, and can be treated easily by your doctor in case the complications occur.
Benefits of Liposuction
You could accrue several positive benefits after lipectomy. These include:
- Safe fat removal
- Reduced cellulite
- Better health associated with fat loss
- Enhanced self-esteem
- Sculpting in body areas that exercise and diet don’t seem to help
Liposuction is a safe procedure for removing excess fat. At Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, we offer liposuction and other body contouring procedures. Doctor Stephen Salerno can work with you to determine the safest and most effective treatment for your needs. Contact Real Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.
