Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from certain parts of the body to create smoother and more toned contours. It is a great option for people who want to slim down specific areas of the body that are resistant to weight loss or exercise.
Liposuction can help improve the shape of the chin, arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs. It can also be used to treat fatty areas on the neck, back and hands.
Most people who get liposuction do it to improve their body’s appearance and improve their self-image. They may be in their healthy weight range but have localised pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise. They may have a genetic tendency to carry extra fat in some areas of the body, such as the belly or thighs.
Another common reason for a person to get liposuction is if they have a medical condition that can cause their fat cells to become trapped under the skin. For example, diabetes can lead to areas of adipose tissue that are hard to eliminate by diet and exercise.
The most common technique for removing fat is the tumescent method, which injects a specialized fluid that breaks up and removes fat. This method requires general anesthesia and is usually performed for large amounts of fat.
A less-invasive technique is the super-wet method, which uses less fluid and does not require as much time during the surgery. This is a more affordable alternative to tumescent liposuction but does not offer as much volume of fat removal.
Before the procedure, your doctor will give you local (just in the surgical area) or general anesthesia, which makes it so that you don’t feel pain during or after the procedure. You may also need an epidural, which injects medicine into the epidural space around the spine to partially numb your abdomen and legs.
During the surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will make one or more small incisions in the area where fat is to be removed. Then, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted through these incisions and manipulated to loosen the fat and then suctioned out.
How does liposuction work?
Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that removes excess fat from areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. During liposuction, the surgeon uses a suction technique to remove unwanted fatty tissue and contour the treated area for a more desirable shape and tone.
During the liposuction procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a tube called a cannula under the skin. This tube is then connected to a vacuum that suctions up the fat and fluids from the treatment area. The a board-certified laser skin surgeon Dr. Cameron Rokhsar can use one of several techniques, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction and cryolipolysis.
Tumescent liposuction is the most common type of liposuction. In this technique, a sterile solution, consisting of salt water to aid in fat removal, an anesthetic (lidocaine) to relieve pain and a drug (epinephrine) to constrict blood vessels, is injected into the area that’s being treated.
The sterile solution swells the treated area, stiffens it and allows the surgeon to more easily remove fat with less pain. The numbing medication (lidocaine) also helps reduce the risk of pain during and after the procedure.
After the fluid has swelled and stiffened, the surgeon places a thin tube called a cannula under your skin. This tube is then connected to he vacuum that suctions up the fat and fluids, which are then drained through an intravenous line.
Before you undergo liposuction, your doctor will ask about your medical history and any other treatment plans you may have, such as weight loss programs or bariatric procedures like gastric bypass. They will also take a detailed body measurement and talk about your expectations for the results of the surgery.
Your surgeon will then decide how much fat to remove, depending on your treatment goals and the areas you want to treat. Typically, the surgeon will target areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Your surgeon will make marks or lines on the treatment area so they can see where to target fat and how much it should be removed. Your surgeon will also take photos of the treatment area so they can see the changes in your body after the surgery.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes excess fat from certain areas of your body to improve your appearance. It can be performed by a plastic surgeon, or by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor).
If you’re considering liposuction, it’s important to understand the risks. These include bleeding, infection and complications that can affect your overall health.
The risks and side effects of liposuction vary depending on your specific needs. If you’re planning to undergo this procedure, your surgeon will help you determine what risks are the most important and which ones may be minor or temporary.
One of the most common liposuction complications is fluid overload. This occurs when too much fluid is injected into the body during or after the procedure. It can cause the blood to thicken and become difficult to flow through the body.
This can result in serious infections and even death, if not treated quickly. The risk of fluid overload increases for people who are obese and who have problems with their circulation.
Another liposuction complication is pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot blocks the passage of oxygen to your lungs. This condition can be fatal, so it’s essential to follow your surgeon’s instructions and keep track of your fluid levels.
Patients who are pregnant, or who have a history of pulmonary embolism, may be at a higher risk for pulmonary embolism after liposuction. This is because the fat tissue in your body can be more fragile after surgery, and it can easily break apart and enter the lungs.
Other risks of liposuction are abdominal organ injuries, such as the intestine being punctured by the cannula, and lung injury. The risk of lung damage is greater if you have a history of asthma, and the chance of an injury to your lungs is increased if you’ve had a recent heart attack or stroke.
Other possible liposuction complications include scarring, swelling and numbness. Although these are rare, they can be uncomfortable and can make you feel self-conscious. The best way to prevent these complications is to choose a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
What are the benefits of liposuction?
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes fat from areas of the body that are hard to reach with diet and exercise. It is considered a safe and effective treatment for weight loss and body contouring.
The procedure has many benefits, which include improved physical appearance and health benefits. It is the most common surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States, with almost 400,000 liposuction procedures performed each year.
A person’s physical appearance is very important to their self-esteem. If you are overweight or have fatty deposits that do not respond to dieting and exercise, this could have a negative impact on your self-confidence.
Obesity is linked to many serious diseases and health concerns, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes. The good news is that weight loss and exercise are very effective at lowering risk factors for these conditions.
Moreover, liposuction can help you achieve your desired body shape and size by removing stubborn fatty deposits in areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms and neck. This can significantly improve your overall appearance and motivation to eat healthy food and work out regularly.
In addition, you will feel better about yourself because you will have a slimmer and more sculpted body. This can also help you boost your self-esteem and make you feel more comfortable wearing bathing suits or clothes in public.
Another benefit of liposuction is that it can reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, which can improve cholesterol levels and protect the heart. In fact, triglyceride levels may decrease by as much as 43% after the surgery.
While these are just some of the benefits of liposuction, it’s a safe and proven procedure that is widely used by thousands of patients every year. So, if you’re tired of struggling with your weight or want to boost your self-confidence, contact us at Hobart Plastic Surgery to find out if liposuction is right for you.
There are a few risks involved with liposuction, which is why it’s always recommended that you seek the advice of your doctor before making any decisions. For example, people with certain medical conditions should avoid having liposuction, such as a history of coronary artery disease or diabetes. In addition, you should avoid taking aspirin or other inflammatory drugs at least 2 weeks before the operation.