|
Liposuction, also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction
lipectomy, is the surgical removal of fat from the body for cosmetic
purposes using a suction apparatus inserted into the body.
The most common method used is tumescent liposuction. In this
procedure several litres of saline solution are pumped under the
skin, the fat is sucked out using a tube, or cannula, to which a
high-pressure vacuum is applied. The saline solution also includes a
local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated and a substance
that constricts blood vessels to minimise bleeding.
With ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, a wand-like instrument is
energised with ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat. This method, known
as lithotripsy- is often used to re-treat areas of the body that
have already undergone liposuction. However, it may require longer
incisions, takes more time to complete and be more expensive. It
also carries a greater risks of burns of the skin or insider the
body.
The most commonly treated areas are the hips, abdomen, buttocks,
thighs, knees, upper arms, back and chin. It may also be used to
‘contour’ the neck, ankles and calves.
It is not used for breast reduction or as a treatment for obesity.
Nor will it eliminate the dimpled appearance of skin caused by
cellulite.
The best candidates
The best candidates for liposuction are healthy men and women with
good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for liposuction.
"Realistic" means that improvement, not always perfection, is the
goal. The fatty bulges should be localized to a few areas and the
individual should be near their ideal body weight. Cellulite, or
waffled skin, will not be cured by liposuction.
Risks
Liposuction is a very popular procedure that is a normally safe and
effective method of removing excess fat. Like all surgery, any
cosmetic surgery involves some level of risk. Serious and
potentially fatal complications can occur as a result of blood clots
(thrombosis), fluid overload resulting in the collection of fluid in
the lungs (pulmonary oedema) and slowed heart rate in combination
with lowered blood pressure.
Liposuction can offer a new shape for people who never
thought it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with your
surgeon given your particular circumstances.
Before and after surgery
During your consultation, you and your cosmetic surgeon will discuss
the areas of your body you'd like to change. You may undergo an
examination to thoroughly assess your fat storage, skin elasticity
and review your medical and health history. Your surgeon can discuss
the placement of incisions and what other procedures may need to be
performed to achieve the proper result. He or she will discuss what
medication you should avoid, such as any that affect blood
coagulation, and you may be asked to stop smoking for one to two
weeks before and after surgery.
Although you'll be mobile immediately following your liposuction
surgery, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home
after surgery and to help out around the house for a day or so.
Most patients are mobile immediately after liposuction, although an
extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat
are removed. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Your
surgeon will want to begin normal activity as soon as possible to
reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may be
advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light exercise
is usually permitted within a few days.
Your surgeon may recommend that a tight-fitting garment, similar to
a girdle, be worn after surgery to reduce swelling. This may need to
be worn for up to six weeks. Your stitches, however, will be removed
within a week-and-a-half if they are not the type that dissolve.
You may not feel great just after your surgery. You've been given
extra fluids during the procedure, and you'll likely experience
swelling and some bruising, but this is only temporary. You may feel
a little bruised and sore as if you'd over-exercised that part of
the body, but you should be able to resume work in a few days. Your
doctor will recommend the exact timing, given your particular
circumstances.
Remember, liposuction is a surgical procedure, and your body has to
heal before you see the full benefits. Your results will likely be
visible within two or three weeks, but the full effect may not be
fully evident for six months to a year after surgery in some cases.
You should maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to fully
enjoy the new you for years to come. Many patients find that their
liposuction is such a psychological boost that it gives them the
incentive to exercise even more than before to improve other parts
of their physique. With realistic expectations, most patients are
pleased with the improvements from their liposuction procedure.
|