Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as “lipo” by patients, is a procedure that slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving body contours and proportion.

Liposuction is not a cure for obesity or a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise. It is also ineffective for treating cellulite (the dimpled skin that appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks) or loose saggy skin.

Liposuction can be used to treat a variety of areas, including the abdomen, ankles, arms, buttocks, cheeks, chin hips, knees, neck, thighs, waist and upper arms.

Liposuction can be done alone or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures like a facelift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck.

It was in 1974 when doctors Arpad and Giorgio Fischer working in Rome, Italy, developed the blunt tunnelling technique from which modern liposuction evolved. Then, at end of the 1990s, doctors introduced the use of ultrasound for liquefying fat so that it could be removed more easily. Developments such as this have led to improvements in the liposuction technique over the decades that mean fat can now be removed more easily and with less pain, blood loss and other associated complications.

Types

There are several types of liposuction, which is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from various parts of the body. The most common types of liposuction include:

Traditional Liposuction: This is the most common type of liposuction, which involves making small incisions in the targeted area and using a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) to suction out fat cells.
Tumescent Liposuction: This type of liposuction involves injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a drug that constricts blood vessels) into the targeted area before the procedure. This solution helps to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and make it easier to remove fat cells.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: This type of liposuction uses ultrasound technology to liquefy fat cells before they are removed. This can make it easier to remove fat from areas that are more difficult to access, such as the back or upper abdomen.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction: This type of liposuction uses laser technology to liquefy fat cells before they are removed. This can also help to tighten the skin in the treated area.
Power-Assisted Liposuction: This type of liposuction uses a motorized cannula to remove fat cells more quickly and efficiently than traditional liposuction.

Your plastic surgeon can help you determine which type of liposuction is best for you based on your individual needs and goals.

Fat Transfer / Lipofilling

Liposuction is frequently performed in conjunction with lipofilling. Lipofilling involves the removal of body fat via liposuction (usually from the abdomen, hips, or legs) and repositioning it elsewhere in the body. This is done when someone wants to improve their appearance (often for more volume in the breasts or face), but it can also be done when dents form as a result of an injury or previous surgery.

Contours and volume are restored with lipofilling. The fact that lipofilling uses the body’s own fat is a significant advantage. As a result, the treatment is considered safe, and lipofilling is widely used in plastic surgery.

Lipofilling can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Liposuction is the removal of fat from a specific area of the body. Cannulas are used to transfer the fat tissue into smaller tubes. The surgeon can inject your own fat tissue into the area where you want to add volume using these hollow needles. The initial lipofilling procedure lasts about 1.5 hours and is relatively painless.

For a few days after the procedure, the treated area may be bluish, swollen, and tender. The swelling and tenderness will go away after two weeks. Following the procedure, you will be required to wear special pressure clothing in the area where the liposuction was performed.

Procedure

Before your liposuction starts, the surgeon might mark the areas of your body that will be treated. They may also take photos to use later for before-and-after comparisons.

Here’s how the procedure of liposuction is typically performed:

Anesthesia: The patient is given either local anesthesia (numbing only the area being treated) or general anesthesia (putting the patient to sleep).
Incision: Small incisions are made in the treatment area.
Tumescent solution: A special solution is injected into the area to be treated. This solution contains a mixture of saline (salt water), lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a medication that constricts blood vessels). This solution helps to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and make it easier to remove the fat.
Cannula insertion: A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. The cannula is attached to a vacuum-like machine that suctions out the excess fat.
Fat removal: The cannula is moved back and forth to break up the fat cells, which are then suctioned out of the body.
Incision closure: Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips.
Recovery: The patient is typically sent home the same day, although they will need someone to drive them home. Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the liposuction and the patient’s overall health, but most people can return to work and normal activities within a few days to a week.

It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.

Depending on the type of surgery, you may not need to stay in the hospital. However, bruising, swelling, and soreness should be expected for at least a few weeks. To control swelling, your surgeon may advise you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery. Antibiotics will almost certainly be required to prevent infection. Most people can return to work in a few days and resume normal activities in two weeks.

Cosmetic surgery has risks, such as bleeding, complications from anesthesia, shock, fluid accumulation, infections, fat embolism, burns from instruments, uneven fat removal, reactions to lidocaine, skin sensation, numbness, and damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs. It is important to choose a trained, board-certified cosmetic surgeon to reduce these risks.

Benefits

The fat cells are removed permanently during liposuction. But you can gain weight back, with new fat cells, which usually go to different areas of your body. To keep your new shape after surgery, follow a diet that includes lots of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. And exercise regularly.

Some of the benefits of liposuction include:

Improved appearance: Liposuction can help to contour and shape various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms, leading to a more toned and sculpted appearance.
Boost in self-confidence: Many patients report feeling more confident and satisfied with their appearance after liposuction, which can have a positive impact on their personal and professional life.Health benefits: Liposuction can also have health benefits for patients who are overweight or obese by reducing the risk of certain health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.Long-lasting results: Liposuction provides permanent results, as the fat cells that are removed do not grow back. However, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to prevent the remaining fat cells from expanding.Improved mobility: In some cases, liposuction can improve mobility by reducing excess weight and bulk that may be hindering movement.

It’s important to note that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss and should not be used as a means of significant weight loss. It is best suited for patients who are at or near their ideal weight and have localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.