Liposuction, you can suck it up!

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture is a surgical technique that improves the body's contour by removing excess fat from deposits located between the skin and muscle. How many times have you looked at your body and said, l wish this was not here, l need a bit of lipo! So what is liposuction and what does it mean to you?

Liposuction can be done on your abdomen, hips, thighs, inside of the knees, ankles, upper arms, neck and back. So basically anywhere where we would like the fat to go from. Your body won't replace the fat cells, so you should have a long-lasting change in your body shape, especially if you exercise, eat a healthy diet, and maintain a healthy weight after your operation. Liposuction is usually done as a day case. The operation is usually carried out under a general anesthetic. This means you will be asleep during the procedure. You will be asked not to eat or drink for about six hours before a general anesthetic.

Different Types of Technique: There are various techniques for doing liposuction. Some techniques are now longer considered safe (Dry Technique), and some are recognized as world-wide standards of care (Tumescent Technique).

Wet liposuction: The wet technique required the injection of approximately 100 milliliters of local anesthesia containing epinephrine and caused less blood loss than the dry technique. Your surgeon will inject a fluid mixture containing a salty solution, local anesthetic and adrenaline into the fatty area being treated. This helps reduce bleeding, bruising and swelling and makes it easier to remove the fat.

Dry liposuction: The dry technique derived its name from the fact that it did not use injections of local anesthesia into the fat before liposuction. Metal tube and suction is used without fluid injection to remove the fat. Dry liposuction can cause more bleeding and bruising than wet liposuction therefore it's not commonly used.

Ultrasound liposuction: If the fat is very firm (for example, on the back), or there is a lot of fat, ultrasound is used to break up the fat before it's removed. This technique requires the use of a large volume of tumescent fluid and uses either a metal probe or metal paddle to deliver ultrasonic energy and heat into subcutaneous fat.

Benefits can include:

Improved health: Fat removal, whether through dieting or plastic surgery such as liposuction, can have beneficial effects on your overall health and well-being.

Improved Appearance: The body smoothing and contouring available with liposuction can make an individual look and feel better by simple virtue of the fact that their clothes fit better.

Fat removal: Liposuction is an effective fat removal treatment and can help eliminate unwanted pockets of fat that accumulate disproportionately in various areas of the body, contributing to a more desirable overall appearance.

Cellulite Removal: Cellulite is more common in women because men have a tighter collagen mesh pattern beneath their skin. Liposuction can help aid cellulite removal in both men and women, but it is important to remember that there is no permanent "cure" for cellulite. The success of cellulite removal is dependent on many factors, including genetics.

Side Effects:

Infection
Embolism may occur when fat is loosened and enters the blood through blood vessels ruptured (broken) during liposuction.
Extended healing time
Allergic reaction to medication or anesthesia
Fat or blood clots - clots can migrate to the lungs and may lead to death
Excessive fluid loss - fluid loss can lead to shock and, in some cases, death
Fluid accumulation - fluid must be drained
Friction burns
Damage to the skin or nerves
Damage to vital organs
Unusual red or raised scars

Precautions: Minor liposuction complications, problems, and general dissatisfaction can be minimized by fully understanding the risks and benefits associated with liposuction and having realistic expectations. It is extremely important to choose a cosmetic surgeon who will clearly and thoroughly explain potential liposuction side effects and risks. You should not rush to have cosmetic surgery. Discuss your options with your doctor, who may be able to recommend a reputable surgeon or give advice about how to choose which hospital to be treated in.