What is liposuction?
Liposuction is cosmetic surgery that removes localized fat deposits to improve body contour or composition. It may be used to reduce fat deposits in the:
- Thighs
- Hips and buttocks
- Abdomen and waist
- Upper arms
- Back
- Inner knee
- Chest area
- Cheeks, chin and neck
- Calves and ankles
In some cases, liposuction is performed alone. In other cases it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, breast reduction or tummy tuck.
Liposuction has been around for decades. With advances in technology, there are new, yet similar techniques. High-definition liposuction and liposculpting are variations of the same procedure of removing fat from the body. In some cases, these techniques can add further definition to the area to shape and enhance the appearance.
What it won’t do: Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or substitute for proper diet and exercise. It’s also not an effective treatment for cellulite (dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks) or loose, saggy skin..
Is liposuction right for me?
Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, you may still have stubborn areas with excess fat. . This could be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.
If you are bothered by excess fat deposits anywhere on your body that don’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you.
You’re an ideal candidate for liposuction if you:
- Are within 30% of your ideal weight
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that impairs healing
- Have a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
- Do not smoke
What happens during liposuction?
Before the procedure, general anesthesia or IV sedation is administered for your comfort. Once the anesthesia is provided, your surgeon will begin liposuction.
Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and post-operative pain. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.
What is liposuction recovery like?
Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandages may cover treatment areas. These help control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours. Small temporary drains may also be placed in incisions beneath the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid. It is common to have drainage from your incisions after surgery from the fluid that was injected during the operation.
It’s important that the incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during recovery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself, which may include:
- How to care for the surgical site(s)
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- Things to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
Secondary procedures are sometimes recommended to reduce excess skin after liposuction. Special considerations are needed when large amounts — usually more than 5 liters of fat — are suctioned.
It may take several months for the swelling to fully dissipate. As it does, your new contours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop. Your slimmer and better-proportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead. Keep in mind that any significant weight gain can reverse your results.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Possible risks of liposuction include:
- Uneven contours
- Rippling or loose skin
- Skin or nerve damage
- Irregular pigmentation
- Infection
- Fat or blood clots
- Excessive loss or accumulation of fluid
- Unfavorable scarring
- Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound (with the ultrasound-assisted lipectomy technique)
- Side effects of anesthesia
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Change in skin sensation
- Swelling
- Asymmetry
- Pain, which may persist
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
- Wounds that heal poorly
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Possibility of revisional surgery
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.