Liposuction

Liposuction is the surgical removal of excess fatty tissue from selected problems areas of the body. It was not designed as a means of quick and easy weight loss, and only a limited amount of fat can be removed with the procedure. The best candidates for liposuction procedures are those who are in relatively good physical and medical shape who have problem areas in their body that just won’t respond to diet and exercise.

Liposuction can be performed on one or many areas of the body depending on the individual patient’s needs. In the majority of cases, once a liposuction procedure has been performed, there is relatively little chance that the patient will need to worry about fat returning to the treated areas. This is of course, provided that the patient continues good health and exercise habits once full recovery has been achieved.

How it Works

Your surgeon will make small incisions into the skin located at your problems areas. A hollow tube (cannula) is then inserted into the incision. Excess fat is suctioned from the problem areas through back and forth motions performed either manually by the surgeon or mechanically by the liposuction equipment. Recovery from liposuction surgery is usually relatively short lived and bruising generally disappears after about a month.

There are many different techniques used in liposuction procedures. Your cosmetic surgeon will determine which is best for you based on his preferences and your specific needs. The most popular forms of liposuction include:

· Traditional liposuction is ideal for sculpting and removing smaller amounts of fatty tissues with the use of a vacuum.

· Tumescent liposuction involves using a saline solution with a small amount of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, to saturate the area to be treated and facilitate the removal of fat. This method works on most areas.

· Ultrasonic liposuction, or UAL, involves the use of sound waves to liquefy the fatty tissue prior to removal. This technique helps to avoid damaging surrounding blood vessels, muscles and tissue during the procedure.

Safety, Recovery and Results

Liposuction is a relatively safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. It is up to you, as the patient to seek not only the right cosmetic surgeon, but the best facility for your procedure as well. Risks have been shown to increase substantially with body mass index (BMI), so it’s often best to use diet and exercise to get as close to your ideal body as possible, then use liposuction for fine tuning resistant areas.

During your initial consultation, be sure you are focusing on the clinic you are in, as well as the cosmetic surgeon you are considering. If there is anything about the atmosphere or the staff that make you uncomfortable, it is wise to continue your search for a cosmetic surgeon and clinic you feel at ease in working with. Your safety should be of the highest concern to you and your surgeon. Know your cosmetic surgeon, your facility and the risks involved in your elected procedure before making any decisions.

The recovery period for liposuction involves the wearing of a compression garment for the first three or four weeks after your surgery. This helps to minimize swelling and aids in tightening your skin in the treated areas. How long your full recovery will take depends on your body, your health and the type of procedure you had performed. For specific details, ask your cosmetic surgeon questions about your individual recovery during your initial consultation.

The outcome of your liposuction procedure should be relatively permanent. Provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly, you should not need to worry about fat returning to the treated areas. The success of your liposuction procedure ultimately depends on your ability and desire to maintain your desired results.

By: Patricia Woloch