Liposuction

Liposuction is also known as liposculpture suction, lipoplasty, lipo or lipectomy. However, liposuction is not a weight reduction tool or an alternative to exercise and diet. It is not an obesity treatment. It won’t tighten sagging skin and won’t remove stretch marks, cellulite or dimples.

Types of Liposuction Procedures:

• Tumescent liposuction: In this procedure, several liters of saline solution, local anesthesia and other medications to constrict the blood vessels are injected below the skin into the fat layer in the body area that is to be suctioned. The solution makes the fat cells swell and then with the help of small suction tube, the fat is sucked out. As this procedure is performed under the effect of local anesthesia blood loss and post-surgical pain is reduced.
• Dry liposuction: Here no fluid is injected before the removal of fat. As there is a risk of bleeding and bruising, this method is very rarely used.
• Super-wet Liposuction: It is a variation of the tumescent technique, but it uses less fluid injection, and here anesthesia is given.
• Suction-assisted liposuction: It is the most traditional form of liposuction where a powerful vacuum is applied to break and suck the fat. In this procedure, a hollow instrument known as a cannula is inserted under the skin which is attached to a sturdy suction pump to create a vacuum.
• Power-assisted liposuction: In this technique, the cannula has a vibrating tip that increases the motion of cannula so that the fat removal is easy, comfortable and fast. The movement is controlled, small and exact. It is a safe procedure and the incisions made are modest. Also, the recovery is quick.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: Here a special cannula that emits ultrasonic sound waves is used to loosen and melt the fat. The fat is liquefied enabling the removal of a higher volume of fat. This technique is best for male patients, dense fat and where a more extensive or fibrous area is involved. This procedure is followed by suction-assisted liposuction to remove the emulsified fat. However, in this technique, there is a little risk that the heat from the ultrasound waves may cause scarring or burning.
• Vaser Liposuction: It is a unique type of liposuction where the fat cells are emulsified with ultrasound and then further broken with the help of LipoSelection probe. By this method, the fat is removed easily without affecting the surrounding nerves, blood vessels and other tissues. The bruising and discomfort caused is very less. The best part is that this technique costs not more than manual liposuction techniques.
• Laser-assisted liposuction: It is a new technology. It is considered to be more efficient, less invasive and less traumatic. It is also known as laser-guided lipo. Here tumescent fluid is used, and then a small tube is inserted through a tiny incision to deliver laser heat and energy into the fat. Laser liposuction is expensive in comparison to manual techniques, but the discomfort is less and recovery is fast.

Who Are Good Candidates For Liposuction

• Patients with stable weight but with unwanted fat in specific body parts. If you are planning for a weight loss or a weight gain, you should postpone liposuction.
• Clients with good skin elasticity and tone
• There should be minimal excess skin.
• Individuals above 18 years of age
• The client should be in good health. If you have coronary heart disease, a week immune system or diabetes, you should not go for liposuction.
• Patients with a realistic expectation and a positive attitude.
• Non-smokers
• Non-pregnant women
• Women who are not breastfeeding.
• Individuals who do not have an allergy to lidocaine.

Precautions Before Surgery

To prepare yourself for liposuction you need to take following steps:

• Before the surgery, you will be asked to get a medical evaluation and lab tests. If you are taking certain medicines or have an allergy, report to your doctor.
• Stop smoking two weeks before the surgery.
• Avoid blood thinning medications and herbs from 2 weeks before the surgery.
• Avoid alcohol from a week prior liposuction
• Wear loose clothes on the day the procedure is to be done.
• Do not eat or drink anything from 12 hours before the procedure.
• Arrange someone to drive you back
• Arrange someone to stay with you for the first night after liposuction.

Procedure:

• Anesthesia: For the comfort of the patient, general or local anesthesia is given. The best choice for you will be recommended by your surgeon.
• IncisionThrough inconspicuous and small incisions liposuction is performed. To reduce trauma and bleeding, diluted local anesthesia is infused. Through the incision, a thin hollow tube (cannula) is inserted. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion, and the excess of fat is loosened. With the help of a syringe or surgical vacuum that is attached to the cannula, the fat is suctioned out of the body.
• Closing the Incision: The incisions are closed with dissolving sutures. If non-dissolving stitches are applied, they are removed in the follow-up appointment.

Precautions After surgery

• To support the targeted area, you will have to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks.
• Rarely temporary drains are placed in the existing incisions to remove excess of fluid and blood.
• Antibiotics are given to prevent infection
• To relieve pain and inflammation painkillers are given.
• Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid smoking during the recovery period.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for the first 48 hours after the surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activities and lifting heavy weight until complete healing takes place.
• Keep incisions clean. Follow your doctor’s instruction about cleaning incision and bathing.
• Do not apply a heating pad or ice pack to the skin that overlies the area treated by liposuction.
• Avoid swimming, soak bath and jacuzzi for at least seven days after the surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
• Be careful. Surgical incisions should not be subjected to motion, swelling, excessive force and abrasion during the healing period.