Liposuction is a surgical procedure that helps in breaking down and removing body fat deposits. Liposuction is also known as lipoplasty, liposculpture suction, lipectomy, or lipo. A suction technique is used to remove fats from specific areas of the body.
The common body parts where this medical procedure is performed are the double chin, belly, arms, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, or neck. Liposuction is also used to contour these body parts. People prefer liposuction because certain body fats are hard to get rid of through diet and exercise.
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
People who are unhappy with the unwanted fat accumulated on certain body parts often plan to take liposuction. However, not everyone is ideal for the procedure. If you are looking for Liposuction Woodlands, then there are certain things that you need to know beforehand. These include:
- The ideal body of the candidate should be within 30%.
- The person should have firm and elastic skin with firm muscles.
- The candidate should be a non-smoker.
- Liposuction is advised when other non-surgical methods have proved ineffective.
- The patient needs to maintain a positive outlook and realistic result expectations.
It is very important to remember that liposuction is not a permanent weight loss technique. Therefore, even after the surgery, it is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent the future growth of any fat cells.
Types of liposuction
Before performing the liposuction, the surgeon always marks circles and lines on the body areas that are to be treated. The liposuction method is suggested by the surgeon based on the area of the treatment, treatment goals, and many more. The most common types of liposuction procedures are:
Tumescent Liposuction
This is a traditional and most commonly used liposuction technique. In this method, the surgeon inserts a sterile solution in the area that is to be treated. This solution is formed using a mixture of salt water, lidocaine, and epinephrine.
The former makes the fat removal process easier. Lidocaine acts as an anaesthetic and helps relieve pain and discomfort. Epinephrine is used to constrict the blood vessels of the area that is being treated. Injecting this solution causes the area to swell and stiffen.
The surgeon makes small cuts on the skin. He then inserts a tube via these cuts. This tube is called a cannula which is connected to a vacuum. This vacuum sucks the fats and fluids.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is often used along with traditional liposuction. In this method, the surgeon inserts a metal rod under the skin. This rod emits ultrasonic energy that helps in breaking the fat walls. This eases the removal process.
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) is a liposuction procedure where high-intensity laser light is used to break down fat. The surgeon makes a small incision on the skin and inserts a laser fibre.
The fat deposits are emulsified and removed with the help of the cannula.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a cannula, just like tumescent liposuction. However, here the cannula is used in a back-and-forth motion. This helps in easily removing tough fat cells and tissues.
The method of liposuction causes very less pain and swelling. Power-assisted liposuction is suggested only when large volumes of fat are to be removed.
Benefits of liposuction
People mainly opt for liposuction to improve their appearance. However, this medical procedure is suggested only when other natural means like dieting and exercise cannot provide the desired results.
The volume and size of the fat cells increase when a person gains fat. Liposuction, therefore, helps in sucking out and reducing the number of fat cells. The procedure is best for people who have good skin tone and elasticity.
Although liposuction is performed for cosmetic purposes, it is also suggested for certain health conditions. These are:
- Lymphedema. Lymphedema is a chronic condition. In this, excess fluid, called lymph, accumulates in tissues. This causes swelling or oedema in the arms or legs. Liposuction helps eliminate the swelling, pain, and discomfort caused by oedema.
- Lipodystrophy syndrome. This is a condition where fat accumulates in one part of the body while it gets reduced in another. In such cases, liposuction is suggested by professionals to give the patient’s body a much more natural-looking appearance.
How to prepare for the procedure?
Before the procedure is performed, the surgeon inquires and reviews the patient’s medical history, medications, supplements, etc. This helps them analyze if they are a perfect fit for the liposuction procedure.
The surgeon can ask the candidate to avoid taking certain medications until the surgery is performed. Some of the medications that should be avoided are blood thinners or NSAIDs.
Before the surgery, the surgeon marks lines on the area that is to be treated. Photos are also clicked to compare the before and after of the surgery.
The surgery is performed in the clinic if a small amount of fat is to be removed. However, if large amounts of fat are to be removed, then the surgery takes place in a hospital. The patient might have to stay in the hospital overnight.
What happens during and after the liposuction procedure?
During some liposuction procedures, the surgeon uses only local or regional anaesthesia. This anaesthesia is administered only on the area of the body that is to be treated. However, other types demand general anaesthesia. This causes a temporary state of unconsciousness.
In addition, the patient is also given an IV injection which helps them remain relaxed during the procedure. During the surgery, the team constantly monitors the heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level of the patient. The patient can inform the surgeon in case the effect of anaesthesia wears off and they start feeling the pain. The surgeon then makes necessary and relevant adjustments.
The patient will experience pain, swelling, and bruising once the surgery is completed. To offer relief from the pain and restrict the risk of infection., the surgeon often prescribes some medications.
The surgeon leaves the incisions open and places temporary drains. These help in fluid drainage. The clinic also gives the patient tight compression garments. These help in reducing swelling. In a few weeks’ time, the swelling subsidies and the treated area look less thin. After a few weeks of rest, the patient can resume his or her normal activities.
Takeaway
Liposuction is a long-lasting procedure only if the patient maintains their lifestyle and weight post-surgery. It is important to research and learns about the procedure before planning to get it done.
Zuella Montemayor did her degree in psychology at the University of Toronto. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
