Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure in which fat is suctioned from certain areas of the body. The goal is to redefine and reshape body outlines that are not responding to diet and exercise. It shouldn't be considered weight loss surgery—though you may shed some pounds. Liposuction is also called lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy.

Types of Liposuction

There are a few different liposuction techniques. They all have common use of a thin tube, called a cannula, connected to a vacuum to suction the fat from your body.

Tumescent liposuction is a pretty common technique. The doctor inserts a sterile solution into the area from where the fat is to be removed. It consists of saline -- which is saltwater - along with epinephrine and lidocaine. The solution makes it easier to suction the fat with less pain and blood loss.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), uses sound wave energy under your skin to break the cell walls of the fat which in turn liquefies the fat so it can be suctioned out.

Laser-assisted liposuction, or SmartLipo, uses a laser to produce energy to liquefy the fat.

How Long Is Recovery?

Depending on the type of surgery you had, you might not have to stay in the hospital. But you should expect swelling, bruising, and soreness for a few weeks to months.

You may also have to take some antibiotics to prevent any infection.

Liposuction cost in India can be approximated to range from around INR 20,000 to INR 5,00,000 or more, depending upon the amount of fat to be removed.

Risks and Complications

With any surgical process, there are certain risks and complications associated. For liposuction, these include:

Excessive bleeding or hematoma
Necrosis (tissue death)
Fat clots (when fat goes into the bloodstream and clogged in blood vessels)
Anaesthesia risks
Persistent swelling or pain
Asymmetry
Changes in skin sensation
Deep vein thrombosis
Cardiac and pulmonary complications
Damage to muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs
Unfavourable scarring, skin discolouration, contour irregularities, sagging of the skin, or other unsatisfactory aesthetic results
Need for additional surgery

Liposuction Works Best on People Who Have Elastic and Firm Skin

Generally, liposuction is for those adults who are within 30% of their ideal body weight. For the best results, you need to have elastic and firm skin and well-toned muscles. It’s also important that you don’t smoke. Your doctor will make sure you have realistic expectations for your body’s appearance after liposuction which will promote a greater level of satisfaction with the results.

Liposuction Is Not a Weight Loss Procedure

In most cases, liposuction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that enhances the appearance of a body area. The goal is to reshape or redefine a body area by removing fat deposits. Liposuction is not a weight-loss plan, so you should not expect to lose weight afterwards. In fact, maintaining a healthy weight like losing belly fat and thigh fat is necessary for long-lasting results. Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite as well. Talk to your skilled professional about other treatments if cellulite removal is your goal.

You’ll Have Pain and Bruising After Liposuction

During liposuction surgery, you will have general or regional anaesthesia. Doctors often inject a local anaesthetic into the area of liposuction as well. This will gradually decrease after surgery and you may feel discomfort or mild pain. You may also have bruises in the area. These symptoms often diminish within a few days. Your doctor can recommend a pain killer.

You’ll Need to Limit Your Daily Activities for a Few Weeks

In most cases, you can return to work or your daily activities within a few days. For the first few weeks, your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous activities and sports. The swelling from liposuction takes the longest time to resolve. You may see a decrease in swelling and subtle changes occurring in the liposuction area for several weeks. It can take several months for the swelling to fully resolve to see the full results of your liposuction.

Liposuction Has Certain Risks Like Any Other Surgical Procedure

In the hands of skilled and experienced professionals, liposuction is generally a very safe procedure. But like any procedure, there are certain risks. These include scarring, skin discolouration, bagginess and dimpling. If you are considering liposuction, be sure to find a professional with plenty of experience.

You Have Alternatives to Liposuction

There are nonsurgical options for body redefining. These include using ultrasound lasers, radio waves, and exposure to cold to remove fat. These techniques may be effective alternatives for some people. However, they can’t copy the results from surgery to remove fat. Talk to a professional about all your treatment options and find out which one is best suited for you.

Take Away

Liposuction is a plastic surgery cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted fat from a person’s body. But as major surgery, there are certain steps and precautions that must be taken to ensure a smooth recovery. This includes:

avoid any difficult activity for the first few weeks
using a compression bandage
doing light exercise, such as walking

You should also keep in touch with your doctor, who prefers to be the best known professional to address any concerns and avoid complications who can help address all your specific needs before and after treatment.