Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure that many people choose to improve their appearance. The procedure can be performed on different parts of the body, but most commonly, it is done on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, and neck. However, it is essential to understand what Liposuction entails and what you can expect from the procedure before deciding. This blog post will discuss the basics of Liposuction and some of the basic things you should have in the back of your mind. Discussed below are crucial things you should know before going for the procedure:
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What Liposuction Does, and How Does It Work
Liposuction is a surgical technique that removes extra fat from the body’s specified locations. The stomach, hips, thighs, arms, and chin can all benefit from it.
The procedure works using a thin cannula tube to break up and remove the fat cells. A cannula is inserted into the skin through a small incision and then moved back and forth to loosen the fat cells. The cells are then suctioned out of the body with a vacuum device.
Most people see significant improvements in their appearance after liposuction surgery. However, it is essential to remember that Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. The goal of Liposuction is to remove extra body fat from specific areas and not to help someone lose weight.
Who Is a Perfect Candidate and Makes an Ideal Candidate the Procedure
Liposuction is most often performed on people at or near their ideal body weight but has stubborn pockets of fat that they can’t get rid of through diet and exercise. If you are considering Liposuction, it is essential to be stable before surgery.
The ideal candidate for Liposuction is in good physical health and has realistic surgery results. If you are considering having Liposuction, be sure to discuss your goals for the procedure with your doctors so that they can help you determine if it is right for you.
What Should I Do to Prepare for Liposuction Surgery?
Before having liposuction, your doctor will likely have you undergo a physical examination and take a medical history. They may also order laboratory tests or imaging studies to understand your health better. Once it is determined that you are healthy enough for surgery, you will be given instructions on preparing for the procedure. These instructions may include diet and activity restrictions and information on caring for your skin before surgery.
Other instructions include:
- Avoiding sun exposure or using sunscreen with a high SPF before surgery
- Stopping smoking and using other nicotine products at least two weeks before surgery
- Avoiding medications that can thin the blood or cause excessive bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and herbal supplements.
- Arriving to your surgery well-hydrated and with an empty stomach
- Wearing loose clothing that can be easily removed after surgery
Types of Liposuction to Choose From
Before doing Liposuction, you will need to know the various types of surgery available and which type will suit your body best. It’s essential to exhaustively discuss all of them with your doctor before settling on a specific one: below is a list:
Tumescent Liposuction
The procedure entails injecting a significant volume of fluid into the subcutaneous region to cause localized swelling, which increases fat cell size and facilitates suction removal. The procedure begins with an incision in the area where excess fat is to be removed. The surgeon then injects a large volume of fluid into the space between skin and muscle, causing localized swelling (tumescence). This increases the size of fat cells and thus makes them easier to remove.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
This procedure uses ultrasound to liquefy tissue and remove fat. It is more effective than traditional Liposuction because it can remove much more fat and not rely on a vacuum.
This procedure is commonly used to remove excess fat from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, and chin.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours to complete. It can be done on an outpatient basis or as part of an overnight stay in the hospital.
Most people can return home within one day of surgery, but you may need help with transportation or light housework for up to four weeks after surgery.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
The procedure uses a laser to remove fat cells from the targeted area. It is also known as laser lipolysis, Liposuction, and laser-assisted fat reduction.
The procedure starts with the surgeon making an incision in the patient’s skin. He then inserts a cannula (a thin tube) through this incision and into the fatty tissue layer. The cannula is connected to a vacuum system which sucks out the fat cells from this layer and removes them through a small opening in the cannula. Finally, he closes the incisions with stitches or surgical glue and bandages them.
The Recovery Process after the Liposuction Procedure
The liposuction recovery process varies depending on how much is removed and where it was done. Patients often experience soreness and bruising in the area operated on for two weeks after surgery. The patient may have drainage tubes inserted into their wounds during or after surgery to help heal and reduce swelling. They will be able to return home after a few hours of recovery in the hospital. They will resume their normal activities within a few days of surgery, as long as they don’t do anything too strenuous for too long.
Below are some side effects you might experience during the recovery process:
- Swelling and bruising can take weeks or months to resolve. Most people return to work within a week or two after surgery.
- It is essential to follow your doctor’s instructions for postoperative care to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks after surgery.
Risks Associated with Liposuction
As with any surgery, there are risks associated with Liposuction. These risks include infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, and skin injury. It is essential to discuss these risks with your doctor before doing the procedure.
As Liposuction is considered a safe procedure, it is essential to remember that it is still surgery. As such, certain risks come with any surgery. These risks include infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, and skin injury.
It is essential to discuss these risks with your doctor before having the procedure done so that you are aware of them.
In conclusion, Liposuction is a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. However, some risks associated with the surgery should be critically considered and thought through before undergoing the procedure. Infection, hemorrhage, and scarring are among the dangers one should think of.
