The human body does not discriminate when storing away fat. Each body uses a different mechanism when creating fat reserves, which is why some people can get larger in body parts after gaining weight.
Liposuction is designed to help clients reduce the amount of fat found in a specific part of the body. The procedure also reduces the number of fat cells in the body, making it harder for the body to store fat again.
What Is Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat. The procedure is also called lipo, liposculpture suction, or lipectomy. A plastic surgeon will use a device to loosen the fat in your body and then suction it out from an opening. Liposuction is applied under the chin, on the neck, cheeks, under arms, and breasts. It can also be used on the calves, knees, buttocks, abdomen, ankles, hips, and thighs.
Liposuction is a major surgery that a board-certified plastic surgeon should perform to avoid the risk of complications during and after the surgery. Remember, liposuction is not a weight loss surgery; it is not an obesity treatment.
Types of Liposuction Procedures
There are several different types of liposuction procedures available for clients. Some of them include the following:
- Super-wet technique– This technique uses equal fluid as the fat is extracted. It is similar to the tumescent technique. The only difference is that the procedure requires
- Tumescent Liposuction (fluid injection) – This type of liposuction is the most common type of Liposuction. The surgeon injects large amounts of medication into the targeted areas before the fat is extracted. The patient is usually under general anesthetic during this process, so they do not feel any pain.
In some cases, the amount of medical solution is three times the amount of fat to be removed. The medical solution combines local anesthetic and epinephrine to reduce bleeding mixed with a saline solution. The tumescent liposuction technique takes longer than other procedures.
Other types of liposuction procedures include ultrasound-assisted liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction.
What Are Some Risks Associated With Liposuction?
Liposuction carries a few risks because it is major surgery. Some minor risks include bleeding, infection, and fluid accumulation. These complications are easy to fix with a few medications and sutures. More serious risks that may arise from liposuction surgery include
- An allergic reaction to the anesthesia– Some people have an allergic reaction to lidocaine, an anesthetic used when performing a liposuction procedure. If not quickly dealt with, it can be fatal.
- An internal puncture– In rare occasions, the cannula used to draw out fat can puncture membranes or organs unintentionally. In such a case, emergency surgery is required to fix the puncture before internal bleeding gets critical.
- Fat embolism– A fat embolism is a piece of fat from the liposuction area. The piece of fat may break free and become trapped in a blood vessel blocking regular blood flow to the heart, brain, or lungs, which can be fatal if not fixed immediately.
Liposuction Q&A
In which body part is liposuction performed?
Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that have not responded to a healthy diet and regular exercise like:
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Chest and back
- Hips and thighs
- Chin and neck
- Buttocks
- Calves and ankles
Liposuction can also be used for breast reduction or treatment of gynecomastia.
Is liposuction a weight loss surgery?
Liposuction may help the patient lose a few pounds of fat, but it does not help keep the weight off. The patient will still gain weight if an unhealthy lifestyle is maintained post-surgery. Weight loss surgery includes procedures like a gastric bypass for patients looking to eat less to lose weight.
How long does it take to heal from a liposuction procedure?
Depending on the extent of the procedure, Liposuction can be healed in four to six weeks. Long-term recovery can take three to six months, mainly if other procedures include breast lift and augmentation or a tummy tuck. Most patients can get back to regular activity in the first five weeks.
How much does liposuction cost?
Most patients should expect to pay above $1000 for each specific area. This price tag does not factor in the hospital fees, anesthetic, and surgeons fee. Most hospitals will present a standard fee for liposuction surgery costs for specific body parts, and then any additional fees unique to your case will be added on as you go. It is important to note that the quality of liposuction is more important than quantity. Poorly done liposuction will leave undesired effects like contour irregularities.
