What is Liposuction

Liposuction is a plastic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the body. It’s also called Lipo or Lipoplasty.

People get liposuction to improve the shape of their body. They want to take out excess fat from areas such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, neck, or back. Typically, they’ve tried diet and exercise and can’t get rid of these fat deposits. Liposuction isn’t a weight loss treatment. It has serious risks and complications, so it’s necessary to talk to your doctor before considering it.

What to expect with liposuction

Liposuction involves going under anesthesia for the procedure. This means you won’t feel any pain during the surgical procedure. However, you’ll feel pain after the surgical procedure. Recovery can also be painful.

Depending on what parts of the body need liposuction, you may have a shorter or longer hospital stay. Some procedures can be done in an outpatient center. It’s common to have pain, swelling, bruising, soreness and numbness after liposuction surgery.

To minimize pain before the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about pain concerns.

• Discuss the kind of anesthesia to be used.

• Ask about any medications you can take before the procedure.

To minimize pain after the procedure:

• Take all prescribed medications, including pain pills.

• Wear the recommended compression outfits.

• Keep the drains after surgical procedure in place based on your doctor’s recommendations.

• Drink fluids.

• Avoid salt, which can increase swelling.

Deciding if liposuction is right for you

Some people are good candidates for liposuction, and others should avoid it. Talk to your doctor to decide if liposuction is the right option for you. Discuss your concerns with them.

Good candidates for liposuction include people who:

• Don’t have excess skin

• Have good skin elasticity

• Have good muscle tone

• Have fat deposits that won’t go away with diet or exercise

• Are in good physical shape and general health

• Aren’t overweight or obese

• Don’t smoke

You should avoid liposuction if you:

• Smoke

• Have chronic health problems

• Have a weak immune system

• Are overweight

• Have loose skin

• Have a history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, deep vein thrombosis or seizures

• Take medicines that can increase the risk of bleeding

Risks of liposuction

Liposuction is a serious surgery with multiple risks. It’s important to discuss all the risks of liposuction with your doctor before having the surgical procedure.

Risks during surgery

The risks during surgery include:

• Puncture wounds or injuries to other organs.

• Anesthesia complications.

• Burns from tools like ultrasound probes

• Nerve damage

• Shock

• Death

Risks immediately after the procedure

The risks after the procedure include:

• Blood clot in the lungs

• Excess fluid in the lungs

• Fat clots

• Infections

• Hematoma (bleeding under the skin)

• Seroma (fluid leaking under the skin)

• Edema (swelling)

• Skin necrosis (the death of skin cells)

• Reactions to anesthesia and other medications

• Heart and kidney problems

• Death

Risks during recovery

The risks during recovery include:

• Problems with the shape or contours of the body

• Wavy, dented or bumpy skin

• Numbness, bruising, pain, swelling and soreness

• Infections

• Fluid imbalances

• Scars

• Changes in skin sensation and feeling

• Skin color changes

• Problems with healing

What are the long-term side effects of liposuction?

The long-term side effects of liposuction can vary. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the targeted areas of the body. So, if you gain extra weight, the fat will still be stored in different parts of the body. The new fat can appear deeper beneath the skin and it can be dangerous if it grows around the liver or heart.

Some people experience permanent nerve damage and variations in skin sensation. Others may develop depressions or indentations in the areas that were suctioned, or may have bumpy or wavy skin that doesn’t go away.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.