Liposuction
Liposuction (also known as lipoplasty, liposculpture, suction-assisted body contouring, suction lipectomy and lipo suction) is a surgical procedure that involves the use of an instrument known as a cannula and a vacuum pump machine to remove unwanted fat from a specific area. The cannula is connected to the pump by a tube and is inserted into the areas of fat to be removed through small incisions. The surgeon then moves the cannula tip back and forth to break up the fat, which is then sucked out through the tube.
Candidates / Indications:
Liposuction is an ideal procedure for improving contours of the body, which are out of proportion with the overall form, just by removing the excess fat deposits. Even after efforts to tone up the body through exercise and slim down through a healthy diet, sometimes a fat deposit remains stubbornly in place despite overall weight loss. However, under the guidance of a specialist, this can be expertly sculpted by doing away with the unwanted fat, thereby, improving your figure and confidence.
You should be at a steady weight and within about 20% of your ideal body weight, although some surgeons say you can be anywhere from 15 to 30% of ideal weight. Liposuction is not a way to lose weight. Except for rare instances, it is for people who are close to their ideal body weight and who have areas of fat that resist diet and exercising.
The skin plays a role in whether you are a good candidate. You should have healthy skin with good elasticity, so that your skin is able to bounce back to its former tightness once the fat is removed. If you are having liposuction over a larger area, excess skin removal may also be necessary. If you have excessive stretch marks in areas where you gained weight or over your abdomen if you were pregnant, this may be a good indication of poor elasticity.
Liposuction can also remove pockets of fat or other tissue that are caused by medical conditions or medications. The ‘buffalo hump’ caused by anti-HIV drugs can be removed with liposuction.
Common Treatment Areas
Ankles and Calves Neck, Cheeks and Chin Inner Knee Thighs, Hips and Buttocks Waist and Abdomen Back and Chest Area Upper Arms
Procedure
Liposuction is a relatively simple procedure. The excess fat is removed by either:
- Liquefying fat through ultrasonic energy applied to the specified area of treatment and then removing it with suction
- Or by injecting a solution of saline and adrenaline prior to the removal of fat, thus, saturating the fat deposit
- Or with traditional liposuction that involves insertion of a suction device into the subcutaneous fat (underneath the skin) without primary chemical or ultrasonic measures
Liposuction may be combined with Abdominoplasty as part of a Mommy Makeover, where a set of procedures are designed to restore the body to pre-baby condition.
Result
Following the procedure the treated area will experience bruising and mild swelling. Results are noticeable within two to four weeks with the final desired appearance seen in two to six months.
