Are you bothered by difficult, stubborn areas of fat on your body that doesn’t seem to respond to diet and exercise? If so, you may have heard about liposuction.
Liposuction involves suctioning out small, fatty areas that don’t respond well to proper nutrition and working out. While liposuction isn’t for significant weight loss, it can be an effective procedure to improve your shape and self-confidence if you are near your target weight.
This guide reviews liposuction basics, common types, and more.
Why Do People Get Liposuction?
Many of us don’t like fat that is hard to get rid of, so liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgeries around. Liposuction is popular for several reasons:
- It’s moderately invasive and quickly eliminates stubborn fat around the abdomen, love handles, calves, hips, arms, buttocks, and thighs.
- Several sites can be liposuction in a single procedure.
- The patient feels like certain parts of their body are out of proportion with the rest.
- Eliminates extra fat and skin from significant weight loss, aging, and pregnancy.
- Enhances skin laxity.
- It’s safe and effective for most patients.
- Results last for years and can be permanent.
Types of Liposuction Available
There are several types of liposuction to consider. Your plastic surgeon will meet with you to discuss which may be the best choice for you. Remember that liposuction isn’t a replacement for a healthy diet and physical activity. If you have a lot of weight to lose, you’ll need to reach your target weight before having liposuction.
SEE ALSO: How Much Weight Can Be Lost With Liposuction?
Suction-Assisted Liposuction
Suction-assisted liposuction is the oldest type. Your surgeon makes small incisions over the area to be sucked out. Then they insert a small cannula to take out the fat. This type of liposuction is often used on the legs, thighs, rear, abdomen, and back. It’s not as useful for smaller areas, such as below the chin. Small areas require a more precise type of liposuction.
This method is still popular because it’s inexpensive. But you can have more bleeding and bruising than other types of liposuction. Also, it’s more challenging to control the amount of fat taken out. So, you could have more lumpiness and dimpling with this method. Some patients may need another liposuction procedure to get the best results.
Tumescent Liposuction
This is the most common type of procedure used today. It’s popular because it’s safe, reliable, and proven. Your plastic surgeon places a solution of epinephrine, lidocaine, and saltwater into the fat tissue you want to remove. This solution makes the fat cells stiffen and swell. It also reduces pain and bleeding after the procedure is over.
SEE ALSO: New Jersey Liposuction
Next, your surgeon makes tiny incisions in the skin and inserts a cannula to take out the solution and water. Most patients experience limited bruising and swelling with this popular method.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
This advanced form of liposuction features a laser that kills the fat cells for convenient removal. Your plastic surgeon puts a tiny laser fiber through the incisions. The laser liquefies the fat tissue, and it’s taken out with a small cannula.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
This newer type of liposuction features a rod that emits ultrasonic waves. Your surgeon inserts this rod under the skin in the fatty area. The ultrasonic waves damage the fat cells and make it easier to remove them.
A related procedure is called VASER that reduces the chances of skin damage. It may also offer better skin contouring than regular UAL.
What You Can Expect
If you think you’re ready for liposuction, it’s essential to understand the entire process:
- Consultation: Your plastic surgeon will go over your liposuction goals during the first consultation. He’ll ask why you want this procedure, the areas you want it, and make sure your expectations are realistic. He’ll also inquire about medications you take and past medical treatments and surgeries.
- Procedure: The liposuction procedure depends on the type your surgeon uses. Your plastic surgeon will use one of the standard methods we highlighted earlier. Generally, the surgeon will give you a general anesthetic, make small incisions in the fatty target areas, and suck them out with a cannula or similar instrument.
- Aftermath: After liposuction, your plastic surgeon will give you compression garments to lower swelling and ensure your skin adheres to your new form.
- Recovery: Most patients can return to their jobs in a few days. You may experience swelling for a few weeks, and final results can take as long as six months to appear.
Liposuction Safety
Plastic surgeons have done liposuction for decades, and the risks are minor. It’s a minimally invasive procedure, so most people don’t have serious complications. Rare problems happen that require medical treatment. But they don’t often occur if you use a board-certified plastic surgeon.
SEE ALSO: Tummy Tuck Explained
Remember that a skilled and experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon rarely has serious problems during liposuction procedures. Most people only have minor bruising, swelling, and pain. These issues dissipate within a few weeks, and most patients enjoy the results and benefits.
Request a Liposuction Consultation
Do you dream about improving your appearance with a New Jersey liposuction procedure? Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham can help you improve your shape and self-image with this popular cosmetic procedure.
In your consultation, Dr. Ramanadham will review the options with you, as well as your goals, and more to find out if you’re a good candidate for liposuction.
References
- About Liposuction. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586
- What Are The Benefits and Risks Of Liposuction? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180450
- Liposuction Recovery. (n.d). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/recovery
