Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most requested plastic procedures among both men and women. The surgery is helpful in achieving body contour with minimal discomfort and recovery time. People who undergo liposuction usually have stable or range about body weight with some pockets of stubborn fat in specific parts of the body. The undesirable fat does not respond to workout or diet.
Liposuction in such cases is an effective way of body contouring & it can be used to shape nearly any part of body. It is often used to remove fat deposits on abdomen, thighs, neck, chin, arms, buttocks, calves, back etc.
It is important to note that liposuction is not weight reduction surgery. The primary objective of liposuction is to improve body contour. If weight is your concern, you are more likely to lose weight by diet and exercise or by following advice of bariatric consultant.
Operation
For performing Liposuction procedure, your surgeon will use narrow tube called cannula. Canula is inserted directly into the fat deposits to loosens the fat cells in the treatment area before suctioning them out of the body. The surgery can be performed either under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia though later is preferred. The incisions used for liposuction are quite small and often leave only small visible scars.
The procedure might last up to several hours depending on the extent of fat removal. After the procedure, the surgeon might leave your incisions open to promote fluid drainage.
Result
Liposuction will help achieve following.
- Smoother and leaner body contour proportional overall figure
- Improved appearance
- Improved confidence & self-esteem
The results of liposuction will not be clear until the inflammation goes down. In some cases, this may take several months. Most of the swelling settles after about 4 weeks, and the area where fat was removed should appear less bulky.
What about scars?
Scars are an inevitable part of any invasive surgery. Incisions made during liposuction surgery are usually small. Scars often fade with time and become barely noticeable. Scar lightening will take several months up to a year after surgery. Scarring tends to be most visible in people with extremely dark skin. Please discuss about scars with your surgeon.
Risks/ Complications
Liposuction is common plastic surgery and is usually safe though following potential complaints, risks and complications may occur; most of the which will subside in 2 weeks’ time.
- Burn from instruments
- Uneven fat removal
- Bleeding, Infection, Bruising
- Swelling & pain
- Nausea & Itching around wound
In rare case, as with all surgical procedures, a revision surgery may be necessary to correct minor irregularities.
Care after treatment/ surgery
Immediately after liposuction surgery, your surgeon may keep tube in the area to allow drainage of body fluids/blood. You might be required to wear pressure garments to support natural healing process, minimize bruising and swelling. Most patients can return to regular activities within one week after a liposuction procedure.
After you are discharged from hospital, you will see your surgeon in post-surgery follow up sessions during which as well, you will be given more guidance on care, activities etc. Any plastic or other surgery does neither stop biological ageing process nor future chances of accumulating fat and your surgeon will recommend you ways to have effect of surgery lasted for long.
Costs
Costs for individual procedures will vary widely based on complaint, complications, hospital chosen for treatment but usually involves following.
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital facility charges
- Anesthesia fees
- Medical tests, medicines & implants (if any)
- Any post-surgery garments
If revision surgery is needed in a rare case, your surgeon will not charge Surgeon’s fee but other costs will have to be borne by patient as applicable.