What is Liposuction and How does it Work?
Liposculpture or liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that helps break down layers of fat just beneath the skin’s surface. This procedure is ideal for those areas of the body where exercise and diet are unable to control weight. The important thing to understand about liposuction is that it DOES NOT replace weight loss. Rather, it helps remove stubborn fat pockets for a more sculpted appearance.
Where is Liposuction most Commonly Used?
There are many popular areas of the body that can benefit from this procedure. They often fall into the following categories: chin, breasts, upper arms, back of the neck, abdomen, muffin tops, and love handles. The ankles, upper back, and inner thighs may also get suctioned for some patients. Every person has different needs, and due to major differences in metabolism, every patient has varying degrees of fat deposits. A professional Liposuction surgeon, however, can offer adequate advice on where a person could most benefit from liposuction.
What types of Patients make ideal Liposuction Candidates?
Most people that are qualified for this cosmetic procedure are almost at their desired healthy weight and are also non-smokers. Ideal candidates suffer from subcutaneous fat deposits, which are layers of fat just beneath the skin’s surface layer. For those suffering from visceral fat, this cosmetic procedure would simply yield no benefits.
In order to recommend liposuction, surgeons also take a look at the quality of a patient’s skin. Unfortunately, anyone suffering from less elasticity in their skin or loose skin aren’t considered for liposuction as the procedure would result in dimpled or uneven skin.
Does Liposuction fall into the Weight Loss Category?
Though wrongly categorized as such, liposuction is NOT a weight loss procedure. The process helps reduce fat, but the actual amount of fat reduction possible does vary from person-to-person. A surgeon will use a patient’s personal goals as well as their established medical history to determine if the procedure is adequate for their needs.
How should a Patient Prepare for this Cosmetic Procedure?
Most surgeons will help patients prepare by informing them well ahead of their scheduled surgery about what they need to do. However, having a helping hand to aid in driving a patient to and from the clinic is ideal. Many patients may also require blood work to ensure that they are able to get placed under anesthesia. Any blood thinning medications will also need to be paused within the days leading up to the surgery. 12 hours before the actual procedure, patients aren’t allowed to consume any food or beverages.
How is the Surgery actually Performed?
Where the fat deposits lie on the body, a small incision is made and a tool known as the cannula is inserted. The cannula is either attached to a syringe or a suction device in order to extract the fat. Considered an outpatient surgery, most patients are able to go home after the procedure without any complications.
How long does Recovery take After Liposuction?
Normal daily activities such as work may be resumed in mere days after the surgery. More strenuous activities such as exercise will usually require anywhere from two to four weeks after the surgery for recovery. Of course, this depends on the amount of surface area treated during surgery.
It is crucial to completely follow professional instructions in relation to the after-care. Doing so will enable patients to recover quickly and effectively with little effort. There are virtually no complications in the recovery process if a patient leads a healthy lifestyle and doesn’t smoke. Some swelling, tenderness, and bruising is possible for some patients as an after effect of the surgery. The medical team performing the cosmetic procedure can provide a list of approved pain relief medications that a patient may take.
Post-surgery, it is common for patients to wear compression garments where the fat deposits were removed. Additionally, some surgeons may also recommend their patients to take it easy and avoid doing certain activities. This will ultimately depend on the lifestyle and needs of a patient as well as the extent of the fat removal.
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