Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that is conducted for the removal of extra fat from the body. Popular with the names of lipo, lipoplasty, or body contouring, it is considered to be one of the widely used cosmetic surgery options. Body parts with heavy fat such as thighs, hips, neck, arms, back, buttocks or abdomen are often treated with the process of liposuction. This surgical process comes into picture when all the efforts of dieting and exercising fail to work.
Apart from this, liposuction can also be used for reducing breast size or treating gynecomastia.
What to know about the surgery?
Liposuction is a process of removing excess body fat but still it shouldn’t be confused with weight-loss treatment. Irrespective of its popularity, this plastic surgery is also associated with some of the major health risks and complications. Hence, it is always advised to consult a qualified surgeon to know whether you are fit for getting this surgery or not.
The ideal health condition that qualify for liposuction, is:
-Ideal body weight as per your height
-Firm and elastic skin
-No signs of smoking
People suffering from serious health conditions such as heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes or weak immunity system are not considered ideal for liposuction.
How liposuction works?
This 1-2-hour long process will involve permanent removal of fat cells from the chosen body part. Since liposuction is not a weight-loss process, you will not be losing huge weight but this process will help you in shaping your body. Some of the most common body parts chosen for fat removal are, neck, jawline, belly, arms, back, buttocks, just under the chin and thighs.
Based on the body part chosen for liposuction, the doctors will either give local anesthetic so that the area of operation can be numbed down. They can also give you generic anesthetic for overall unconsciousness throughout the surgery.
Into the area of operation, the surgeons will inject saline solution, medicine to start numbness and decrease bleeding. To vacuum out excess fat from the body, the surgeon will insert a metal object, called cannula, under your skin. The removed fat can either be discarded totally or it can be injected in other parts of the body such as buttocks, breasts etc.
To ensure proper healing and recovery, the surgeon will recommend you to wear a band or brace over the operated area. Depending on the operated body part, your stay at hospital might vary for ensured healing.
How painful is liposuction?
As it was mentioned earlier, the process of liposuction is done only after the introduction of anesthesia therefore you shouldn’t be feeling any pain during the operation. Once the procedure is done, you might feel soreness like it happens in any other muscle ache. If you are feeling continuous and growing pain in the operated area, then it is always advisable to visit your surgeon for medical intervention into the matter.
Takeaway
Liposuction is a chosen cosmetic process that helps in the removal of excessive and stubborn fats. Remember that this process is starkly different from the weight loss method and hence this surgery must be done under the supervision of a standard and certified surgeon. Ensure that you are aware about the potential risks associated with this cosmetic surgery.