Liposuction is now a very well-known cosmetic surgery to reduce fat deposits from the body. It is body sculpting by sucking out unwanted fat bulges. Excess fat deposits are common nowadays in India and these fat bulges can sometimes be embarrassing or limit our wardrobe choices. As the need to look fit and trim is increasing, more and more people are seeking cosmetic surgery to get rid of the fat bulges. Liposuction looks like an easy procedure on videos and this can sometimes lull people into taking it casually and so may end up with untoward results. So it is important to understand what is involved so your body contouring journey remains safe. Liposuction for fat reduction is a common cosmetic surgery in Kerala.
Liposuction is a keyhole surgery. Few tiny holes are made in the skin. A concoction of medicines is injected into the fat that is to be removed. After waiting for the required time, using special instruments and suction power the fat is gently sucked out. This process is continued till the desired end point is achieved. Usually the access points are closed with fine futures. Most liposuctions are done under general anesthesia. In some cases 360 degree liposuction is done to get contouring of the front and back of the body.
Liposuction is best suited for people with a healthy body mass index. It can be done for overweight or slightly obese people if other medical parameters are fine. Liposuction is best done for limited fat deposits that are not responding to weight reduction methods. Usually people ask for liposuction of fat deposits on arms, tummy, hips, thighs and buttocks. Facial liposuction is also possible in well selected cases.
It is unsuitable for people who can’t lead a healthy lifestyle after liposuction. Unregulated food intake will again cause weight gain.
you will lose the bulges in treated areas and get a better body contour. Having a better body image should translate to more confidence and happiness. Slight reduction in body weight may happen depending on the volume of fat removed. The changes are really evident once the healing happens and that takes 6-8 weeks’ time.
Liposuction is not meant for massive weight loss, so don’t expect to lose a lot of weight. Initially during the healing phase, slight weight gain may happen due to swelling. Some fat deposits like the deep internal fat in tummy cannot be removed by liposuction.
For liposuctions of less than 5 liters fat aspiration, recovery is fast. When a larger volume of fat is removed, it can prolong the recovery time. Usually normal activities can be resumed in 24-48 hours. Strenuous work should be avoided for a month.
since liposuction is limited to fat deposits under the skin, the safety is higher than deep surgeries. However, it is a surgery and all precautions needed for a surgery is to be taken for liposuction too. Issues like fluid collection, blood clots, infection, skin damage, and asymmetry can happen but the incidence in good centers are low. Pushing the limits of liposuction- by doing big volumes, suction too close to skin for body etching, trying to create 6 pack look etc- can increase chance of problems.
Liposuction can be combined with other procedures like fat grafting, tummy tuck, breast augmentation, facial cosmetic surgery, skin lift etc. As long as the surgical time is within limits combined procedures are safe.
Laser and ultrasound assisted liposuction started about 20 years back. The aim was to make the fat removal easier and safer. Initial technology had multiple issues and more complications. Refinements are happening, but still complication rates are slightly higher when using laser or ultrasonic liposuction. Water jet assisted liposuction also did not become popular among surgeons. It is important to remember that the expertise and judgment of the surgeon is more important than the technology used in liposuction.
