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Liposuction is a surgical procedure used for removing excess fat deposits from under the skin. The procedure is commonly used to redefine the abdominal region when diet and exercise have failed to produce the desired results.
Liposuction is performed only by qualified plastic surgeons. The surgery is performed either under general anesthesia, heavy sedation, or in some cases local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon uses a cannula, which is a stainless steel hollow tube, to reach beneath the skin and virtually “vacuum” the fat deposits away. |
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Risks of Liposuction
No surgical procedure is without some risks and this procedure is no different. To minimize the risks associated with this type of surgery, a surgeon will usually refuse to perform surgery in conjunction with any other procedure, such as a breast augmentation or rhinoplasty (nose job) during the same period of anesthesia.
If liposuction procedure on multiple sites is desired, the surgeon may determine that the procedures are done at different times to limit the time the patient is under anesthesia. Occasionally skin irregularities or depressions can result from the surgery. Rare complications such as a life-threatening reaction to the anesthesia used or excessive bleeding can occur.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is one of the most common and safest techniques available. This surgery requires only a very mild local anesthetic, which is injected directly into the fat deposits being removed. This causes the tissue in the targeted site to become tumescent; which simply means that the fat deposit becomes swollen and firm making it easy to identify. Rarely is post-surgery severe enough to require strong pain medications.
Laser Liposuction
A newer, but very popular, technique is laser liposuction. Using a laser, which means light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation, rather than the cannula, the liposuction is much less invasive. The laser beam is used to soften or dissolve the fat underneath the skin. The liquefied fat is then suctioned away using only tiny incisions. This means a significantly reduced recovery time and the chance of scarring is reduced.
Liposuction can be used to sculpt almost any area of the body that has unwanted fat deposits. Some of the most popular sites are abdomen, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms. Before turning to this type of surgery, a person wishing to control their weight should follow a diet and exercise regime to lose as much weight as possible naturally. The remaining, stubborn fat deposits can then be removed.
How Expensive is Liposuction?
Liposuction costs range from about $2,000 and up. If a person desires multiple-site surgery performed through a series of liposuction surgeries, the cost can grow into thousands of dollars. Other factors which make liposuction costs vary is the fact that some plastic surgeons operate in a hospital on an in-patient basis and the patient may be required to remain hospitalized from 24 hours to several days, depending on their response to the surgery and medical history. Liposuction costs are much lower when the surgery can be done on an out-patient basis.
Once a person has had their body sculpted through the surgery, it is necessary that they follow their doctor’s direction about the recovery process. The doctor will probably require a medical garment to be worn during the healing process. After the patient is completely healed, the doctor will prescribe returning to a healthy lifestyle.
Liposuction can last a lifetime; this is only true, however, if a healthy lifestyle that includes sensible food choices and exercise is followed. After the surgery, if a person chooses to return to an unhealthy lifestyle including overeating, choosing unhealthy foods, and avoiding exercise, fat will again cause the patient’s body to return to pre-liposuction appearance. Liposuction should be used only as a tool and not a total solution.
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