Liposuction has been practiced in the US since 1974. Since that time many improvements and refinements have been made on the procedure. There are several different types of liposuction now available. You and your physician should discuss what type of liposuction is the best for your case.
In short, liposuction is the removal of fat from areas of the body that are resistant to dieting and exercise. As the name implies, the fat or adipose tissue is removed from the body by suction. A small incision is made in the area to be shaped and a cannula or tube is inserted. The cannula is then attached to a suction machine. The physician manipulates the cannula and the fat is suctioned out of the area in channels. It is one of the most popular methods of body contouring in use.
There are several different ways to make the fat easier for the surgeon to remove. One of the most popular methods is to inject large amounts of saline or salt water into the space between the fat layer and the skin. This allows the fat to be softened and provides a space for the liposuction cannula. Salt water is used because it closely approximates the natural body fluids. Also included in the salt water solution is a local anesthetic.
Another method of liposuction uses ultrasonic waves to liquefy the fat to make it easier to remove. There are also power assisted methods that allow the cannula to be manipulated less. This is less traumatic for both the patient and the surgeon.
Any surgical procedure cares risks and liposuction is no different. The cannula is essentially blindly moved around in the fat tissue. Damage can occur to any of the underlying structures or organs. Vessels in and around the fat that is being removed are of course damaged. More serious complications are rare, but they do occur on occasion. Nerves can be damaged or destroyed. Serious bleeding can also occur. Life threatening complications can occur from the use of the local anesthetic. General anesthetics bring their own set of risks and complications.
Patients that still are smoking, have heart problems, are diabetic or are in general poor health may be excluded from the liposuction procedure. Smoking will inhibit the healing process as will poorly controlled diabetes. The health care provided will discuss with the patient prior to the surgery the postoperative course. This will include time off from work, any special compression garments to be worn and any restrictions. Exercise programs will generally have to be postponed for a number of weeks.
After the healing process is complete from the liposuction procedure, the patient will need to resume their exercise regime. Although fat cells have been removed, it is important to keep those areas toned. Weight gain is possible where the fat cells have not been removed. So liposuction is not the golden ticket that allows folks to eat whatever and not exercise. It is meant to be used in addition to a healthy lifestyle to provide the best body contour available.
Related posts:
- Laser Liposuction
- Liposuction surgery – Shaping your body to perfection
- Planning to get Liposuction? Learn more!
- Waiting for Weight Loss
- Understanding Body Contouring
Category: Lipo-suction
Tagged with: beverly hills | epione | liposuction
