Liposuction is a plastic surgery treatment used to get rid of excess fat from specific areas of the body. It is also referred to as body sculpting, lipo, and Lipoplasty. When diet and exercise fail to eliminate stubborn fat, liposuction may be a viable option. This surgical procedure can remove excess fat cells from targeted areas of the body to improve overall body contour and shape.

Liposuction can remove excess fat from various areas of the body, including the tummy, thighs, hips, arms, and neck, enhancing body contours and improving overall aesthetic appearance.

In addition to removing excess fat, liposuction can also contour these areas, resulting in a smoother body contour. This procedure can help patients achieve their desired body shape and enhance their self-confidence. Liposuction is regarded as one of the most effective surgical methods of weight loss. Nevertheless, the treatment is not a permanent solution to weight reduction difficulties. Patients who undergo it must adhere to a weight management plan to ensure that extra body fat does not develop again.

Types of Liposuction

There are several different Liposuction techniques, and most of them include the use of specialised tools, often a thin tube called a cannula. To remove body fat, the cannula, attached to a vacuum, is used. Types of Liposuction techniques are:

Tumescent Liposuction

This kind of Liposuction is the most popular. The region where the fat has to be eliminated is injected with salt-containing saline and medical-grade reagents. The solution makes the technique efficient, with less blood loss and pain.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

In this instance, the cannula travels quickly back and forth. The vibration makes it easier for the surgeon to remove extra fat with less discomfort and swelling. Large volumes of fat can be removed using this technique.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Sound waves are used in this procedure to burst the fat cell wall beneath the skin. The fat melts and may be readily suctioned out.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

This method is also known as the SmartLipo. The energy that liquefies the fat is created with the help of a laser. A cannula is then used to extract the fat.

Prepare for Liposuction

To make sure your body is prepared for the procedure, your doctor may advise you to be tested before the surgery. Before the procedure, your doctor would go through your prior health and prescription records. A week or two before the operation, you may be advised to stop taking certain drugs.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

General anaesthesia is administered to the patient before the procedure starts, and its effects might last up to 4 hours. Surgeons could use an epidural to treat the lower body fat. Surgeons will advise a specific Liposuction method, which can entail injecting saline solutions, depending on the quantity and location of the body fat to be removed. Smoking and drinking are prohibited as they might hinder your recovery. Before undergoing liposuction, it’s essential to address any concerns or questions you may have with your doctor.

After the Procedure

Patients will be given an anaesthetic to help with pain management once the treatment is complete. Patients may be allowed to leave the hospital the same day they receive their treatment, or they may need to spend the night, depending on the type of surgery done. Patients will be given support bandages to safeguard any sutures, as well as pain relievers and antibiotics.

In addition to removing the stitches, the doctor will schedule a follow-up consultation to review the healing process and manage any adverse effects of the treatment.

Recovery After the Procedure

After surgery, compression gear or elastic bandages are placed over the affected regions to help with swelling reduction. You are expected to take prescribed medications and schedule follow-up appointments. Your doctor will provide you with detailed instructions. A complete recovery might take a few days or even weeks.

The majority of patients resume their usual activities quickly following the procedure. But, to avoid complications, it’s crucial to consider continuing work only a few days after treatment. Even if the body’s fat deposits are permanently removed by suction, maintaining the body’s shape still requires a nutritious diet and a consistent exercise routine. Mild cardiovascular workouts and walking are advised within two days following Liposuction surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting three weeks following the treatment before returning to high-impact exercises like jogging and aerobics.

Who is Not Eligible for Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery may fail for various reasons or affect your general health, depending on the situation. You might not be an appropriate candidate for Liposuction if you:

• Are underweight.
• Have a BMI of over 25.
• Possess a severe, perhaps fatal, disease or a condition that can make recovery challenging.
• Have a bad grade of skin.
• Have unreasonable expectations from the procedures.

Risk and Complications of Liposuction

Liposuction is an effective procedure that has several risks involved. Before getting Liposuction, you must go through all the risks with your doctor. Immediate risks following the surgery are:

• A clot of blood in the lungs
• Adverse effects of anaesthetic and other drugs
• Infections
• Skin cell degeneration
• Bleeding beneath the skin
• Heart and kidney problems

Risks that may arise during recovery include:

• Body symmetry issues or issues with the body’s contours
• Tingling, bruising, soreness, pain, swelling, and so on.
• Alterations in skin sensation and feeling.
• Changes in skin tone
• Unbalanced fluids levels

Treatment at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka

Our Center of Cosmetic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka has highly qualified specialists in cosmetic and plastic surgery, cutting-edge facilities, and a patient-centred environment, all of which guarantee high-quality medical attention and care. Our specialists of more than 50 fields at Apollo Hospitals, Karnataka, also provide cross-speciality consultation if necessary.