Liposuction is the removal of fatty tissue by sucking it out.
This is a very useful method for correcting of resistant fatty deposits that would not change with diet or exercising. This is a really common surgery worldwide. In the USA, for example, in 2002, 300 000 liposuction surgeries were performed. Although the best results are achieved in young women with still elastic skin, middle-aged patients can also enjoy significant improvement of the body.
To which body part it can be applied?
Most successfully this surgery is performed on the thigh exterior and around the knees, the lower part of the shin, the belly. With certain cases, this could be done on the face – under the chin, as part of the face lifting; on the breasts – as part of the breast diminishing surgery; the lower abdomen – as part of the loose belly correction. In body parts as upper arm, hip zone, upper abdominal zone, the interior thigh, the calf of the leg this procedure has a limited effect and therefore it should be carefully considered and planned in extensive communication between patient and surgeon. There are other areas in which liposuction is strictly not recommendable – these are the seat, the anterior thigh, etc.
Can liposuction resolve cellulite?
The classical liposuction method removes fatty tissue of the lower subcutaneous layers, and not those that are affected by cellulite. To be able to deal with “orange peel” it takes the removal of fatty tissue from the surface layer, using special canules. Although feasible, it is far less effective and more risky method.
When liposuction is performed in combination with re-injecting the so extracted fatty tissue, it is referred to as liposculpture.
How is liposuction performed?
Prior to surgery the areas to be operated on get marked and planned out by the surgeon. Afterwards the patient is given anaesthesia. The fatty tissue is extracted by sucking it out, using dry or wet technique, and the treated areas is injected with a medication of the same volume as that of the fatty tissue to be extracted. Then, through a minimal incision in the skin – 3-5 mm – on an appropriate spot, the proper size canule (a thin tube with opening on its tip) is being introduced in the subcutaneous layer and by moving the canule around the entire area is covered. The same is being done on the opposite side. Finally, drains are placed for twenty-four hours and the surgical openings are sutured. The treated areas are dressed with elastic bandage and then elastic underwear is put on. It is intended to prevent subcutaneous exuding of body fluids and to complete the body shaping. Usually the hospital stay is for a day. A slight discomfort may occur after the procedure, but no pain is expected. It is recommended to start moving extensively immediately after the second day. The elastic underwear should be worn till completion of the body sculpturing process which takes 3 to 5 weeks.
Are there any risks?
Risks are minimal when the treated zones are properly identified and the patient is suitable to subject to this procedure. The post-surgery edema of tissues gradually disappears. The subcutaneous ecchymosis, if present, get reabsorbed within two weeks. Liposuction is not recommendable for patients with general obesity where the excessive skin is much, and with low self-esteem. Decisive here is the role of the plastic surgeon for the surgery to be made or not, what type it should be and what range to cover.
