Liposuction, sometimes known as a liposuction procedure, is a process by which fat cells are permanently removed through a suctioning process. It is not a substitute for weight loss surgery but, rather, a method of reshaping the body’s contours.
About Liposuction
With advancing age and changes in skin elasticity, the body tends to deposit excess fat into areas such as the “love handles”, abdomen, thighs, and under the chin. These unwanted fat deposits can be quite stubborn, especially when influenced by genetic predispositions. For instance, some individuals may develop a “buffalo hump” on the top of the back or experience poor skin elasticity in specific regions.
Liposuction and Liposculpture involve the removal of pockets of fatty tissue by instruments known as cannulae under a vacuum. While traditional liposuction uses this principle, there are variations such as ultrasound assisted liposuction, which involves breaking down the fat with ultrasound waves before removal. However, regardless of the approach, patients will still require the removal of the fat via a cannula. These additional techniques might add more operating time to the procedure. Both men and women opt for these liposuction procedures, not as a means of achieving significant weight loss, but rather to target those stubborn pockets of unwanted fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise.
Today, liposuction is performed by a trained and experienced Cosmetic Surgical Fellow. Risks and complications of the surgical procedure can be minimized if done correctly. Advances in the field have led to the use of smaller micro cannulae and tumescent fluid, reducing trauma to tissues and speeding up recovery. As for techniques, the Dry Technique Liposuction is now outdated, with the Tumescent Technique becoming the worldwide standard. This involves infusing the areas with tumescent fluid, a saline solution containing lignocaine and adrenaline, which aids in pain reduction, minimizes bleeding, and facilitates easier fat removal.
These images are not intended to indicate or reflect likely results or outcomes for any other patient other than those displayed here. Every patient will have before and after results consistent with their individual and unique anatomy and physique.Therefore patients should not make decisions to have Cosmetic Surgery based solely on before and after images.
Liposuction Consultation
An in-depth history and examination are conducted to rule out any conditions that may prevent one from undergoing a liposuction procedure. During the consultation, Dr. Bobby A. Kumar will evaluate the patient’s body shape and body fat distribution. He will also discuss potential alternatives like Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for those with excess skin or other issues that liposuction alone may not address. It’s crucial for patients to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen, ensuring they’re at or near their ideal body weight before the procedure.
For those considering large volume liposuction, skin’s ability to retract and adjust to the body’s new shape is a vital factor. Issues like cellulite might require additional treatments, including fat injections or disruption of cellulite bands.
Liposuction Operation
Whether under general or sedation anaesthesia, the duration of the liposuction procedure depends on the areas treated. Some might even require an overnight hospital stay, especially when dealing with large volumes of excess fat cells and multiple treatment areas. Dr. Bobby A. Kumar prioritizes minimal scarring by strategically placing entry points for the microcannulae.
Recovery
After the liposuction procedure, patients will notice dressings on the operated areas and a pressure garment, which should be worn for 6-12 weeks. This garment helps with recovery and ensures optimal results. Post-operatively, patients might experience symptoms like bruising, swelling, and discomfort. It’s essential to allow the remaining tumescent fluid to drain from the body, facilitating healing. The recovery period varies based on the volume of liposuction performed and the number of areas treated. Mobilizing soon after the procedure can aid in reducing swelling and prevent clot formation. Massaging the treated areas can also speed up the healing process.
Complications of Liposuction
Potential complications include bleeding, bruising, haematoma, seromas, and redness. Some patients might also notice uneven fat removal or areas with remaining fat, necessitating secondary liposuction treatments. More rare issues include blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), infections, or loss of skin. Proper care and following post-operative instructions can minimize these risks.