Liposuction

Liposuction

Liposuction is an extremely popular way of removing fat from different parts of your body. So popular, that it most often measures in as the most popular invasive cosmetic procedure in Australia. Contrary to what some people may believe, liposuction is not a way to lose weight. This procedure provides the best results for those individuals who have a healthy body weight but need to get rid of small pockets of fat that tend to accumulate in certain areas of the body. Is it the best solution to treating stubborn pockets of fat? Like with any procedure its important to look at the pros and cons.

How it Works

The process of liposuction is not complicated. Generally all that it involves is a hollow tube and a suction device, and of course, a surgeon. A tiny incision is made on the area that needs fat removal and a small hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted into it. The cannula is attached to a vacuum pump. The surgeon breaks down the fat cells by pushing and pulling the cannula and the excess fat is sucked up by the suction device. There are different types of liposuction and they can be distinguished by the amount of fluid used and the way the cannula is directed.

The procedure has become commonplace, and is minor enough that it can be conducted when the patient is awake. After your procedure, some pain medication and oral rehydration is administered to the patient to help address any discomfort and help replenish liquids lost during the process. After the anesthesia and sedation wear off, you’ll be pretty much ready to resume normal life. You might still feel uncomfortable and need a few days to fully recover, but most people are able to go back to work within a few days.

Problem Areas

The method of liposuction can be used in many areas of the body, including abdomen, breasts, hips, inner and outer thighs, inner knees, upper arms and back. Some popular fat related problems that can be remedied by the use of liposuction are a double chin, love handles, breast reduction, flabby arms, fat around the neck and belly fat.

Liposuction gets your body in shape and the change can be observed as soon as the surgery is over. It is very useful for taking out small pockets of fat that cannot be addressed by an exercise routine. However, if you do regain weight after the procedure, the removed fat will most likely appear in another place on the body.

Potential Problems

Although the process of liposuction is not considered dangerous, it is still a surgical procedure, and as such, it comes with risks attached. The complications of liposuction range from minor infection at the site of surgery to something as serious as blood clotting.

Some known complications of liposuction are –

•  If the area is liposuctioned for too long, it can result in a lump and waviness.

•  The area might get infected and require antibiotics.

•  Some may experience skin loss or skin burns.

•  Since liposuction involves creating an incision and inserting a tube, organs may get damaged if not carefully carried out.

• The worst and probably the most dreaded risk of liposuction is blood clotting that can also lead to death.

The possibility of having complications is rare and liposuction is generally a safe procedure if performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. There is always a chance that you will have side effects. They are not as dangerous as the complications listed above and include bruising, scarring, swelling, numbness or loss of sensation and wrinkling of the area.

While liposuction can work on certain areas of fat, it cannot help in procedures like tightening skin, removing stretch marks, eliminating cellulite or flattening your abdomen. Most importantly, liposuction is not an alternative to exercise, just a tool to address small problems that would otherwise be difficult to fix.

Liposuction should be performed by a qualified Cosmetic Surgeon or Plastic Surgeon to reduce risks. Advanced Dermatology offers both injectable and laser alternatives that can offer a safer alternative to Liposuction. Please contact us for further information.