Liposuction (lipoplasty) is well-suited for those who are of
relatively
normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to
dieting. These pockets of fat may cause certain areas of their body to
appear disproportionate. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate
them. Liposuction is more correctly called “liposculpture” as it is a
technique that helps contour certain fat deposits. It is not a form of
weight loss.
While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will
obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to
achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic,
as in some older patients, it may not redrape well and a skin
tightening procedure may be necessary. Liposuction is commonly used
together with skin tightening procedures to achieve the best results.
In
general, liposuction surgery will reduce those areas of fatty
deposits that previously created unflattering bulges and perhaps made
it difficult to feel comfortable in your clothing or caused
self-consciousness.
Your medical history is important such as diabetes, high blood
pressure, heart disease or previous surgeries, medical treatments and
medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide
complete information.
How much you currently weigh and whether you plan to lose or gain
weight in the future will be factors in evaluating you for liposuction.
The results of liposuction will be permanent, as long as you maintain
your postoperative weight. If you do however gain weight, it will be
distributed more evenly and not be concentrated in the area that was
problematic in the past.
Occasionally, a touchup may be desired to further improve an area that
has been suctioned.
INDICATIONS
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized
excess fat or if you desire contouring in any of the following areas:
cheeks, jowls and neck
upper arms
breast or chest areas
back
abdomen and waist
hips and buttocks
inner and outer thighs
inner knee
calves and ankles
Liposuction may sometimes be used to treat a condition called
gyneacomastia, or male breast enlargement, which frequently occurs
among both teenage and adult males.
PROCEDURE
Firstly, fluid is infused into the area for liposuction through a tube
called a cannula.
Fat is then removed by inserting a small, hollow tube (cannula),
through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned.
Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are
placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or
contour lines.
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for
recovery varies greatly among individuals. You should walk around a bit
the day after surgery. There will also be a fair amount of swelling and
bruising which is completely normal for this type of procedure.
Swelling starts to decrease about 1 week after surgery and the final
result will start to become apparent. Numbness in the area may also
occur and this will return to normal after several weeks.
In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities within
one or two weeks and begin some form of exercise soon after. The timing
of your recovery depends largely on the extent of your surgery.
DISADVANTAGES /
COMPLICATIONS
Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction are infrequent.
Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the
benefits and risks.
A list of complications that could occur include:
Pulmonary fat embolism syndrome (fat
moving into the blood stream and going to the small vessels of the
lungs making it difficult to get oxygen into the blodd)
Pulmonary oedema (fluid overload in the
lungs)
Deep vein thrombosis or blood clot
(this usually occurs in the legs)
Pulmonary embolus (if a clot develops
in the legs, it may dislodge and move to the lungs where it blocks the
blood supply)
Perforation or penetration of
the abdominal wall and underlying organs
Infection
Seroma formation (collection of fluid
under the skin which may require removal with a needle and syringe on a
weekly basis)
Bleeding and haematoma formation
(collection of blood under the skin which may require surgical drainage)
Postoperative soft tissue contour
irregularities
Skin hyperpigmentation
Skin necrosis
Damage to nerves and numbness
Lignocaine or adrenalin toxicity
Liposuction is very rewarding if it is performed on the right
candidate. It is often a great adjunct to other plastic surgical
procedures and can improve your figure tremendously.
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