What You Should Expect From A Liposuction Procedure
When diet and exercise alone do not produce acceptable results, people turn to liposuction (lipo) to get the look they desire. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), it is one of the most popular aesthetic plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States, with almost half a million performed in 2007 alone. Lipo removes fatty tissue deposits from areas of the body that will most likely never respond to changes in exercise and diet.
Lipo is a contouring procedure and is not to be considered a weight loss method. It is best for people who are at a normal weight and who have skin that is still firm and elastic, yet simply want to remove fat deposits in certain areas. Ideal candidates should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the procedure. They should also be physically healthy and mentally stable.
Consult a plastic surgeon about the risks and complications before you make any decisions regarding having this reconstructive surgery done. You should evaluate your reasons for wanting to enhance your looks, since plastic surgery is not for everyone. The surgeon you choose should discuss any questions or concerns you may have and give you an idea of the benefits and risks of having liposuction.
There are four lipo techniques that have been developed to help create a slimmer and more proportioned body contour. They are tumescent, ultra-sonic assisted, super-wet and power-assisted lipo.
The tumescent technique involves injecting a large amount of anesthetic liquid into areas of excess fat before lipo is performed. This liquid contracts blood vessels and causes fat to become swollen. The expanded fat pockets let the surgeon’s tool travel smoothly under the skin to remove the fat.
During the ultra-sonic assisted procedure, ultrasound waves break up the fat before it is removed. This method uses a combination of vibration energy and heat energy on fat. It is commonly used when a secondary procedure is needed and targets fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back or male breasts.
The super wet method is similar to the tumescent technique, where fluid is injected into the tissues prior to it being suctioned away. The only difference is that less fluid is used.
Power-assisted lipo is the latest advance in fat removal. During this procedure, a wand-type instrument is used to quickly break up fatty tissue. It loosens up the fat cells so that they can be gently suctioned away without causing trauma to the surrounding tissues.
As with all plastic surgery procedures, the risks and complications associated with lipo vary, depending on the method used. Generally, the most common risks include blood clot formations on the leg, excess blood loss, bleeding, infection, reaction to anesthesia, asymmetry, hyper-pigmentation, swelling, necrosis and numbness.
It is normal to feel discomfort after having the liposuction procedure, though most patients are able to return to work after three to four days. Your skin will naturally tighten and reshape over the contoured area as you heal. While the idea of undergoing this type of surgery can be overwhelming and confusing, taking the time before deciding if this procedure is right for you will help relieve anxiety and help determine a positive outcome.
