Enter liposuction
Liposuction is a procedure where a small incision is made near the problem area, then a long, slender tube attached to a vacuum apparatus is inserted into the incision to basically suck out fat cells.
Fluids are sometimes injected into the areas to be treated to reduce pain and swelling after the procedure is completed, and to help make it easier to suck the fat cell out, and to reduce the loss of blood that can occur while the procedure is being performed.
Target areas generally include the belly, but liposuction is also effective when used on the hips, thighs, buttocks, back, arms, and even under the chin or on the face.
Liposuction surgery can be a stand-alone procedure, or it can be used in tandem with other procedures, such as facelifts, tummy tucks, breast reductions and augmentations, and Brazilian butt lifts.
Different Types of Liposuction
In addition to what people normally associate with liposuction as described above—which is called tumescent liposuction—there are some other types available that you should be aware of:
– Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), uses high-frequency sound waves to rupture the cell walls of fat, then the liquified remains are sucked out.
– Laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo), uses bursts of energy from a laser to rupture the fat cell walls before the liquified remains are sucked out.
There is also a non-invasive procedure you might hear about called CoolSculpting that freezes targeted fat cells, thus destroying them in the process. The dead cells are then naturally eliminated by the body. However, this is not considered liposuction, but it does provide a good alternative who may not want surgery.
How safe is the procedure?
Liposuction isn’t for everyone and it is definitely not meant to be a weight-loss solution. In fact, ideal candidates should be within 30 percent of their ideal weight. Good candidates should also have firm, elastic skin, and potential patients should not be smokers.
Smoking increases a patient’s chances to develop postoperative complications, such as infection, fat necrosis, and blood clots. Smoking can also increase the likelihood of increased pain after the surgery, as well as thicker scar tissue as the wounds heal.
If you do smoke and you are considering liposuction, your plastic surgeon will likely advise you to refrain from smoking for at least four to six weeks before and after the procedure is done.
Risks and side effects
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved. To minimize any potential problems, you should seek the advice of a Board-certified plastic surgeon who is specially trained in body sculpting.
Some of the side effects you could experience include:
-Excessive bleeding
-Blood clots
-Infection
-Fat embolism
-Complications from anesthesia, if it is used in the procedure
-Reactions to lidocaine, if it is used in the procedure
-Fluid accumulation under the skin
-Shock
-Skin numbness
-Potential damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs
-Asymmetrical body contouring
Again, in the hands of a skilled, Board-certified plastic surgeon, the risks above are greatly minimized.
Benefits of Liposuction
One of the main reasons people seek liposuction is to get rid of unwanted fat deposits and reshape their figures. This can help the patient achieve more confidence and give them the ability to wear clothes they may not have been able to put on for years. It also helps to remove the anxiety of not being able to remove the fat through diet and exercise.
However, fat cells can grow back and usually deposit themselves in different areas of the body from where the liposuction procedure was performed. This is why anyone undergoing the procedure should continue to lead a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly and eating a healthy and nutritious diet.
Liposuction surgery in Richmond, VA
Dr. Inzhili K. Kitto is a Board-certified plastic surgeon located in Richmond, Virginia. She specializes in helping people feel better about their bodies through a variety of surgical, minimally invasive, and non-invasive procedures.
Schedule a liposuction consultation with Dr. Kitto today to find out how you can benefit from liposuction and enjoy a newly sculpted body.