Liposuction: How It Works, Safety, Side Effects & Benefits

Consider the benefits and risks of liposuction to decide if you should get liposuction. Learn how liposuction works and what are the possible complications.

Liposuction, (also goes by the names lipoplasty, suction, liposculpture, lipectomy, as well as lipo) is a cosmetic plastic surgery type that breaks up fat and surgeons remove the excess fat from the body. Often, this surgery targets the removal of fat from areas such as the thighs, abdomen, chin, neck, buttocks, upper backs of the calves, arms, and back. Surgeons use a hollow instrument (cannula) for the removal of fat. They insert it under the skin and then apply a high-pressure vacuum with high power to the cannula.

A liposuction procedure remains one of the most common cosmetic surgeries across the United States. According to statistical analysis on the number of people opting for the liposuction surgery, records show that surgeons carry out over 300,000 procedures each year, with the average cost ranging from about $2000 to $3,500.

Facts on Liposuction

• The surgical procedure takes place under general anesthesia
• Although liposuction is not a fat loss tool, it is a cosmetic procedure that helps to add subtle effects on the contour of the body
• After the surgery, scars and infections may occur if proper care is not taken
• Sometimes, liposuction can help to treat a number of medical conditions

What is a Liposuction Cosmetic Procedure?

The liposuction surgical procedure as mentioned above is not a comprehensive weight loss method. However, people who opt for a liposuction procedure are those who usually have a stable weight but wish to remove fat deposits from specific parts of their body. This surgery is not the treatment for health problems like obesity. The procedure involves the removal of stretch marks, cellulite, as well as dimples. The aim of this procedure is purely esthetics. It is recommendable for those who wish to enhance their appearance.

This surgical procedure removes fat cells permanently, and it alters the shape of the body. On the other hand, if the patient does not take post surgical care, does not lead a healthy lifestyle after the surgery, they stand a greater risk of the fat cells returning or growing into bigger ones.

Some possible risks tag along with this procedure, including scarring, numbness and infection. If the surgeon ends up removing a larger portion of fat, the skin may experience dents or lumpiness. Keep in mind that the surgical risks appear to have links to the amount of fat removal. Before the procedure, make sure that you consult your surgeon about what happens during the procedure.

The Benefits of the Liposuction

Normally, liposuction takes place for a number of cosmetic reasons, but sometimes it helps to treat certain health conditions, including:

• Gynecomastia: In some cases, fat may accumulate under the breasts of a man. This is when some men opt for this surgical procedure.
• Lymphedema: This is a long-term, chronic health condition. It occurs when excess fluids such as lymph collect in the tissues, causing swelling or edema. Usually, edema occurs in the legs or arms and liposuction can sometimes help to reduce pain, discomfort, and swelling.
• Extreme Weight Loss: If a person was obese and then lost over 40% of fat within a short time, he or she may need liposuction to remove excess skin as well as other abnormalities.
• Lipodystrophy: Sometimes, fat may accumulate in just one part of the body. Liposuction is a procedure that could help to improve the appearance of the patient.
• Lipomas: often, these are fatty tumors (benign)

Post Liposuction Results

After the liposuction surgery, as a patient, you may experience some numbness in particular areas of your body.

• Since liposuction requires general anesthesia, you will have to spend at least one night in the hospital. However, for those who just had local anesthesia, they may be able to leave for home on that very day.
• Your healthcare specialists will give you antibiotics after the surgery.
• You may also need painkillers to help reduce the inflammation and pain.
• Your surgeon or caretakers will fit support corsets or bandages to the targeted areas.
• Some analgesics could help to relieve inflammation and relieve pain.
• Surgeons will then remove the stitches in your next follow up appointment.
• Significant bruising could occur in the precise targeted areas.
• Sometimes, there may be numbness in the area of fat removal, but this would take about 6-8 weeks to heal properly.

Risks and Side Effects of Liposuction

• Severe bruising
• Swelling
• Contour irregularities
• Infections
• Numbness
• Internal organ punctures
• Heart or kidney problems
• Allergic reactions
• Skin burns
• Pulmonary embolism

Before your liposuction surgery, you should make sure that you consult your surgeon before time. This will help to make sure that you remain up to date with the techniques and treatment plan your surgeon will use.

If interested in a liposuction in Atlanta, make sure to visit Crispin Plastic Surgery.