How is Liposuction Done?
Liposuction, also called Lipo or Lipoplasty is a surgery performed to remove fat from certain areas of the body where there is an excess deposit of fat. This process alters the shape of that part, making it look contoured.
Lipo is not for overall weight-loss because only a limited amount of fat can be removed. It is only used to remove fat that would not be lost through dieting or exercise. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight could be through diet and exercise, or by undergoing bariatric procedures.
To undergo liposuction, you have to have stable body weight, with no chance of losing more weight or gaining more weight. The part suctioned remains contoured as far as your weight remains stable. So, you have to main a healthy lifestyle and eating habits to keep this from happening.
Reasons
The surgery is only done to take out undesirable fat from specific spots like:
- the abdomen,
- chin,
- neck,
- upper arms,
- thighs,
- hips,
- breast,
- buttocks, etc.
The surgical procedure does not remove stretch marks, cellulite, or dimples, rather enhances the outline and structure of the part operated on.
Complications
The risk or possible complications that can arise from lipo surgery can include:
- Bleeding,
- Scarring,
- Numbness,
- Infection,
- Lumps or dents in the skin.
- Irregularities in the appearance of the structured area.
- Accumulation of fluid underneath the skin.
- Fat embolism; pieces of loosened fat can become trapped in blood vessels, travel to the brain, or gather in the lungs.
- Puncturing of an internal organ, etc.
The larger the surface area to be suctioned on by the surgeon, the greater the chance of complications occurring. Also, the type of liposuction procedure used can increase the risk level.
Procedures
Before surgery,
You need to first consult with your surgeon to know what to expect from the surgery. Your surgeon will go through your medical history and inquire about your health conditions to see if you are fit to undergo the surgery.
You will be asked to stay off some things like smoking, herbs, and certain medications such as NSAIDs and blood thinners for at least 4 to 5 weeks before the surgery. You will also be advised to have someone be with you, who will stay with you after the surgery and take you home when it is time.
Also, you will be required to choose from the different types of surgical procedures–one you feel is appropriate and you will be comfortable with–best done under the guidance of your surgeon and based on your treatment goals and the area to be suctioned on. The procedures include:
- Tumescent Liposuction
A fluid mixture of sterile water to aid fat removal, epinephrine to constrict the blood vessels, and lidocaine, an anaesthetic to ease pains, is injected into the area. Then, a thin tube–cannula–is inserted through an incision. The cannula is attached to a vacuum that sucks out broken down fat and fluids from the area. This is the most common type of liposuction.
- Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL)
In this procedure, a metal road that emits ultrasonic energy is inserted into the area. The energy will break down the fat for easy removal. Then a cannula connected to a vacuum is used to suck out the ruptured fat from the area.
- Laser-assisted Liposuction (LAL)
In this procedure, a laser fiber is inserted into the area. This fiber emits high-intensity laser lights the breakdown fat deposits. The broken-down fat is then removed from the area through a cannula.
- Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL)
In this procedure, a cannula connected to a vacuum is inserted into the area. This cannula is made to move at a rapid pace– back and forth–and this vibration causes tough fat to come out for easier and faster. This is often used when their larger amount of fat needed to be removed and it allows the surgeon to remove fat with more precision.
In surgery,
You will be placed on either general or local anesthesia, depending on what you want. An IV injection will be given to you to keep you sedated. The procedure will be carried out depending on the type of liposuction you have agreed to.
Surgery can take several hours, mostly between 3 to 5 hours.
After the surgery,
You will be moved to the ICU to recover. You may spend a few hours or stay overnight under monitoring and be discharged or may stay a few days depending on when your doctor deems you fit to go. The incision is often left open and a tube will be inserted to allow fluid drainage till it is reduced, and then the skin can be sutured.
Pains, swelling, and bruises are most likely to occur and when this happens, your surgeon places you on medications to alleviate the pains. You may also need to wear tight compression wears to reduce swelling in a few weeks. Bruises will clear out on their own when properly taken care of.
You can return to your normal activities and work a few weeks after the surgery.
Cost of Liposuction
Liposuction cost varies in different countries and based on the hospitals and surgeons. The cost is often estimated depending on the type of procedure to be used, the additional cost of medications, tests, scans, etc.
Estimates state that the price ranges from $1500 to $4000.
Anavara is a medical facilitation and tourism agency with affiliation in several countries. We can connect you with top surgeons and hospitals all around the world, for better consultation and cheaper costs.
Countries you can get lipo surgical procedure at affordable prices include:
- India
- Turkey
- Dubai
- Mexico
- Spain
These countries are considered the hotspot for many cosmetic surgeries and liposuction happens to be one of them.
Some great hospitals in these locations include:
- Anadolu Hospital, Turkey
- Medicana International Hospital, Istanbul
- Al Zahra Dubai
- Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, UAE – Dubai
- Saudi German Hospital
- Columbia Asia Hospital, Bengaluru, India
- Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai, India
- Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai, India
- Artemis Hospital, Delhi, India
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It is not intended to replace professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions regarding your health. Read more