Liposuction

What Is Liposuction?

Patients suffering from varying levels of obesity or weight gain often find that diet and exercise cannot remove all of their fat.  Usually located at the neck, chin, abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, ankles and calves, these pockets of fat can often be removed through liposuction (also known as lipoplasty, body contouring, or liposculpture).   

Doctors administer local anesthesia when lipoplasty is performed on small areas; general anesthesia is required when body contouring is done on larger expanses.  Prior to liposculpture, the areas that require work are identified and marked.  The doctor makes small incisions at these places during surgery and inserts some fluid.  The fluid helps in sucking out the fat, taking care not to damage the skin on top and nerves and tissues underneath.  Once the fat has been effectively neutralized, the surgeon sucks it out with a surgical vacuum.  After the procedure, the doctor closes the incisions with dissolvable stitches.   

After body contouring, patients might be advised to wear elastic garments to control the swelling and improve the shape of the body.  A newer technique in lipoplasty, known as ultrasonic assisted liposuction, uses ultrasound waves to break down fat cells, liquefying them, and making them easier to remove.  Though this procedure takes longer to perform, it might one day replace existing methods of body contouring.  One needs to know that liposculpture is not a cure for obesity.  Total weight control requires proper dieting and regular exercise. 

After liposuction there might be pain and bruising at the site of the surgery.  Medication can help with this condition.  In addition, many patients wear elastic garments specifically designed to help contour the body and reduce swelling. Recovery after lipoplasty depends on the amount of fat taken out, the area worked upon, and the kind of procedure performed.  If going abroad for this procedure, be sure to schedule plenty of recovery time into your medical vacation.