By Dr Ashit Gupta , Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that aims at removing fat from the body and reshaping it. Even though this procedure is relatively safe, in some cases, complications can arise. The safety concerning this surgery depends on the amount of tissue removed, choice of anaesthesia and a person’s health. Most people opt for liposuction in the abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks.
Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:
- Thighs
- Hips and buttocks
- Abdomen and waist
- Upper arms
- Back
- Inner knee
- Chest area
- Cheeks, chin and neck
- Calves and ankles
Liposuction can be performed alone or along with other plastic surgery procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction or a tummy tuck. You can consult a cosmetic/plastic surgeon.
Types of Liposuction:
- Suction-assisted Liposuction: This is the most popular method of liposuction in which a small cannula (kind of a straw) is inserted into the skin through a small incision which is attached to a vacuum device. The doctor pulls and pushes in a backward and forward motion through a layer of fat. This breaks up the fat cells and draws it out of the body through suction.
- Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction: Also known as ultrasonic liposuction, a special cannula is inserted into the body that transmits ultrasound vibrations which burst fat cells’ walls and emulsify the fat, thus making it easier to suction out. This process is used in fibrous areas such as the male-breast area and upper back.
Pros:
- Will make your clothes fit better and your body appear slimmer.
- Uses small incisions, which result in smaller scars than open body contouring procedures.
- Can be done under sedation with less risks and shorter operating times than similar open body contouring procedures.
Cons:
- Results may be affected by weight gain, aging and pregnancy.
- Liposuction is not meant to improve the look of cellulite or loose skin.
- You may need to lose weight to be a better candidate for liposuction.