Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat that cannot be removed through diet and exercise.
 
A plastic or skin surgeon usually performs procedures to improve the shape of the waist, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, arms, and under the chin or face. It can also be done with other plastic surgery procedures such as reductions, abdominal tucks, etc.
 
Am i a good candidate?
Have realistic expectations. Liposuction does not eliminate cellulite. So if you were hoping to come out of surgery cellulite-free, you're out of luck.
 
Liposuction is a surgical procedure and there are risks associated with it. Therefore, you must be healthy before getting it. This means that you should at least do the following:
 
Within 30% of ideal weight
For firm, elastic skin
 
Don't smoke
Doctors do not recommend this procedure if you have health problems such as cardiovascular or heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
 
What should I know in advance? The first step is to consult your surgeon. Discuss goals, options, risks and benefits, and costs. Ask all questions.
 
If you choose to have liposuction, your surgeon will explain how to prepare. This may include dietary and alcohol restrictions. Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have and any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. We recommend that you stop taking the drug.
 
What can you expect?
Liposuction can be done at your doctor's office or at a surgery center. Make sure the place where you do it is certified and known for its professional standards, safety and excellent results. You will be required to go home on the day of the procedure. Make sure someone can drive you home. (If you have removed a lot of fat, you will need to have the surgery done in a hospital where you can stay overnight).
Before starting liposuction, your doctor may mark the area of ​​your body that will be treated. You can also take photos for later use for before-and-after comparisons. You will then be given general anesthesia (meaning you won't wake up during the procedure) or ''local anesthesia'' (meaning you'll be awake but feel no pain).
 
Types of liposuction
There are several different techniques for liposuction. But what they all have in common is that they use a thin tube called a cannula that is connected to a vacuum to suck fat out of the body.
 
Tumescent liposuction is the most widely used technique. The surgeon will inject a sterile solution into the area from which the fat will be removed. It consists of saline (meaning salt water), along with lidocaine and epinephrine.
 
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses subcutaneous sound energy to break down the fat cell walls. As a result, the fat becomes liquefied and can be sucked.
 
Laser-assisted liposuction, or SmartLipo, uses a laser to create a burst of energy to liquefy fat.
 
How long will it take to recover?
Depending on the type of surgery, you may not need to be hospitalized. However, expect bruising, swelling, and pain for at least a few weeks.
 
Your surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling for a month or two after surgery.
 
You may also need to take antibiotics to prevent infection. Most people can return to work within a few days and normal activities within two weeks. But all people are different.
 
Ask your cosmetic surgeon specific questions about what your recovery will look like.
What medicine should I take?
Do you wear bandages?
Are there any stitches and when are the stitches removed? When can we resume sports?
Do I need to come back for follow-up?
What are the risks?
Cosmetic surgery is a surgical procedure, and it carries risks. You can reduce them by ensuring that only specially trained and certified cosmetic surgeons do this. Although there are some potential risks directly associated with liposuction, the following risks should be considered:
Bleeding
Complications from anesthesia
Shock (usually from not drinking enough fluids during surgery)
Fluid retention (pockets of fluid under the skin)
Infections (streptococci, staphylococci)
Fat embolism (small pieces of fat break up and block blood flow)
Instrument burns
Uneven fat removal
Response to lidocaine
Changes in skin texture; deafness
Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs
 
Another risk is deep vein thrombosis. If the blood clot reaches other parts of the body, such as the lungs, it is very dangerous.
 
Are the results permanent?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. But you can regain weight with new fat cells. Fat cells usually end up in different areas of the body. To maintain your new figure after surgery, follow a diet high in lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.And exercise regularly.
 
Is liposuction covered by health insurance?
Because liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance policies do not cover it. Discuss costs, payment options, and payment in the event of complications with your insurance company and surgeon.