Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes
fat that you can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise.
A plastic or
dermatologic surgeon usually does the procedure on your hips, belly, thighs,
buttocks, or face to improve their shape. But liposuction can also be done with
other plastic surgeries, including facelifts, breast reductions,
and tummy tucks.
Am
I a Good Candidate?
You’ll want to
have realistic expectations. Liposuction won’t get rid of cellulite, so if you hoped you’d come out of surgery
without any, you’re out of luck.
Liposuction is a
surgical procedure, and with it comes risks. So you need to be in good health
before you get it. That means you must at least:
- Be within 30% of
your ideal weight
- Have firm,
elastic skin
- Not smoke
Doctors don’t
recommend the procedure if you have health problems with blood flow or have heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system.
What
Should I Know Beforehand?
The first step is
to consult with your surgeon. Talk about your goals, the options, the risks and
benefits, and the costs. Ask all your questions.
If you decide to
go ahead with liposuction, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to
prepare for it. These may include diet and alcohol restrictions.
Tell your surgeon
about any allergies you have and any medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. She will likely recommend you stop taking
certain meds, such as blood thinners and certain painkillers several weeks
before surgery.
What
Should I Expect?
Your liposuction
may take place at your doctor's office or a surgery center. Make sure that the
place where you’re getting it done is accredited, and is known for its professional
standards, safety and good results.
- You’ll go home the
day of the procedure. Make sure to have someone drive you home afterward.
(If you’re having a lot of fat removed, you should get the surgery done in
a hospital, where you might stay overnight).
- Before your
liposuction starts, your doctor might mark the areas of your body that
will be treated. She may also take photos to use later for
before-and-after comparisons.
- Next you'll get
general anesthesia -- which means you will not be awake during the procedure
-- or a “local,” which means you will be awake but not feel any pain.
Types
of Liposuction
There are just a
few different liposuction techniques. But what they all have in common is the
use of a thin tube, called a cannula, connected to a vacuum to suction the fat
from your body.
Tumescent liposuction is the most common technique. Your surgeon injects
a sterile solution into the area where the fat is to be removed. It consists of
saline -- which is salt water - along with lidocaine and epinephrine. The solution makes it
easier to suction the fat with less blood loss and pain.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or
UAL, uses sound
waves energy under your skin to rupture the cell walls of the fat. This
liquefies the fat so it can be suctioned out.
Laser-assisted liposuction, or SmartLipo, uses a laser to produce
a burst of energy to liquefy the fat.
How
Long Is Recovery?
You might not
have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery you had. But you
should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.
Your surgeon may
require you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery to
control swelling.
You’ll probably
also have to take some antibiotics to prevent
infection. Most people can return to work within a few days and get back to
normal activities within 2 weeks. But every person is different.
Ask your plastic
surgeon specific questions about what your recovery will be like, including:
- What medications
will I need to take?
- Will I wear
bandages?
- Will I have stitches, and when will they be removed?
- When can I exercise again?
- Do I need to come
back for a follow-up visit?
Are
the Results Permanent?
The fat cells are
removed permanently during liposuction. But you can gain weight back, with new
fat cells, which usually go to different areas of your body.
To keep your new
shape after surgery, follow a diet that includes lots of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and
low-fat dairy. And exercise regularly.
Source: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction#1
