| Liposuction
Fat Removal
Since the introduction
of liposuction in 1982, the removal of localized fatty deposits
has become the most requested and fastest growing cosmetic surgery
procedure.
Liposuction can remove
fat from specific areas of the body to define the
curves, get rid of bulges, and sculpt the body to a more desirable
figure. For almost all people liposuction removes fat deposits
in areas resistant to diet and exercise. Such areas include: hips,
inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, abdomen, and flanks,
as well as the face, and neck. The fact is, certain areas of fat
accumulation does not respond to exercise no matter how vigorous
the training is. That is why many body builders request localized
fat removal.
Fat removed by liposuction
is permanent, and if body weight is kept within reason, will never
come back!
The ideal candidate
for liposuction is the person around their ideal body weight with
relatively firm, elastic skin who are bothered by pockets of fat
in certain areas. The candidate should be healthy with no major
diseases acute or chronic, and have realistic expectations. Age
should not be a major factor, however, skin elasticity is lost
with aging and this may interfere with achieving the ideal results.
 |
 |
| Before |
After |
Over the past two decades,
liposuction has seen tremendous improvement in technique and technological
advancement. Including superficial liposuction with very fine
cannula to help skin re-drape better and smother. The introduction
of ultra sound liposuction has introduced a powerful technology
to the art liposculpture. All these advancements allow more precise
results, the ability to remove larger volumes of fat. Ultra sound
energy possibly help the skin to retract and re-drape better and
smoother.
Liposuction is done
through a small incision in the skin, placed strategically to
perform the surgery in a well hidden place. The area to be suctioned
is injected with fluid solution containing some medications. This
makes fat easier to remove, reduces blood loss and reduces bruising.
Liposuction cannula
is introduced through the same skin incision, this cannula is
connected to vacuum suction which then aspirates the fat and fluid.
The ultra sound cannula
is equipped with a tip that produces ultra sonic energy. As the
ultra sound tip passes through the fat cells, the ultra sonic
energy disrupts the wall of the fat cell and liquefies the fat,
which is then suctioned and removed.
 |
 |
| Before |
After |
After surgery, a compression
garment, girdle, is worn to help control swelling, and to allow
the skin to shrink back and re-drape smoothly. Swelling and bruising
will subside within three to four weeks.
When the elasticity
of the skin is decreased or lost, then sagging of the skin occurs.
Overweight patients who have localized areas of fat removed, should
expect a greater degree of irregularities.
Return to work is within
a few days after surgery, and back to full activity is at least
tow weeks.
Scars from liposuction
are usually very small and placed hidden from view.
Most patients see a
noticeable difference immediately after surgery. This improvement
gets better with the passage of time over the next four to six
weeks when all the bruises and swelling is resolved.
 |
 |
| Before |
After |
Liposuction can result
in dramatic changes, saddle bags disappear, legs and hips become
thinner, stomachs flatter, heavy chins and necks lighter with
better definition. These results can be maintained by reasonably
maintaining body weight, and exercise. These results are permanent!
Liposuction is a safe
procedure when performed by a competent, well trained surgeon.
The operating facility should be accredited. Large volume liposuction
is better performed in a hospital setting under strict monitoring
of patients preoperatively as well as post-operatively. The availability
of different specialties and equipment when and if needed makes
the procedure safer. That is why it is very important that patients
select their surgeons very carefully!
|
