Sculpt You Body with Liposuction

You dreamily recall the days when your perfect figure used to be the talk of the town. How you used to floor the guys just by your sexy gait! Now with two kids and on the wrong side of forty, all you can do is dream. But, hey! Thanks to your dieting and exercise regimen, you’ve still managed to maintain yourself.

But…sigh…despite all this, certain stubborn areas continue to keep your body out of proportion and no amount of starving or sweating helps in ridding these ‘love handles’. So, what are you to do? Ever heard of body sculpting or body contouring? Welcome to the fascinating world of cosmetic surgery and, more specifically, liposuction that helps rid you of this commonest of all ills!

Liposuction Defined

Liposuction or suction-assisted lipectomy is a highly popular procedure. This cosmetic surgery is used to solve body contour problems caused by unwanted fat deposits that especially target abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. If plastic surgeons are to be believed, this procedure can make a positive difference anywhere in the body. And it produces the most satisfying results when used for contouring the buttocks, hips and inner thighs. According to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, liposuction is the most commonly performed procedure followed by breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, facelift and chemical peel. However, liposuction is no magic. It can’t take someone down from a size 16 to a size 2 and the obese also can’t hope to reduce overall body fat.

So, those thinking of replacing appropriate health measures, including eating right and regular exercise, with liposuction can perish the thought. Actually, liposuction is a method of removing localized fat that is stubborn enough not to respond to these measures. So, those with relatively normal weight, with pockets of excess fat in particular areas are the best candidates to go under the knife. And those with firm, elastic skin generally fare better.

Liposuction Procedure

The extent of the area to be covered by liposuction dictates whether you’ll need local anesthesia, which numbs the area, or a sedating medication that allows you to remain awake, but relaxed in minimal discomfort. An epidural block, similar to the anesthesia used in childbirth, is another option. However, if the area of liposuction is large or more in number, then probably general anesthesia is the answer. In this you’ll sleep through the operation. Why this preparation is needed is because liposuction is an invasive procedure.

To perform liposuction, a small incision is made in the area from where the fat is to be removed. A hollow tube called cannula is inserted in this incision, with its other end attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum. The surgeon than ‘vacuum cleans’ the fat by moving the cannula within the fat layers under the skin. This movement breaks up the fat and the tube sucks it out. The number of incisions depends upon the areas of fat deposition. The procedure normally takes an hour or two, depending upon the thoroughness required in removing fat.

If this procedure sounds dreadful, take comfort in the fact that today liposuction technique has vastly improved. No more are there big cannulas roughing you up under the skin. Today, smaller ones are being used, which reduce trauma to the surrounding tissue while giving greater artistic control to the surgeon. Little wonder this procedure is now also referred to as ‘body sculpting’! Another improvement is the ‘distension technique’ in which a special solution is introduced into the liposuction site before the procedure. This makes it easy to remove the fat in larger quantities, while making the patient suffer less fluid loss.

Post Operative Care and Recovery

Once liposuction procedure has been completed, you’ll be made to wear a snug-fitting elastic dressing, girdle or body stocking over the treated area to control swelling and bleeding. This’ll also help your skin shrink to fit your new contour. Initially, this garment will become a part of your body continuously for five to six weeks. Afterwards, you’ll need to wear it just in the daytime for a few weeks more. You may also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent the infection.

As is true for any surgical procedure, g etting back to normal after liposuction will take time. It won’t be a great feeling either and you’d probably not look great too. Some of you may even get a little heavier temporarily because of the extra fluid intake. You’ll find the suctioned areas swollen and bruised, and with a burning sensation. The pain will invariably be excruciating for which you’d be give pain killers. This may numb the area, but the feeling will return once healing progresses.

Healing will be gradual. The stitches will come off in five to ten days or dissolve, and you can expect to be back at work within two to three days to two weeks after your surgery. You’d need to start walking around as soon as possible to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. However, more strenuous activities will be totally prohibited for two to four weeks. This will basically depend upon the extent of the procedure, your condition and your physician’s recommendations. However, expect some swelling to remain for six months or more. For this, you will need follow-up visits to your surgeon for monitoring progress and any additional procedures, if required.

Scar Scare

It’s not only the trauma of liposuction that scares; it’s the scars of liposuction that is really frightening. The good news is the scars from liposuction are small and if your surgeon is good, they’ll not be visible even if you wear a bikini. However, some cosmetic problems cannot be ruled out. They’re rippling or bagginess of the skin over the treated area and pigmentation changes, like brown spots. Even asymmetry, that is, uneven contour or shape, may sometimes entail a second procedure.

Risks of liposuction

The key to a successful liposuction procedure basically rests on the plastic surgeon. They’ve not only to be adequately trained in body contouring, as well as general surgery; they need to have a properly equipped operating facility too. However, more important is the careful selection of patients by them. Although, liposuction risks are small, complications generally arise if this procedure is combined with a major surgery, like a tummy tuck and the like. This may result in embolism, the obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or fat globule or phlebitis, the inflammation of a vein resulting from a blood clot. However, a dangerous drop in blood pressure can occur, if too much fat is removed too quickly with liposuction. There is always some fluid loss along with fat removal, so it’s essential to replace this fluid to prevent the body from going into shock. This fluid is generally given intravenously. Even blood transfusions may be required. For this, the blood you’ve donated in advance is used.

Effectiveness of liposuction

The bad news is some people may get the fat back in the same place or elsewhere, depending on their overall body metabolism after a successful liposuction procedure. The good news is results vary from woman to woman. The key to success is to exercise regularly and follow healthy eating habits after surgery, if you don’t want to come under the knife again. A study conducted by the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado USA, assessed the effects of liposuction in women over a period of time. It showed that the localized effects are maintained for six to twelve months after the surgery, with the best cosmetic results at three months, especially if weight reduction through diet and exercise begins after the procedure.

Well, if you’re looking for a qualified surgeon to perform liposuction don’t use the phone book. The best source is the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. They’ve a list of certified plastic surgeons in your area. Whichever surgeon you choose, just don’t forget to ask for the names of his or her previous patients to find out the outcome of the procedures. Don’t be rushed into the surgery and ask questions about the procedure, its risks and benefits and anything under the sun, till you’re fully satisfied. Remember, you’re the best person to know what’s best for you!