HOW DOES LIPOSUCTION WORK? – WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that permanently removes fat cells, altering the shape of human body.  It can also be called lipoplasty, liposculpture suction, lipectomy, or - simply – lipo.  In more details, the procedure may be carried out under general or local anesthesia. Then, it involves using a hollow, stainless-steel tube (cannula) and negative pressure to suck out the body fat. Liposuction surgery is often used on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, chin, upper and backs of the arms, calves, and back. However, the amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited. This procedure does not remove cellulite, dimples or stretch marks, but yet allows on obtaining a desirable body contour in the case of professional operation. [1]

How does liposuction work?

There are two layers of subcutaneous fat in the human body: deep and superficial. During a liposuction procedure the doctor makes a tiny incision to insert a cannula into the deep fat layer. Treating this layer is safer, than working on the superficial layer, because it involves lower risk of injuring the skin. Typically, the doctor pushes and pulls the tube through the fat layer (a new technique, power liposuction, automates the movement). As the cannula moves, it breaks up fat cells, and a vacuum pump or syringe removes the fat with suction. [2]

When Is Lipo Chosen?

Liposuction is mainly selected for improving appearance, rather than for providing any physical health benefits. Also, some unhealthy conditions of the human body can be balanced by liposuction surgery. But - despite the fact of reducing the volume of body fat, it is not an overall weight-loss method. Most of the people could probably achieve the same or better results by adopting a healthful lifestyle, with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy sleep schedule. When an individual gains weight, each fat cell increases in size and volume. Therefore, the future patients must discuss risks and benefits of liposuction with professional doctor before deciding on whether to proceed. It is possible to do in Medical Travel Czech which provides a fundamental expertise in liposuction, helping patients to gain desired results. [3]

Liposuction Techniques

• Tumescent liposuction means that several liters of a saline solution with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a vessel-constrictor (epinephrine) are pumped below the skin in the area that is to be suctioned. The fat is suctioned, or sucked out, through small suction tubes. This is the most popular form of liposuction.

• Dry liposuction involves no fluid being injected before the fat removal. Nowadays, such a surgical method is rarely used. It possess a higher risk of bruising and bleeding for the patient.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is also known as ultrasonic liposuction, the cannula is energized with ultrasound. This makes the fat melt away on contact. The ultrasound vibrations burst the walls of the fat cells. This emulsifies, or liquefied, the fat, making it easier to suction out. This method is suitable for fibrous areas, such as the male breast, back, and in areas where liposuction has been done before.
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAS): Also known as powered liposuction, PAS uses a specialized cannula with a mechanized system that rapidly moves back-and-forth, allowing the surgeon to pull out fat more easily.
• Laser Assisted Lipolysis (LAL): Also known as laser-guided lipo, this procedure requires the use of tumescent fluid. It is a less invasive and bloody procedure than the traditional liposuction method for removing fat. A small tube is inserted through a small incision to deliver laser energy and heat into the fat that is under the skin. [4]

Risks of Liposuction

The risks of complications are usually associated with the procedure complexity - as well as – with the surgeon' skills and professional training. So, liposuction should only be carried out after careful consideration and medical advice on cosmetic surgery in Prague - from Medical Travel Czech.

Potential risks of unprofessional liposuction surgery may include infection, numbness, and scarring. If too much fat is removed, lumpiness or dents in the skin can occur. Also, the surgical risks appear to be linked to the amount of fat removed.

The patients, whose skin lacks elasticity, may obtain a loose-looking skin in specific areas, as result of unprofessional medical procedure. It is also important to know that bad blood circulation or blood flow problems or a weakened immune systems should not undergo liposuction.

Benefits of Liposuction

Being one of the plastic surgery procedures, liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in isolated areas of human body. Thanks to professional liposuction surgery, all the patients may enjoy a significant bettering of physical appearance. Whether man or woman can rejuvenate body contouring by eliminating unnecessary fat cells from such parts neck, thighs, hips, chest, buttocks, abdomen or back. Feeling comfortable with own body increases self-confidence and gradually restores it in general. The patients start acting and feeling more energized and enthusiastic about their daily lives.

Besides, lipo surgery works the best for the patients with good skin tone and elasticity, where the skin molds itself into new contours.

And - although liposuction is normally done for cosmetic purposes - it can also improve an appearance via eliminating unhealthy conditions. Among the certain conditions which can be treated are:

• Lymphedema: It defines a chronic or long-term condition, when excess fluid (lymph) collects in tissues and causes swelling. The edema commonly occurs in the arms or legs. Liposuction sometimes reduces swelling, discomfort, and pain.
• Lipomas: They are defined as benign, fatty tumors.
• Lipodystrophy: Fat can accumulate in one part of the human body, while being lost in another one. Thus, liposuction can improve the patient's appearance by providing a more natural looking body fat distribution.
• Gynecomastia: Sometimes, the body fat accumulates under a man' breasts.
• Extreme weight loss after obesity: The patient with morbid obesity that loses at least 40 percent of their BMI may need treatment to remove excess skin or some other abnormalities. [5]

Those who are most satisfied with their lipo treatment’ results tend to be the patients, who thoughtfully consider the pros and cons and well informed about what to expect, who choose a qualified and experienced surgeon – as well as - those who discuss the details in advance.

Sources:

[1] Wikipedia: Liposuction https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liposuction

[2] National Health Society (UK): Liposuction https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/

[3] Medical News Today: What Are the Benefits and Risks of Lipo? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180450.php

[4] The WebMD Medical Team: What You Should Know about Liposuction https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction#1

[5] How Stuff Works (Educational Platform): Cosmetic Treatments - Liposuction https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/cosmetic-treatments/liposuction.htm