Liposuction is a treatment method performed to remove fat deposits that remain on the body despite regional weight loss.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which excess fat is removed from the body using a hollow stainless steel tube called a cannula. The cannula is inserted through a small incision in the skin and used to suction out excess fat. Liposuction can be applied to various areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and neck.
After liposuction, it is essential to follow the instructions provided by your surgeon for proper healing and optimal results. Some important considerations include:
- Pain management: You may experience some pain and discomfort after the procedure. Your surgeon will provide pain medication to help you manage any discomfort.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are common after liposuction. These side effects should subside within a few weeks.
- Wearing a compression garment: Your surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment after the procedure to reduce swelling and improve the contour of the treated area.
- Rest and activity: It is important to rest and relax after liposuction. You should avoid strenuous activities and gradually return to your normal routine following your surgeon's instructions.
- Follow-up visits: Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and address any concerns you may have.
- Results: It may take several months for the final results of liposuction to become fully apparent. To maintain your results, it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise routine.
To achieve the best possible results, it is crucial to adhere to your surgeon’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. If you have any concerns or questions regarding your recovery, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon.
Medical Procedures for Liposuction Surgery
Before undergoing liposuction, it is important to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine whether the procedure is suitable for you. This may include a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies to assess your overall health and skin condition. It is also essential to discuss your medical history, as well as any medications or supplements you are taking, with your surgeon.
Liposuction is usually performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the treated area, or under general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep. The procedure typically takes a few hours, depending on the size of the treated area and the amount of fat being removed.
After the procedure, you will need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support the treated area during healing. You must also follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding wound care and self-care at home. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and does not prevent future weight gain. It is most effective for individuals who are at a stable weight but have localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Liposuction & Fat Removal
Liposuction, commonly known as fat removal, has become a highly preferred procedure in recent years. Especially for individuals struggling with weight loss and dieting or those eager to achieve a more fit and athletic appearance, this procedure is often seen as a “magic wand.” Liposuction can reduce body size by up to two dress sizes in areas such as the cheeks, chin, arms, back, waist, abdomen, and thighs.
Which Areas Can Liposuction Be Performed On?
Although liposuction can be applied to almost any part of the body, it is generally not recommended for areas below the knees or below the elbows. This is because these areas may not yield effective results and could carry additional risks.
Liposuction is primarily performed on areas where fat tends to accumulate regionally. By targeting these localized fat deposits, the procedure helps to achieve a balanced body contour. However, the goal of liposuction is never to reduce a person’s size by two or three dress sizes or to induce significant weight loss. Instead, it is an effective treatment method for removing localized fat deposits.
Liposuction is Not a Weight Loss Method
For this reason, the most effective results are seen in individuals who are already slim but have localized fat accumulation. For example, if a person wears size 38 clothing but has excessive fat in the hips that forces them to wear size 42–44 pants, liposuction can help contour the body by removing fat from the hip area. To achieve a successful liposuction outcome, a person should be close to their ideal weight and have specific areas of fat accumulation.
Should Liposuction Be Performed Under General or Local Anesthesia?
The type of anesthesia used in liposuction depends on the treatment area. If the procedure is being performed on a small area, local anesthesia is preferred. However, if it involves a larger area, general anesthesia is recommended.
Do Removed Fat Cells Return to Other Areas of the Body After Liposuction?
One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Does fat accumulation increase in other areas after liposuction?” Liposuction involves removing fat cells from areas with excess fat.
The number of fat cells in the body is determined at birth, and over time, these cells increase in size rather than in number. When these cells enlarge excessively, it results in a condition known as "lipodystrophy," or abnormal fat accumulation. By removing fat cells from areas with excess fat, liposuction restores balance to those areas. However, if excessive fat is gained after liposuction, fat cells in all areas, including treated regions, will increase in volume again.
How Long Does Liposuction Surgery Take?
Liposuction surgery, also known as lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a surgical procedure in which excess fat is removed from the body using a hollow stainless steel tube called a cannula. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the amount of fat removed and the number of areas treated. In general, liposuction surgery can take between one and several hours to complete.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be unconscious during the surgery. After the procedure, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few hours to ensure you are stable before being discharged.
In Conclusion...
Liposuction surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you do not need to stay overnight in the hospital. However, if a large amount of fat is removed or multiple areas are treated, an overnight hospital stay may be required for observation.
It is important to discuss the details of your liposuction surgery with your surgeon in advance so that you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.
Op. Dr. Tuğba ERDENÖZ TÜRK
Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist
