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Many individuals today turn to liposuction to get the body they desire. This procedure uses suction to pull fat from the body while shaping the area where the fat is removed. It is not a weight-loss method. The procedure works to shape the body once a person has lost unwanted weight.
Why Liposuction Might Be Necessary?
It can be difficult to lose weight in certain parts of the body. For example, no amount of exercise will remove fat from the chin and neck. Exercise can help a person lose fat overall, but they may have stubborn areas, such as the abdomen and thighs, where exercise isn’t enough to remove unwanted fat. This body contouring procedure helps address these areas.
How Does It Work?
Fat cells increase in size when a person gains weight. Liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in the treated area. The surgeon considers the appearance of the area and the fat volume to determine how much fat to remove. Following the procedure, the new contours should remain, unless the patient gains weight again.
Men and women with good skin tone and elasticity will find the skin in the treated areas looks smooth, as the skin molds to the new shape. If the skin lacks elasticity and is thin, it may be loose in the treated areas. Liposuction cannot treat cellulite, however.
The Risks of Liposuction
All surgical procedures, including liposuction, come with risks. A reaction to the anesthesia and bleeding is two risks. Liposuction might also lead to numbness in the treated area, an infection, or a seroma. Some patients find the new contours of the body aren’t appealing, and every person needs to worry about a fat embolism, which is a piece of fat that breaks off, travels to a blood vessel, and becomes trapped. This is a medical emergency.
Preparing for Liposuction
Meet with a qualified surgeon to discuss the procedure, expectations, and steps to be taken prior to the surgery. On the day of the procedure, the surgeon marks the areas to be treated and takes before and after photos.
During the Procedure
The surgeon determines which liposuction method to use following the consultation. They use this method on the day of the procedure. The patient is first given anesthesia to either numb the areas being treated or to put them to sleep. The surgeon then begins the body contouring process, which may take several hours. Patients who undergo general anesthesia move to a recovery room once the procedure is done. Other patients may find they can go home the same day.
Recovering From Liposuction
The recovery period takes a few weeks. Most people have some pain, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. The incisions may remain open, or the doctor could insert drains to remove fluids. The patient must wear compression garments following the surgery to minimize swelling.
Most patients take a few days off from work. Normal activities, however, cannot be resumed for a few weeks. The body needs this time to recover as the fat left behind following the surgery settles.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that benefits many men and women. However, a person should always work with a qualified surgeon to ensure they see the desired results with few complications. This is one area where corners should not be cut to save money. The person’s life could be at risk if shortcuts are taken. It simply isn’t worth it.
