Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most common aesthetic procedures performed worldwide. It involves permanent removal of fat from areas of the body like abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, chest and chin.

Fat deposits in certain areas of the body like abdomen, hips and thighs in women, and chest and abdomen in men are resistant to diet and exercise. By permanently removing fat from these areas, Liposuction helps reshape the body

In people with healthy elastic skin, the skin shrinks after liposuction. In individuals with excess loose skin, some amount of skin may need to be removed to attain optimum results. Liposuction is not meant for weight loss, though there will be overall reduction in the body weight. Liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercises.

Techniques:

• Suction assisted lipectomy (SAL) - is the traditional and time tested method of liposuction. Finer instruments and better techniques have resulted in vastly improved results. SAL is the gold standard in liposuction techniques even now.




• Ultrasound assisted lipectomy (UAL) - uses ultrasound energy to break (lyse) the fat cells before suctioning them out. Advantages of this technique include decreased effort for the surgeon. However, there are increased chances of fluid collection (seroma) and skin damage when this method is used.

Procedure

Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia although small volume Liposuction can be performed under I.V sedation and local anesthesia. General anesthesia is safe and increases patients as well as the surgeon's comfort during circumferential one stage body contouring.

Tumescent and super wet techniques are utilized, which involve infiltrating a solution of saline and adrenaline into the tissues. Tiny access points (4-5 mm) are made in the natural creases or within bikini line through which the wetting solution is infiltrated into the tissues. The excess fat is then aspirated using fine cannulas. The amount of fat removed will depend on the number of areas addressed and the volume of fat deposited in these areas.

Aftercare

A pressure garment/corset is put on immediately after the surgery. The corset is to be worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery.

You can return to work in a few days and you can start heavy physical activity in about four to six weeks.