Liposuction, or simply lipo, involves the removal of unwanted or the stubborn fat from the body parts that you can’t seem to get rid of through diet and exercise. It involves using a cannula and negative pressure to suck out fat. This procedure is also referred to as Lipoplasty.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts, arms or neck and also contours these areas.

Both men and women can undergo liposuction to achieve a variety of different goals. In men, liposuction is often used to treat Gynecomastia and other fat areas around their torso, while women use it more commonly around the stomach, hips and thighs. If one or more of the following apply to you, liposuction is an option to consider.

There are different types of liposuction available. Some of them are Tumescent Liposuction, Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction, Laser Assisted Liposuction, and Suction Assisted Liposuction. Your Plastic surgeon will suggest you the procedure that is right for you.

Precautions before liposuction:

Prior to liposuction procedure you will be informed by your surgeon about the precautions you need to take procedure, which may involve stopping certain medications, smoking, and alcohol. The advanced liposuction techniques available today, minimize swelling, trauma, and discomfort. With the right cosmetic surgeon, recovery from liposuction can be remarkably quick.

Procedure:

Liposuction may be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you. Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, diluted local anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.  The incisions are then closed with a stitch and a postoperative compression garment is placed over the area that has been liposuction-ed. This will help minimize swelling and will encourage optimal skin contraction.  Your cosmetic surgeon may prescribe pain medications.

Results:

You’ll likely see some results immediately after surgery, but swelling and bruising are normal and can take weeks to resolve. Some residual swelling can persist for several months. Most people see good results from 6 weeks but final results are evident 6 – 12 months after surgery.

Although weight loss does definitely occur with removal of the significant amount of fat but to place it scientifically under the weight loss procedures would not be entirely correct.

Dr. Thanuja is board certified plastic and cosmetic surgeon. She will discuss the process with you in detail and will ensure that you undergo minimal discomfort before, during, and after the surgery. So, if you are considering liposuction surgery, Dr. Thanuja is the right surgeon to consult.