Part
1 of 2
Sometimes
even exercise and a healthy diet won't take away the excess area of
fat. Don't worry; you're not alone with this problem. In 1998, more
people turned up for liposuction, as more than 170,000 procedures
were performed in the U. S. alone. Maybe it's time for you to learn
more about liposuction.
Liposuction or suction assisted lipectomy is a technique to remove
deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body. Many areas
can be treated, most commonly the chin, neck, abdomen, hips and thighs.
The goal of liposuction is to improve body contour, not to produce
weight loss.
Healthy
people with relatively normal weight but with pockets of excess fat
in particular areas are the best candidates for liposuction. Having
a firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours
will usually provide a better result. Liposuction alone will not improve
the dimpled skin known as cellulite.
The media has prominently portrayed the risk of serious complications
resulting from liposuction procedures in recent years. Problems such
as blood clots, injury to vital structures, respiratory distress and
even deaths have been reported. Although such problems are rare, they
remind potential patients that liposuction is an operation that can
have serious complications. Liposuction is a generally safe procedure
when well-selected patients have the surgery done in a safe and reputed
setting by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Occasional problems with fluid accumulation, skin damage, pigmentation
and contour irregularities can arise. These problems sometimes require
a second procedure. Infection and excess fluid loss can also occur.
Some numbness frequently occurs but most often resolves within three
to six months.
People considering liposuction should do some background research
on the operation and then seek out a qualified plastic surgeon. Only
an experienced plastic surgeon can fully assess the patient's health,
the location of the fat deposits and the skin tone to determine whether
someone is a good candidate for surgery. Alternative body-contouring
methods that may be more appropriate such as abdominoplasty ("tummy
tuck") can also be discussed. The best options or combination
of options should be always discussed with the surgeon. Patients should
also reassess their own expectations and discuss them with the surgeon
because they impact upon postoperative patient satisfaction.
Where a liposuction is performed is determined by many factors, including
patient health issues and the type of anesthesia required. Some procedures
can be done under local anesthesia with minimal patient discomfort
and are usually safe in a office setting. The majority, however, require
some form of sedation and occasionally general anesthesia. An outpatient
setting such as an ambulatory surgery center can be ideal for such
procedures. Patients are generally pleased with the convenience and
reduced cost of such facilities. Overnight hospitalization is generally
not necessary, except in cases where a large volume of fat is removed
or in patients with additional medical concerns.
Liposuction usually takes between one and two hours, but can vary
widely depending on the areas and amounts to be suctioned. The incision
sites and areas to be treated are marked pre-operatively. Incisions
are made just large enough to allow the insertion of a hollow tube
called a cannula. The opposite end of the cannula is attached to a
machine that creates a vacuum. The surgeon manipulates the cannula
within the fat layers under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning
it out. Usually multiple incisions are used for suction of the fat
from each area.
During the operation, patients lose fluid in an amount determined
by the total aspirated volume of the fat and the technique used. It's
crucial that this fluid be replaced to prevent dehydration. Fluids
are administered intravenously in the operating room and recovery
room. Patients are asked to continue drinking fluids even during the
post-operative period.
Most of the patients are very satisfied with the final results of
their liposuction, as they feel more comfortable in a wider variety
of clothes and more at ease with their bodies.
Click
here to read Part 2
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