Overview
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, or simply “lipo” is a cosmetic procedure to remove fat from certain parts of the body. It is generally performed to get rid of excess fat deposits when the body is not responding to natural weight loss methods such as exercise or a balanced diet.
It is a body contouring procedure that removes localized fat deposits to reshape and reduce fat in one or more parts of the body.
The procedure is usually performed in patients who have a stable body weight with elastic and firm skin tone and who want to remove excess fat from certain areas.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is performed due to aesthetic reasons. It removes undesirable body fat and enhances, and contours the body. It is not a weight-loss surgery and you must seek doctor’s advice before undergoing the procedure.
The results of liposuction are subtle and it will not bring dramatic changes in the body. The procedure is performed to improve the appearance and is normally advised if the desired changes have not been achieved by lifestyle changes or if the fat in certain areas is resistant to exercise or diet.
Liposuction removes the fat cells or adipocytes from targeted sections of the body such as:
- Chest
- Hips
- Belly
- Thigh
- Back
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Neckline
- Under the chin
Liposuction can also be performed with other forms of plastic surgery like a facelift or breast reduction procedure.
Apart from cosmetic purposes, liposuction can be performed for medical reasons to treat:
- Chronic and long-term lymphedema that may cause excess accumulation of fluid and swelling in the arms and legs
- Gynecomastia or enlargement of male breast tissue
- Excess weight loss which can result in excess skin
- Lipomas or benign, fatty lumps
- To improve the natural appearance by removing excess fat accumulation caused by lipodystrophy syndrome
Who is an ideal candidate for liposuction?
To undergo a liposuction, there are certain requirements as follows:
- You are 18 years old. Below this age bracket, you may still be undergoing body development
- Overall good health
- Within 30% of the ideal weight
- The skin is elastic, firm, and with good muscle tone
- There are stubborn pockets of fat that are not responding to diet and exercise
- Nonsmokers
- You have realistic expectations about the procedure outcome
Though, age may not be a factor in undergoing liposuction, the results in people over 65 may vary. The skin in older people loses its elasticity and is less firm.
Liposuction does not remove skin dimples or stretch marks.
Dos - things to do after a liposuction
Liposuction is a very popular cosmetic surgery. After a liposuction, you must take proper care of the body to help in recovery. This helps in achieving the desired result and enhances the appearance that you aspire to achieve.
The dos:
Movement
Move around without putting much stress on the body. Walk briskly to avoid blood stagnation. Moving around helps in blood circulation and prevents swelling, clotting, and infections.
Be gentle with your body
Like any other surgery, you must take adequate rest and allow the body to heal properly. Wear loose-fitting clothes and relax and unwind. Read a book, watch television, listen to music, or take short walks without straining the body.
Stay healthy
Eat foods that are high in fiber and rich in vitamins and proteins. This will provide adequate nutrition to the body and allow it to recover faster. Drink lots of fluids and water and stay hydrated.
Wear compression garments
Before you leave the hospital, you will be provided with compression garments to keep your body intact and enhance your appearance. The garments provide support, help in wound healing, and prevent infections and swelling.
Follow instructions
It is important to follow post-operative instructions and take your medications on time.
Visit your doctor for follow-ups
Do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor if you are feeling any discomfort or if there are any complications. Go for follow-up consultations without delay to ensure that you are recovering properly.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
Don’ts – things to avoid after liposuction
The don’ts:
Lifting heavy objects
Avoid lifting heavy objects or doing strenuous chores as it will put pressure on the wound site, increase blood pressure, or cause bleeding.
Remove compression garments
Do not stop wearing compression garments unless recommended by the doctor.
Wet the wound
Be cautious while taking a bath or a shower. Even if you are wearing a waterproof dressing, it is important to ensure that the wound site is dry. Avoid taking long showers, or soaking in bathtubs, or saunas.
Smoking or drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol or smoking dehydrates the body and slows down the healing process.
Eating unhealthy foods
Avoid eating oily, spicy, salty, fatty, and junk foods. Take your meals on time and eat healthy.
Final words
Liposuction is a simple procedure but taking proper care of your body is important to avoid postoperative complications. Though liposuction removes the fatty tissues from the body, maintaining your ideal appearance is a long-term process. To enjoy long-term results, you must stick to a routine exercise regime and proper diet.
A liposuction surgery can be a life-changer and transformative experience for many individuals. It boosts your confidence and makes you feel happy about your appearance but it is not devoid of complications. Before considering a liposuction, have a detailed personalized conversation with an experienced surgeon to get a comprehensive idea about the procedure. Factors like your age or medical history may determine your recovery process. Finally, it is important to have a realistic expectation before undergoing the surgery.
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