Liposuction | Fat Removal – What You Need to Know

Despite many attempts to lose to what is commonly referred to as the “bulge,” many people struggle with getting rid of localized fat deposits, even with diet and exercise. Even for someone in good overall health, metabolism, heredity, and other factors can cause small bulges that just won’t go away. Liposuction is used to remove fat deposits and improve the contour of the body, most commonly in the hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and face.

What is liposuction?

Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, thus improving the body contours and proportion. Patients that make good candidates should be in good health, have slightly above-average weight, and concentrated areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction will only remove fat, not cellulite.

How is liposuction performed?
Liposuction can either be performed as an outpatient procedure or a surgery center, depending on how much fat is to be removed. Depending on the type of procedure, a patient may be given either local or general anesthesia.

The liposuction is used using a suction device attached to a small stainless steel instrument called a cannula. The cannula is inserted through small incisions and into fat in between the skin and muscle, where it removes excess fat using a suction pump or large syringe.

What should I expect after liposuction?

When performed as an outpatient sugery, recovery is quick, and most people can return to normal activities in about two weeks. For a few weeks, you should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness. Your doctor will be able to discuss what kinds of results you can expect from the procedure.

What are the risks of liposuction?
As with any other surgery, risks and complications may exist, although liposuction risks are usually minimal. Do not be hesitant to ask any questions and make sure that medical practitioners who are experts in the field of liposuction are board-certified plastic surgeon.  Risks may include infection and skin discoloration.

While liposuction may be the answer to your “battle with the bulge” it is pertinent that you consult with a doctor to discuss the best options for your size, shape, skin type, and what results you want from the procedure. Liposuction is not a cure for obesity nor should it be a substitute for proper diet and exercise.