(BlackDoctor.org) — Liposuction, sometimes also referred to as lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the body’s contours by removing fatty deposits that may occur despite weight or physical condition.
One of the most popular methods that is widely used by surgeons is to make small skin incisions surrounding the area to be liposuctioned. A sterile solution designed to help break up the fat molecules is then injected into the slits; a cannula with a vacuum attached to one end is inserted into one of the slits. Using a back-and-forth motion, the surgeon removes excess fat cells until the desired contours are achieved, then goes to the next slit and repeats the process until the area has been completely liposuctioned. The smaller the cannula, the smoother the skin will be when the surgery is finished.
Why Lipo?
With society’s emphasis on looking young, people of all ages, races and genders are getting liposuction; it is highly likely that liposuction will become more and more popular as a technique to reshape one’s body, particularly because of dramatic technique improvements and an almost-as-dramatic drop in overall liposuction cost. Liposuction is being used to reshape hips, thighs, abdomens, ankles and virtually any other part of the body. The effects of liposuction are permanent, barring substantial weight gain.
Lipo Versus Weight Loss
Liposuction is not suitable for those who simply wish to lose weight. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, so using liposuction in lieu of a diet isn’t recommended. Complications from liposuction surgery are rare, but they do occur. Liposuction will not remove excess skin; that is a procedure for plastic surgery.
Lipo: What To Expect?
Liposuction post op recovery time varies because each patient is unique. Many times patients feel no more soreness than they would feel from a strenuous workout. However, rest is recommended for several days after surgery. Also, expect some bruising and swelling, which may last two weeks or longer. Many people resume their regular activities within ten days to two weeks and stitches will usually be removed within a week. During the period of your liposuction post op, it is very important to remain very well hydrated. Also make sure to take all prescribed medications.
Depending on the surgical procedure performed, a liposuction post op compression garment may be required. The compression garment should be worn for as long as the doctor advises, so that the area will heal properly. Do not apply heat or ice to the area, and do not soak in a Jacuzzi or bathtub, or swim as this may cause an infection to develop.
Before The Procedure…
There are things the surgeon may recommend in preparation for surgery, including:
Liposuction: Is It For You? was originally published on blackdoctor.org
