Liposuction also referred to as lipo, liposculpture suction lipectomy, or lipoplasty.
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that eliminates fat in different areas of the body including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, arms, and anywhere else fat is located. The physician, along with the patient, will decide how much fat is safe to remove on a patient-to-patient basis. Each patient undergoes a different experience depending on his or her needs.
Liposuction is one of the must misunderstood cosmetic surgery procedures. It is important to discuss the facts in an effort to better understand the procedure.
Although the term “liposuction” medically refers to the fat removal, it is not a weight loss treatment. Patients seeking this procedure must be within 30% of their ideal body weight. This requires patients to be fit, active, nonsmokers, who work out and eat healthily. The fat that is removed in liposuction is usually fat that has not responded to dieting or exercise.
Cosmetic Surgeons and Dermatologists, according to the Food and Drug Administration, most often perform liposuction. Most doctors can offer and perform liposuction without completing standardized training, however, to get the best results it’s best to seek treatment from specialized physicians.
A plastic surgeon and a dermatologist are the optimal pairings because plastic surgeons specialize in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. While dermatologists specialize in treating skin, nail, and hair conditions.
Seeking the services of a plastic surgeon is advisable because it minimizes certain risks. Liposuction is safe but like all surgical procedures there are certain risks involved. The most common risks include infection, bleeding, numbness, bruising, uneven skin contours, and skin color changes, all of which require the services of a dermatologist and plastic surgeon if reconstruction is required.
For patients who are seeking an immediate difference, liposuction is not the procedure for them. Usually, it takes a few months for patients to see the effects of the process. However, the results are apparent. Some patients are required to wear compression garments or elastic bandages after surgery in an attempt to reduce swelling. It is important that patients manage their weight immediately after liposuction or else the procedure will not be useful.
Lastly, it is important to discuss liposuction with a physician before undergoing the procedure. While it is a safe and efficient procedure to remove fat deposits that are not breaking down by exercise and dieting, these fat deposits can prove useful in the future. Some studies in their early stages have indicated that these fat cells are an excellent source of mesenchymal stem cells, that can be used to grow muscle, cartilage, and bone. The same studies have shown that these stem cells could also help prevent or mitigate heart disease, neurological disease, and diabetes.
Discussing the facts surrounding liposuction with a physician will provide patients with a more comprehensive understanding of liposuction.