Liposuction: Weight Loss through Fat Removal
Also known as lipoplasty, liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove nagging fat deposits from the body. Fat can be removed from various areas of the body, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, and others. The procedure originated in the late-1960s in Europe. Early on, results were inconsistent and largely unsuccessful. Modern handling began in 1982, when results became demonstrably more successful. Ultrasound was added in the late-1990s to further enhance the procedure through the ultrasound liquefaction of fat deposits. Today, the procedure is fully refined and reliable.
Not everyone is a candidate for liposuction. It is no substitute for weight loss through diet and exercise. However, certain people are seen to retain nagging fat deposits due more to heredity than lifestyle. The best candidates for liposuction are people who practice regular exercise and maintain good health, and yet remain plagued by disproportionate fat. Extensive discussion between doctor and patient will take place before the procedure, and realistic expectations are encouraged. Perfection is not the goal, but significant improvement is a realistic expectation. A person expecting perfection in appearance or body condition is not a good candidate for liposuction. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. Lifestyle change may be needed and will almost certainly be advised to prevent a return to previous fat levels.
Liposuction slims and shapes the body through the removal of fat deposits. The purpose is to improve body contours and proportion. Patients report a common improvement in self-image following the procedure. It is cosmetic in nature, and it may be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a face lift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck.
The measure of success in a procedure is most often a patient’s own impression. If a patient is happy with results, likely the doctor will also be happy. The goal of the procedure may generally be considered more an aesthetic one that a quantitative one. A patient must be aware that it is possible in liposuction for a procedure to fail due to removal of too much fat. Dramatic and positive change can result even from removal of a relatively small amount of fat.
Liposuction produces permanent results. Fat which is removed does not return or regrow. The effect is a reshaping of the body, and that new shape is a permanent one. It is possible, however, for the new shape to be warped or expanded if excessive weight is gained after surgery. Body shape is changed by liposuction, and if excessive weight is gained, it will be deposited somewhere on the body. In areas where fat was removed by liposuction, new fat will not accumulate. However, fat can accumulate in other areas. For instance, if liposuction is performed on the hips, new fat will not accumulate there. If there is new fat, however, it might instead accumulate in the breasts, face, or back. For that reason and others, patients are encouraged to practice good diet management and to exercise regularly after liposuction. Some patients seek ongoing counseling for help in modifying their lifestyle.
Recovery will normally take from two days to two weeks. Many patients return to work in just a matter of days. There may be some oozing from the incision sites, but this is normal and will stop in a day or so. There will probably be some swelling and some minor bruising, lasting five to eight weeks. You will be smaller during this time, but permanent change will not be established until its completion.
Liposuction today is an established and proven procedure. It proves successful for most patients. There are great benefits gained, and almost all patients are pleased with their decision.