Liposuction - Sexy or Dangerous?

Liposuction also referred to as "Lipoplasty" or "Lipo" is cosmetic in nature and simply put breaks up and extracts fat from the body. Liposuction is most commonly used on the stomach, thighs, buttocks, neck, chin and even upper and lower back. Doctors use an instrument called a cannula, that is inserted into fatty areas between the skin and the muscle where it removes excess fat using a suction device. There is no doubt that Liposuction is the most commonly used cosmetic surgery in the United States with more than 300,000 procedures annually.  The cost ranges from $2500.00 to $5000.00 for each procedure. The more specialized procedures can cost substantially more.  

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is a cosmetic procedure with results ranging from subtle to significant. While women all over the world are resorting to this faddish cosmetic procedure, there is risk associated with Liposuction which includes the risk of infection, numbness, inflammation surrounding the treating area which can occur for up to six months after the procedure, and possible scarring. Because our bodies typically develop undesirable deposits of fat in particular parts of the body, the process is designed to target the removal of fat pockets in those areas, however, it is very difficult if not impossible to remove cellulite, dimples, or stretch marks. The overall purpose of liposuction is esthetic, used to enhance the contour of the body, not perfect it.

Although liposuction appears to be the procedure of choice for both men and women because it permanently removes fat cells, medical reports indicate that failing to lead a healthy lifestyle afterward can be a risk that the remaining fat cells could grow bigger. One should understand that the amount of fat that can safely be removed is limited, and if too much fat is extracted, there could be lumpiness or dents in the skin.  The success of the procedure depends on the amount of fat removed, and the skilled hand of the surgeon.

Below are four types of liposuction procedures that are commonly used by cosmetic surgeons today:

1. Tumescent Liposuction: with this technique, a cosmetic surgeon will inject an anesthetic “tumescent” solution into the treatment area to minimize bleeding and discomfort during the procedure. Depending on the patient, tumescent liposuction can often be performed with local anesthesia.
2. Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction: this technique utilizes ultrasound energy to help break up the fatty tissue and loosen it from the body, allowing for easier removal of larger amounts of fat with a faster surgery. Variations include VASER Liposelection.
3. Laser Assisted Liposuction: known under brand names like SmartLipo and Slimlipo, these techniques use laser energy to help dislodge fat cells.
4. Suction Assisted Liposuction: this technique uses a vacuum-like device to help remove the fat. Power Assisted Liposuction is a similar technique that involves a tool that enhances the motion of the cannula used to remove the fat.

If you are considering Liposuction, do your homework and know your Cosmetic Surgeon's Medical profile, and confirm that he or she is a board-certified surgeon who works for an accredited surgical center. Being in good health, over the age of 18, with good circulation and no blood flow problems such as coronary artery disease, or diabetes is pertinent to qualifying as a good candidate for liposuction. Keep in mind that this procedure was not designed to reduce body weight, or to treat obesity, rather reshape and refine certain areas of the body that has not responded well to diet and exercise. Therefore the surgical candidate should have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve. Your Doctor will be able to recommend options that are best suited for you.

Remember adopting a lifestyle change of healthy eating and exercise is the key to controlling obesity, and maintaining a healthy body contour, with or without liposuction, or other esthetic techniques.