All about Liposuction Treatment and its types

Have stubborn fat that does not go away in spite of regular exercise and dieting? You are not alone. Many people struggle with the problem of losing fat from the abdomen, thighs, arms and neck. When all else fails, cosmetic treatment can answer this problem. There are selected cosmetic procedures that help in reducing fat from selected regions. Liposuction is one such treatment. While liposuction cannot be a solution to obesity or weight loss treatments, it definitely gives stunning results for targeted fat removal.

What is Liposuction surgery?

Traditional liposuction is a surgical treatment that helps remove excess fat by making a small incision on the targeted region. A cannula or suction tube is then used to remove the excess fat that has been scraped off. Liposuction is a fairly renowned and ancient cosmetic treatment that was started in the 1900s. The ill effects of excess fat in the body overrides the discomfort of liposuction. This is the primary reason why individuals consider a liposuction treatment. 

The liposuction surgery trims and shapes the body as per one’s need. The most common areas where liposuction may be used include:

• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Chin and neck
• Arms
• Buttocks
• Chest

There are various types of liposuction, namely:

• Tumescent liposuction – Unlike traditional liposuction, local anesthesia is injected into the targeted region and a cannula is used to remove fat cells with this procedure. There are lesser chances of infection and bleeding with Tumescent liposuction. Also individuals can get faster recovery with this technique. It is used to remove fat from the chin, neck, abdomen, arms, face and thighs.

• Super-wet liposuction – A solution is distributed evenly on the targeted region, this works as the anesthesia and helps with removal of fat. The procedure helps to minimize pain, discomfort, bruising, infection and blood loss.

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction – In this type of liposuction, ultrasonic energy is used to remove fat cells. The ultrasound waves melt the fat which can then be easily removed using a cannula by the surgeon. This technique helps with more precision and targeting of fat cells and causes very minimal damage to surrounding nerves or tissues.

• Laser-assisted liposuction or SmartLipo – laser light is passed through a small incision and a cannula used to remove fat in this type of liposuction. It is minimally invasive and the fiber optic laser removes fat by using heat. Additionally, this technique can also help with better collagen production due to the heat.

Liposuction surgery side effects

Most side effects of a liposuction treatment settle as the patients recovers. Some of the risks or side effects include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Infection
• Bleeding and
• Numbness in the site of incision
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Damage to nerves or organs in extremely rare cases

Cost of liposuction in India

The cost of a liposuction treatment depends upon the extent or volume of fat removal that the person requires. Liposuction cost in India would range between INR 20k to 5 lakhs depending on the type of treatment, the city, clinic and the expertise of the doctor. Liposuction is an invasive procedure and it is extremely important to choose the right doctor. A board certified cosmetologist can help reduce liposuction risk and complications.

Liposuction before and after

Patients vouch that liposuction has given them good results in body contouring or reshaping. Individuals are able to shed excess and stubborn fat from regions that would not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is a great choice for toning and firming the body.

Pre-procedural care for liposuction

Individuals would be asked to avoid blood thinning medications and anti-inflammatory drugs at least a few days prior to treatment. Smoking and alcohol consumption must also be avoided. Ample rest and non-strenuous exercise is recommended.

Post-procedural care for liposuction

Patients would often have slight discomfort and pain following the procedure. It is important to take the medications suggested by the doctor. Ample amount of water, rest and nutritious food must be consumed. Most patients recover in about a week’s time and complete results of the treatment can be obtained bwteen 1 to 3 months.

Who should avoid liposuction?

Liposuction gets riskier in elderly patients and those above 40 with illnesses. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks by thoroughly discussing with the doctor. Individuals with the below health condition must avoid the treatment.

• Heart disorders
• High blood pressure
• Autoimmune disorders
• Blood disorders
• Individuals above the age of 65 with health conditions 

Individuals who are pregnant, obese or chain smokers must avoid the procedure. The risks might outweigh the benefits in these patients.

Who should choose liposuction?

Individuals who have an ideal BMI (body mass index) but are struggling to lose excess fat in specific regions can be the ideal patient for liposuction. The results of liposuction done on these patients tend to be more pronounced and last longer with exercise and diet.

Choose the right doctor

Liposuction requires expert doctors with years of experience in the field. Since this is an invasive procedure, only doctors with board certification for such cosmetic procedures must perform it. Doctor’s review and history of successful treatments is important to check. Number of surgeries done, cases of complications and the hospitals that the doctor is associated with also needs to thoroughly checked. Check with former patients on their experience of liposuction treatment from the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the lipo 360?

Lipo 360 or 360-degree liposuction is a type of liposuction that removes fat from the surrounding regions to give a result that is more proportionate and complete. In a lipo 360 treatment, the lower and upper abdominals, the oblique muscle and back are all treated giving a better result than normal liposuction.

2. How painful is a liposuction?

Liposuction is done under anesthesia and hence the procedure would not be painful. However, patients can experience pain once the anesthesia wears off. The extent of pain varies from one individual to another depending on their pain tolerance level. Most patients consider the pain to be similar to a large bruise. It typically takes a week for the pain to subside and about 1 to 3 months for complete recovery.

3. Is liposuction worth the money?

Liposuction is worth the money for individuals who are in good shape but have issues with losing stubborn fat in the abdomen, arms or thighs. The results stand out if done on these individuals. However, if people with a high body mass index (BMI), opt for liposuction, the results might not be as pronounced or worthwhile. If you are looking at reducing overall weight, liposuction would not help with it.

4. What is the newest liposuction procedure?

Newest liposuction procedure includes ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and power-assisted liposuction (PAL).

5. What is the best type of liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is considered to be the best type of liposuction since it is more effective, safe and enables faster recovery. The patient will be given local anesthesia at the targeted region of treatment. Tumescent liposuction is also used in skin tightening.

6. What is the most advanced liposuction?

Laser lipolysis or smartlipo is the most advanced form of liposuction.  Smartlipo uses heat to remove fat from the targeted areas. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a fiber optic laser to dissolve the fat. The heat also helps with stimulating the production of collagen.

7. What is liposculpture vs liposuction?

Liposculpture gives results that are a step ahead of liposuction. In a liposculpture procedure, fat from one part is removed and added in other parts to attain the required shape. Liposuction on the other hand helps with removal of fat from specific parts of the body.

8. How long do liposuction results last?

Fat cells that are removed are gone permanently, however the results of a liposuction need not last forever. Individuals must maintain good diet and exercise to enable the results of liposuction last longer.

9. Will liposuction flatten my stomach?

Liposuction gives stunning resulting when it comes to flattening the stomach. People can achieve their desired shape of the abdomen and a flat stomach with liposuction. 

10. Does skin tighten after liposuction?

Liposuction as such would not treat lose skin. With the loss of fat one might notice that the skin has got more firm than before but the results of skin tightening are negligible. For skin tightening one must undergo procedures such as arm lift, thigh lift or tummy tuck.

11. Does fat come back after lipo?

The lost fat would not come back after a liposuction but new fat can be formed. In order to prevent new fat cells from forming, one must practice regular exercise and stick to a balanced and nutritious diet.

12. How long does recovery take?

A complete recovery would take one to three months. Individuals can get back to work and non-strenuous physical activities in 2 weeks’ time.  

13. How do I choose the right surgeon?

Liposuction is a complex procedure that must be done by a well trained and experienced surgeon. It is important to get treated by board-certified cosmetologist to ensure you get the desired results. The chances of risks and complications can also be reduced by choosing the right doctor.