From eating healthy to exercising regularly and following a proper sleep schedule, individuals trying to stay fit have several aspects to consider. Regulating the BMI or shedding extra muscle mass in specific areas are some practices to stay in shape. While a healthy meal plan and regular exercise typically help reduce fat, additional interventions like liposuction are recommended in certain cases. This article provides insight into liposuction, its benefits, risks, and procedure.

What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure recommended to individuals who are unable to shed excess fat concentrated in certain parts of their bodies, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, neck, and hind arms. A dermatological or cosmetic surgeon typically performs liposuction; however, it may also involve other cosmetic surgical procedures, including tummy tucks and breast reductions.

Benefits of liposuction

Permanent removal of fat cells
Liposuction helps reduce the fat cells in a certain body part, facilitating a permanent elimination of excessive muscle mass in that area.

Effective in muscle toning
Sometimes, a healthy meal plan and exercise fail to facilitate good muscle toning. Although the purpose of liposuction is not to achieve muscle tone, it helps shed excessive muscles in specific body areas and can be a step to ensure a sculpted look.

Maintenance of body mass index
Another significant advantage of liposuction is that it can help individuals maintain their body mass index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing one’s body mass by the square of one’s body height. The removal of excess fat from the body results in weight reduction, influencing one’s BMI score.

Effective when a healthy meal plan and exercise fail
Sometimes, a healthy meal plan and regular exercise fail to eliminate body mass-related health concerns. In such cases, liposuction is recommended to remove such muscle mass. Liposuction, alongside a healthy meal plan and an active lifestyle, can help accelerate better physical health.

Brief recovery period
Individuals having undergone liposuction do not require extended recuperation time and can resume their daily activities within a week’s time post surgery. Thus, liposuction is a quick and hassle-free surgical procedure.

Compatible with other cosmetic procedures
Many individuals opting for liposuction typically combine it with other cosmetic procedures, such as tummy tuck and breast enhancement, for a complete makeover.

What are the risks involved?

Seroma
Seroma refers to the accumulation of fluid in the area where liposuction was performed. In specific terms, the liquid accumulated in this area is the serum that remains when the red and white blood cells have been removed from the body part. Although seroma is not a serious health condition and can heal eventually even without treatment, doctors typically recommend removing the serum to avoid infections.

Hematoma
Hematoma refers to a blood clot formed as the result of a cosmetic surgical procedure, such as liposuction. The blood clot typically represents a bruise or swelling and is cured by alternating between hot and cold compresses.

Does not ensure skin tightening
Liposuction in isolation does not address issues pertaining to loose skin or skin laxity. Thus, individuals looking for skin tightening must consider additional procedures like tummy tuck.

Does not reduce visceral fat
Liposuction works to reduce one’s subcutaneous fat, or the fat concentrated just beneath the skin. However, it does not work on visceral fat, or fat accumulated in one’s internal organs. Hence, risk factors associated with visceral fat, including cholesterol and insulin resistance, are not addressed by liposuction.

Post-surgical swelling
Some swelling is common after the liposuction procedure is carried out and can take up to six months to subside.

What is the surgical procedure involved?

Local anesthesia is administered
The first step to performing liposuction is administering local anesthesia, which increases the ease of muscle-mass removal and ensures a pain-free process.

Incisions are made
The cosmetic surgeon creates tiny incisions in the area; the number of incisions varies based on the concentration of fat.

Excess fat is removed
Next, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted in the incision, helping displace the fat cells. A surgical vacuum is then used to remove excess fat from the area. Sometimes, advanced surgical processes such as laser and ultrasound may be used for increased precision.

The wound is dressed and closed
Finally, the incisions are closed and bandaged tightly; the surgeon also fastens drain tubes to the areas where the incisions were made. Patients must wear their compression garments for up to four weeks after the procedure is completed.

According to statistical data, the US constituted nearly 20% of the aggregate liposuction procedures performed worldwide in 2020. Today, liposuction has become a commonly recommended procedure for individuals with excessive fat deposits in certain body areas. Consulting a reputed and qualified cosmetic or dermatological surgeon and taking adequate post-operative care can help individuals enjoy the best results of the procedure.