Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is a technique that allows you to lose weight and remodel specific areas of the body by removing fat deposits, which improves the proportion and image of the body.
Despite having good health and doing a reasonable level of exercise some people have a disproportionate body as a result of localized fatty deposits. This disharmony is usually due to personal characteristics, rather than a lack of weight control or exercise. Sometimes if we try to reduce the volume of specific areas of the body with a diet or exercise we get a thinning of areas that we do not want with which the lack of harmony continues.
Liposuction surgery may be used to treat the accumulation of persistent fat in certain parts of the body, including:
- Abdomen and waist.
- Thighs, hips and buttocks.
- Arms, neck and back.
- Inside the knee.
- Chest.
- Cheeks and chin.
- Legs and ankles.
In some cases, liposuction is performed alone, in other cases it is combined with other plastic surgery procedures such as breast reduction or augmentation, or a skin tightening surgery of the abdomen.
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or overweight, it is not a substitute for regular exercise and good nutrition. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that usually appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks.
People with fat deposits in certain areas of the body are the best candidates for this procedure.
The first visit:
On the first visit the doctor will ask you:
- Why do you want to have liposuction surgery and what do you hope to get?
- Medical conditions, allergies to medications and medical treatments, previous aesthetic treatments (surgeries especially if there is a previous liposuction, infiltrations, etc.).
In addition to taking a complete medical history, it will also explain the possible results of liposuction and the potential risks or complications.
With the help of a mirror we will jointly evaluate the areas of lipodystrophy that bother you and that may be susceptible to liposuction, as well as the natural areas of the body that are adhered in depth and that must be respected to maintain the natural lines of your body. It will also explain the different existing liposuction techniques, their applications, advantages and disadvantages, and which is the most indicated in your particular case.
Preparing for Liposuction Surgery:
Before liposuction we will ask you for a series of tests that will include laboratory tests, ECG and sometimes a chest x-ray.
It is important to stop smoking or greatly reduce consumption.
Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and derivatives because they can increase bleeding.
The day of surgery:
Once admitted to the clinic, you will be prepared to go to the operating room.
Liposuction can be done under local, local anesthesia + sedation, or general anesthesia.
Risks of liposuction:
- Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with liposuction surgery.
- They will give you the informed consent forms where the risks and possible complications are explained in detail.
- t is important that you read and fully understand the informed consent brochures that we will provide you before signing them.
Liposuction: steps of the procedure
The first step in liposuction is pre-surgical marking. It consists of drawing with a marker with the patient awake and together with it the areas to be treated. Areas of lipodystrophy (accumulations of fat), body depressions (areas of adhesion, lack of volume), previous scars, cellulite, asymmetries, etc. are indicated. It is very important since it is agreed again with the patient what was agreed in the consultation.
Anesthetic options include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
Liposuction is performed through small incisions, little visible.
First, the areas of lipodystrophy are infiltrated with a solution containing adrenaline in order to keep the bleeding that can occur during liposuction to a minimum. Once infiltrated, sequential liposuction of each area to be treated is carried out until the desired symmetry is found. Finally, the incisions are closed with simple stitches and a custom girdle is placed depending on the area that has been treated.
To see the results you will have to wait for the inflammation to disappear. This period is variable depending on each person but is usually not less than three months.
It is important that you keep your weight stable during the first year and especially during this period you should maintain a healthy diet and do regular exercise within your means.
Recovery:
Once the procedure has been completed you must wear a compressive girdle for a minimum period of 1 month. This girdle helps control inflammation and facilitates the adhesion of the skin around the new contour.
In specific cases where liposuction has been extensive or the skin has excessive laxity, your surgeon may recommend the use of a second phase girdle for 1 more month.
We will give you specific instructions that may include:
- How to care for the skin and incisions.
- Medications to be applied or taken orally to aid healing and reduce the chance of infection.
Sometimes secondary procedures may be necessary for a good result to reduce excess skin.