Things to know about liposuction

The article is professionally consulted by Dr., Doctor Le Thi Huong - Department of Examination - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat that you cannot seem to get rid of through diet and exercise. Plastic surgeons or dermatologists often perform the procedure on your hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, arms, and under your chin or face to improve shape. But liposuction can also be done with other cosmetic surgeries, including lifting, breast reduction, and tummy tuck.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and it comes with risks. So you need to be in good health before performing. That means you must at least:
Be within 30% of your ideal weight Have firm, elastic skin Do not smoke Doctors do not recommend this procedure if there are problems health problems with blood flow or heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system.
The first step is to consult your surgeon. Talk about your goals, options, risks and benefits, and costs.
If you decide to have liposuction, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare, which may include diet and alcohol restriction. Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have and any medications you take, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements. They will likely advise you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and some pain medications, several weeks before surgery.
Best when performing liposuction, you should go to reputable, licensed cosmetic centers or facilities to ensure safety for your health as well as minimize unnecessary risks.

There are only a few different liposuction techniques. But what they all have in common is the use of a thin tube, called a catheter, that is connected to a vacuum to suck fat out of your body.
Laser liposuction is the most common technique. The surgeon will inject a sterile solution into the area to be removed. It consists of saline along with lidocaine and epinephrine. This solution makes liposuction easier, with less blood loss and pain.
Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction, or UAL, uses sound wave energy under the skin to break down the cell walls of fat. This liquefies the fat so it can be sucked out.
Laser-assisted liposuction, aka SmartLipo, uses a laser to create a stream of energy to liquefy fat.

You may not have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery you had. But there may be bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.
Your surgeon may ask you to wear compression garments for 1 to 2 months after surgery to control swelling. You may also need to take certain antibiotics to prevent infection. Most people are able to return to work within a few days and return to normal activities within 2 weeks. But everyone is different.
There are still certain risks to plastic surgery that you need to consider such as:
Bleeding Complications from anesthesia Shock (usually due to not getting enough fluid during surgery) Fluid accumulation (bag of fluid forming under the skin) Infection (strep, staph) Fat embolism (when small pieces of fat break off and block blood flow) Irregular fat removal Reaction to lidocaine Changes skin sensation; numbness Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs

Fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction. But you can gain the weight back, with new fat cells, which usually go to different areas of the body.
To stay in shape after surgery, follow a diet that includes plenty of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. And exercise regularly.
Above are important information about liposuction that you should know before performing. It is best before liposuction, you should choose a reputable facility and consult a specialist doctor.