Liposuction - Surgery, Side Effects, Benefits and Recovery

Did you know that getting liposuction requires maintaining a constant weight within a normal BMI (18.5 to 24.9)? The treatment is among the most common cosmetic procedures worldwide in 2022.2

But is liposuction safe? What is the cost of this procedure? Continue reading to find out the answers, along with learning about the recovery process, benefits, and risks of the treatment!

Liposuction is used to remove excess fat deposits from certain parts of the body. These may include the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and neck. Fat cells are extracted using a suction technique through a narrow tube known as a cannula. The process seeks to sculpt and contour the body to improve its appearance.

Beyond its aesthetic benefits, liposuction surgery can address health concerns related to excessive fat accumulation. The conditions effectively treated with this procedure are:

1. Lymphedema: Swelling is caused by the buildup of lymph fluid, often occurring after lymph node removal surgery. It can be managed by reducing excess tissue through liposuction.

2. Gynaecomastia: In men, this surgery can reduce the appearance of enlarged breast tissue, restoring a more masculine chest contour.

3. Lipoma: These benign fatty tumours can be removed using liposuction, relieving discomfort and improving aesthetics.

Liposuction is a fat reduction surgery that helps individuals achieve cosmetic enhancement and get medical treatment. The ones who might benefit from this treatment are:

1. People with localised areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

2. Patients seeking body contouring or sculpting to enhance their appearance and self-confidence.

3. Candidates who have undergone significant weight loss and desire removal of excess skin.

With an approximate patient satisfaction rate of 80%, liposuction offers a range of benefits to individuals seeking body contouring and fat reduction. The key advantages are:

1. Safe surgical technique when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon.

2. Primarily performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home on the same day.

3. Effectively targets and removes stubborn fat deposits.

4. Small incisions, resulting in minimal scarring.

5. With proper post-operative care, the results of liposuction can be permanent.

Before their liposuction procedure, individuals meet the surgeon to discuss their skin type and determine the most suitable treatment option. During this consultation, they also establish realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery.

Before Surgery 

Before surgery, patients are required to provide their complete medical history, including details on allergies and current medications. They are also encouraged to raise any additional questions or concerns.

On the Day of Surgery

On the day of the procedure, the surgeon may mark circles and lines on the intended treatment areas. They might capture liposuction surgery before and after pictures for comparison purposes.

The liposuction procedure varies in duration based on the size and complexity of the treated area. The smaller areas, like the chin or neck, may require as little as 30 minutes. On the other hand, larger regions, such as for arm and thigh liposuction, take around 60 minutes.4 The process includes:

1. Anaesthesia: Liposuction can be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the severity and the surgeon's preferences.

2. Incision: Small cuts are made in the desired location, through which a thin tube known as a cannula is inserted.

3. Fat Removal: The cannula is utilised to release extra fat cells, which are suctioned out using the attached vacuum device.

4. Technique Variation: Different methods may be employed based on the patient's needs and the surgeon's expertise. These major approaches include:

   1. Tumescent Liposuction: It involves injecting a solution of saline, local anaesthetic, and adrenaline into the targeted area. It helps to numb the site and facilitate fat removal.

   2. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: It employs ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells before suctioning them out. It allows for easier removal of fat from fibrous or dense areas.

   3. Laser-Assisted Liposuction: LAL utilises laser energy to heat and liquefy fat cells. This makes them easier to remove. It also stimulates collagen formation, which helps to tighten the skin. 

   4. Power-Assisted Liposuction: PAL utilises a vibrating cannula to break up fat and facilitate their removal with minimal manual effort.

5. Precision and Contouring: The surgeon carefully sculpts the treated area to achieve the desired contour and symmetry, ensuring natural-looking results.

6. Closure: Once the desired fat removal is achieved, the incisions are closed with sutures.

The treated area will be wrapped with either a compression garment or elastic bandages after surgery. This alleviates swelling, bruising, and discomfort, promoting a smoother recovery.

In Hospital Recovery

Liposuction is usually performed as an outpatient operation, which means that patients can go home the same day. However, an overnight hospital stay for observation may be required for those with significant fat removed.

At-home Recovery 

Recovery from liposuction can be a gradual process, often spanning up to six weeks for complete healing. This is what one may expect after hospital discharge:

1. Moderate pain and soreness persist during the first three days.

2. Patients can start taking showers after 1 to 2 days. 

3. The wrap or compression garment may need to be worn for 3 to 4  weeks.

4. A support hose is required for up to 6 weeks if fat has been removed from the calves or ankles.

5. Individuals can resume work within two weeks post-surgery.

6. After six weeks, bruising and swelling should be significantly reduced. Compression garments can be discontinued, and activity levels will not be restricted.

First Follow-up Appointment

Patients must attend their initial follow-up appointment by the end of the first week following liposuction. During this visit, the doctor examines the wounds to assess the healing progress and ensure that recovery is proceeding as expected.

Liposuction has a total complication rate of about 5%, most of which are minor. The key liposuction side effects to consider are:

1. Infection at the surgical site.

2. Excessive bleeding during or after the procedure.

3. Fluid buildup (seroma) or blood clots (hematoma) under the skin.

4. Temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation at the treatment site.

5. Uneven fat removal or contour irregularities.

When to consult a doctor?

Knowing when to consult a doctor after liposuction is important for ensuring a smooth recovery process and addressing any potential complications. The situations that warrant contacting a medical professional are:

1. Excessive bleeding that would not stop despite light pressure. 

2. Signs of infection at the treated site, such as increasing redness and swelling.

3. Persistent pain that is not relieved by prescribed pain medication.

4. Development of fever (higher than 101 F), chills, or other flu-like symptoms.

5. Noticeable changes in sensation, such as numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling.

6. Difficulty breathing or chest pain.

The liposuction cost can vary widely depending on various factors, such as the specific areas being treated. The estimated expenses included are:

Note: The values given above are approximated. To get accurate information, contact HexaHealth.

Factors that may affect the cost of liposuction surgery include:

1. Surgical Technique: Different liposuction techniques, such as traditional, laser or ultrasound-assisted approaches, may vary in cost. This is due to differences in equipment and expertise required.

2. Surgeon's Reputation: Doctors with extensive experience and a high level of skill may charge higher fees for their services.

3. Geographic Location: The expense of living and market demand for cosmetic procedures can vary significantly depending on the region. Urban areas may have higher costs.

4. Preoperative Tests: Some professionals may require examinations or consultations, which can add to the overall bill of the procedure.

5. Postoperative Care: Follow-up appointments, medications, and compression garments may also be factored into the total expenses.

Liposuction offers individuals an effective solution to achieve the desired body contours. From the procedural steps to the recovery process, understanding the treatment in detail lets individuals make informed decisions.

For those searching for “how to find the best clinic for liposuction near me”, HexaHealth offers access to qualified plastic surgeons. From initial consultations to post-operative support, we provide comprehensive assistance. Get in touch!

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