Dr Bk Garg: 23 Mar 2022
Category: Liposuction
A well-contoured and trimmed physique is the dream of many. When other attempts to achieve this have not yielded the desired results you want, cosmetic procedures can help. Liposuction is one such cosmetic surgery that is performed to remove undesired fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Is liposuction safe? Is an often asked question by those considering the choice.
Excessive fat deposits may be present in the abdomen, thighs, arms, buttocks, and neck. These fat deposits are removed through the surgery and help achieve the contoured midsection or any other part of your body that causes great concern. Read on to find out more if you are wondering” Is liposuction safe” , how it's done, and the possible side effects of liposuction.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. When your weight increases, the fat cells in the body multiply in number and volume. Liposuction targets removing these fat cells, thereby removing the fat deposits. The risks of liposuction are few but outweigh the benefits when done in the right hands. After the procedure, you must be willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain the effects of the procedure and prevent the side effects of liposuction.
What does liposuction do?
- Liposuction uses a suction technique to remove the fat that has been deposited in specific areas of the body.
- It removes the fat cells permanently.
- However, if you do not eat healthy and stay active, the fat will still be stored in different parts of the body.
- It alters the shape and gives you a shapely and refined silhouette
- The process of liposuction can effectively remove pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
- Liposuction helps to reduce the localized fat deposits by targeting one or more specific areas during the procedure.
You must be aware enough to know if it's right for you and avoid the side effects of liposuction.
Who is it for?
“Is liposuction safe for me ?“ is something that you may be asking yourself before taking the plunge. Deciding if the procedure is right for you is important for good results and preventing liposuction's side effects
You are a good candidate for liposuction surgery in delhi if you :
- Have good skin elasticity
- Are over 18 years of age
- Stay close to your ideal body weight
- Are in generally good health
- Have a healthy immune system
- No history of major infections in the recent past
- Have no history of any autoimmune disease
- Have a healthy BMI
- Do not borderline or in the realm of the obese range for weight, BMI, or other parameters.
- Are not diabetic
- Have firm and supple skin
- Do not smoke
How is it done?
Before the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will make an evaluation of your eligibility for the surgery as well as eliminate the probability of side effects of liposuction
This involves:
- Taking a detailed medical history
- Running certain blood tests to ensure your body will effectively tolerate the procedure and recuperate from it.
You are most welcome to ask your surgeon is liposuction safe and right for you. During this time, you need to report any medical conditions you may have, any known allergies, and medications you may be taking - including vitamins and other health supplements. This will help to determine if you may be at risk for any of the side effects of liposuction
Techniques used in liposuction
- Tumescent liposuction
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
- Laser-assisted liposuction
- Power-assisted liposuction
Your surgeon will choose the right technique for you depending upon your medical history, the surgical expectations, the nature and extent of the target area, and the nature of the fat deposition. Choosing the right technique diminishes the chances of side effects of liposuction and fulfills your realistic expectations.
The procedure is done under general or local anesthesia. The anesthetic drug is administered through an intravenous injection. The doctors will monitor your vital parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, etc., throughout the procedure to minimize the risks of liposuction. Feel free to ask if liposuction is safe and any other queries that you may have regarding the procedure.
- Tumescent liposuction:
- This is the most commonly used technique
- A sterile solution containing saltwater, an anesthetic agent, and a drug that constricts the blood vessels, namely epinephrine
- A fluid mixture is infused into the area through incisions made on the skin.
- A thin, long tube known as the cannula is inserted into the cutaneous incisions.
- The cannula is connected to a vacuum that suctions the fat and fluids
- The fluid levels are recuperated through an intravenous route.
- Ultrasound-guided liposuction
- The technique and the principle is the same as traditional liposuction
- A metal rod that emanates ultrasound waves is inserted through the skin incisions.
- The ultrasound energy breaks down the integrity of the cell walls.
- The disintegrated fat is suctioned out through the cannula.
- Laser-assisted liposuction:
- Powerful laser light in therapeutic doses is used to break down the solidity of the fat cells in the body.
- Through this process, the fat deposits are emulsified and then removed through a cannula that is inserted through the skin incisions.
- This method reduces blood loss by about 50% as compared to traditional liposuction.
- Laser liposuction helps build collagen and promote tissue coagulation - both of which contribute to a fine and sculpted physique.
- Power-assisted liposuction:
- In this method, a powered cannula is used to break down fat deposits
- This type of liposuction is well suited for dense and small to moderate pockets of fat.
side effects of liposuction
- Irregularities in skin contour - During recovery after the procedure, a bumpy, wavy, or sunken and withered appearance of the skin is possible. This may result from using an improper technique and poor skin elasticity prior to the surgery. Such changes can be long-term. A spotted appearance of the skin over the area where the cannula was inserted.
- Fluid accumulation -It is one of the risks of liposuction. Immediately following the surgery, fluid accumulation under is possible. This lodges in pockets under the skin known as seromas.
- Infections- Bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus, Streptococcus are possible. You will be prescribed antibiotics before discharge to prevent any chance of infection.
- Hematoma- Bleeding under the skin, known as hematoma, is possible. Smaller hematomas can be treated by using alternating compresses at home. You must wear the compression garment prescribed following surgery to avoid the occurrence of such complications. A little bruising is common and goes away with time.
- Nerve sensation disturbances - Numbness that can be temporary or permanent is possible after the surgery. A certain degree of nerve irritation is also possible.
- Fat embolism - Small pieces of fat may break away and enter the bloodstream and move, causing disruption in the blood flow.
- Reactions to anesthesia- Very rarely, some people may be allergic to the anesthetic which can cause serious implications.
- Pulmonary thromboembolism - Blood clots in the lungs and blocking the circulation is known as pulmonary thromboembolism and can be serious. Your surgeon will take a detailed medical history and run certain tests that will indicate if you might be at any of the risks of liposuction. If found so, your surgeon will not proceed with the surgery.
- Puncture wounds- Undue deep penetration of the cannula can result in an organ puncture or any other internal structure. Such situations warrant emergency care and immediate medical repair.
- Renal and cardiac complications - During the procedure, there is a very dynamic change in the fluid levels in the body. This is due to a large amount of fluid exiting the system. The fluid level is recuperated through the intravenous route. Sometimes, the change in fluid dynamics may impact kidney and heart functioning, especially in previously compromised patients. This may cause fluid accumulation in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema. When it influences the total fluid volume in the body, it causes a cardiac overload.
- Fat storage - Liposuction removes the fat cells from the body permanently. When you do not maintain a healthy enough lifestyle to prevent an excessive body weight, fat gets deposited in other parts of the body. Such fat deposits may lodge around the liver or the heart, causing serious implications.
All of these complications can be prevented and addressed by choosing the right surgeon. You are welcome to ask questions such as is liposuction in gurgaon safe for me and any other queries. After a complete evaluation the doctor will determine if you are the right candidate for the procedure before deciding to go ahead.