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Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery to remove excess fat on many regions of the human body, such as abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, breast, chest, hind arms, hip region, etc. Liposuction is also known as lipoplasty body sculpting, liposculpture, lipectomy.

 

Liposuction improves the body’s shape as it removes excess fat deposits between the skin and muscle. Liposuction is one of the common aesthetic surgery procedures and is popular globally. The popularity of liposuction is on the rise as more and more people are becoming health and socially conscious. To lead a good and healthy life style, it has become the need of the day to be trim, slim, fit and perfect. The need to look good while socializing is also a contributing factor for the rise in liposuction.

 

The fat may accumulate for various reasons of dietary indiscretion, sedentary lifestyle, limited physical activity, consumption of fatty foods, junk food etc. Women after child delivery may also find themselves in such a situation where post pregnancies stretch marks, loose skin in addition to fat deposits in the lower abdomen region. Liposuction being a elective surgery, it is the patient’s decision after discussing with the surgeon/physician to undergo the surgery. Removing too much of fat through liposuction may leave unusual lumpiness and/or dents in the skin. Body contouring through liposuction may cause weight loss if too much of fat than the actual required amount of fat removed and also may create surgical problems.

 

Liposuction may be performed under general, regional or local anesthesia. In general, fat is removed through a hollow tube (cannula) and a suction device (aspirator). Liposuction can be categorized based on the type of mechanism of the cannula and the amount of fluid injection used.

 

Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL)

This is one of the standard methods, in which a small cannula which looks like a straw is inserted through a small incision attached to a vacuum device. The cannula is pushed and pulled carefully through the fat layer to break up the fat cells and then it is drawn out of the body by suction.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)

In this method, a specialized cannula is used which transmits ultrasound vibrations within the body which bursts the walls of the fat cells and liquefying it which is drawn out by the suction. This method is a better choice for working on more fibrous areas, like the upper back or male breast area. Blood loss is lesser than the traditional method of liposuction.

 

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)

This method of liposuction is similar to that of suction-assisted liposuction with only difference being use of a specialized cannula with mechanized movement in this so that the surgeon need not do manual movements.

 

Twin-cannula assisted liposuction (TCAL or TCL)

Twin cannula (assisted) liposuction uses a tube-within-a-tube specialized cannula pair, so that the cannula which aspirates fat, the mechanically reciprocated inner cannula, does not impact the patient’s tissue or the surgeon’s joints with each and every forward stroke. The aspirating inner cannula reciprocates within the slotted outer cannula to simulate a surgeon’s stroke of up to 5 cm (2 in) rather than merely vibrating 1–2 mm (1/4 in) as other power assisted devices, removing most of the labor from the procedure. Superficial or subdermal liposuction is facilitated by the spacing effect of the outer cannula and the fact that the cannulas do not get hot, eliminating the potential for friction burns.

 

External ultrasound-assisted liposuction (XUAL or EUAL)

Liposuction in this method, ultrasonic energy is applied from outside the body, through the skin. This method was developed as in ultrasound assisted liposuction in some cases caused skin necrosis (death) and seromas, which are pockets of a pale yellowish fluid from the body. Liposuctions through XUAL or EUAL avoid such complications as the ultrasound is applied externally. This procedure potentially cause less discomfort for the patient, both during the procedure and afterwards; reduce blood loss; allow better access through scar tissue; and treat larger areas.

 

Water-assisted liposuction (WAL)

Liposuction in this method is done by using a thin fan-shaped water beam that loosens the structure of the fat tissue, so that it can be removed by a special cannula. During the process of liposuction the water is continually added and almost immediately aspirated via the same cannula.

Recovery

Liposuction patients after the surgery are generally able to return to work between two days and two weeks.  A compression garment having elasticity to enable the patient for use of bandages is worn for two to four weeks.  Post surgery pain is controlled by medication which may be needed for about two weeks depending on procedure adopted.  Bruises, swelling and numbness will fade over a period of time and the normal activity can be resumed.

 

Diet, Exercise and Upkeep:

Post surgery, patients need to be diet conscious and have an exercise regimen, as the remaining fat cell may still enlarge and create problems.  Keeping a tab on body weight and BMI with healthy eating habits combined with regular exercise is the one of the best way and natural process to retain the contoured body shape.  Weight loss via exercise and healthy eating carries little risk compared to liposuction.

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