Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fatty deposits from different parts of the body. This is one of the cosmetic surgeries that is popular with both men and women. Liposuction is most commonly carried out on the hips, thighs, stomach, underneath the chin, the underarms, and the breast areas. Men most often have the waist areas treated, or what is commonly referred to as the “love handles.”
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but can help remove those stubborn fatty deposits that seem to be impossible to get rid of with exercise and that naturally appear with age. Healing and recovery is usually done at home and takes between one to two weeks, though swelling and bruising can last from one up to six months.
There are three main types of liposuction techniques:
• tumescent technique
The tumescent technique involves the injection of a large quantity of a medical solution into a fatty area. The medical solution is a combination of drugs that numb the area, as well as shrink the capillaries, and prevent blood loss. After the injection, a small incision is made into the skin and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty mass. The fat is then suctioned out.
• super-wet technique
Similar to the tumescent technique, the super-wet procedure uses a smaller amount of the injected medical solution. After the injection, a small incision is made into the skin and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty mass. The fat is then suctioned out.
• ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty
In ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, a special tube that produces ultrasound energy is used. This ultrasound energy breaks down the walls of the fat cells, turning them to liquid. The fat is then suctioned out.
Liposuction procedures are carried out under a general or local anesthetic and most often in specialized clinics and hospitals.
A new twist in liposuction is becoming extremely popular and is now available in Prague. Lasers are used either to assist the classic techniques, or by themselves. In both cases, the laser heats the tissue below the skin surface to stretch, smooth out, and reattach the collagen and connective tissue. In addition, the laser seals damaged blood vessels to help prevent bruising, eliminates the need for some bandages, and helps reduce the risk of uneven skin.
Risks
As with any type of surgery there are always certain risks and possible complications. With liposuction these may include rippling or sagging of skin, pigment changes, skin damage, excessive fluid loss leading to shock, infection, burns, and cardiac arrest.