All About Liposuction

Would you like to lose weight, trim down your thighs or have a smaller waistline -- without all the exercise and dieting? Not many people would answer no to this question, and that is the reason so many people have opted to receive liposuction since it became a mainstream cosmetic procedure.

So how does liposuction work? There are many types of liposuction, but the end goal is the same - the removal of fat cells from areas of the body that have been unresponsive to physical activity and healthy eating. It is important to remember that liposuction is not an alternative to keeping yourself in shape. It is meant to aid a person in achieving the body shape they want when other means have failed.

The conventional type of liposuction works by your surgeon moving a canula, making several passes under the skin, through the area of concern. There are additional methods that make this traditional type more effective. There is mechanically-assisted liposuction where a small motor agitates the fat cells, making them easier to remove through suction. Ultrasonically-assisted liposuction uses the energy of an ultrasound. It helps to break down the cells prior to removal. Laser-assisted liposuction is also an option. There are other types, too. So do you research and talk to your surgeon to determine which method is best for you.

If you are considering liposuction, it is important to make sure you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure. If you are taking medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs - anything that increases your risk of bleeding - you need to consult your surgeon before choosing to undergo liposuction. If you are in poor health or if your skin has poor elasticity, you may not be an ideal candidate for the procedure.

One of the most common complaints from people who have had liposuction is not seeing a substantial improvement in the areas treated. It is important to remember that liposuction, while effective, is not a treatment for obesity, not a treatment for long-term, permanent weight loss. Do not go into your liposuction with unrealistic, inflated expectations. And, if you are hoping to have a substantial amount of fat removed, talk to your surgeon about splitting the procedure into parts to increase its effectiveness.

What can you expect after your liposuction? The procedure takes anywhere from one to five hours, and with local anesthesia, you can typically leave the clinic or hospital the same day, although you will need someone to drive you home. The area treated will feel bruised and tender, and occasionally, actual bruise coloring will appear on the surface of the skin. The most difficult part of liposuction recovery is the swelling.

There are some things you can do to reduce the swelling during your recovery. Drink plenty of water and refrain from consuming salt as it retains water in the body. Massage the area treated - very gently - to encourage circulation, and give yourself a few days before returning to your typical activity.

Finally, wear a compression garment. These garments help support the treated area and the affected tissues. They also improve the skin's elasticity during the recovery process.

Knowing what to expect before and after your procedure is important, but following your surgeon's instructions explicitly is paramount to the success of your treatment.