Is Lipoplasty the Same as Liposuction?

1. Tumescent liposuction: The most widely used procedure. A saline (saltwater) solution, including medications (such as epinephrine), is administered intravenously to the problem areas. Epinephrine constricts blood vessels, minimizing blood loss during liposuction. Sometimes, additional drugs are used to treat pain.
2. Super wet technique: Less fluid is utilized during the procedure than tumescent liposuction and requires less time. The fluid injected is equivalent to the amount of fat that is to be eliminated. Usually, this requires general anesthesia (medicine to make you sleep and be pain-free) or sedation (medication to make you drowsy).
3. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): Fat cells are transformed into a liquid using ultrasonic vibrations. The cells are removed using vacuum suction.
   • There are two ways to perform UAL:
     1. External (above the skin's surface using a specific emitter)
     2. Internal (below the surface of the skin with a small, heated cannula)
   • This method may reduce fat in parts of the body that are densely covered with fibers (fibrous), such as the upper back or enlarged male breast tissue. When doing follow-up (secondary) procedures or requiring greater precision, UAL is frequently utilized in conjunction with the tumescent approach. Typically, this takes more time than the super-wet technique.
4. Laser-assisted liposuction: An intense laser beam on a small, flexible tube (fiber) liquefies and breaks down your fat for easier removal. The procedure requires a small incision in your skin.

People who are slightly overweight can benefit from liposuction.

The following people are considered good candidates for liposuction:

• Are either normal or slightly overweight
• With elastic and supple skin
• With localized pockets of extra fat
• Are in good mental and physical health
• Have reasonable expectations

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from between the muscle and the skin. It entails breaking up a portion of the fat cells and sucking them out using various suction techniques.

• A liposuction machine and special instruments called cannulas are used.
• The surgical team prepares the affected areas of the body.
• Either general or local anesthesia is used.
• Tumescent fluid is administered through a small incision on the skin to the areas with fat.
• The dislodged fat is vacuumed through the suction tube after the medicine takes effect. A vacuum pump or a large syringe help suck fat out.
• To treat large areas, several skin punctures could be required. To achieve the best contour, the surgeon may approach the areas from various angles.
• Small drainage tubes could be inserted into the defatted areas after the fat is removed to remove blood and fluid that collects during the first few days after surgery.
• If you lose a significant amount of fluid or blood during surgery, you may require fluid replacement (intravenously). A blood transfusion is only necessary in sporadic cases.
• After the procedure, you will be strapped onto a compression garment. Wear it following your doctor's recommendations.

Liposuction occasionally has unintended or undesirable effects.

The most common risks of liposuction include:

• Contour irregularities
• Numbness or reduced sensation in the skin
• Scarring (scarring is common after invasive surgery) and surgeons aim to cause fewer scars
• Changes in the skin color
• Uneven skin with ripples or dimples
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Slow healing
• Pockets of fluid under the skin
• Bleeding

Less common but serious complications of liposuction

• Blood clots in the legs, which can enter the lungs and cause serious disease
• Excessive fluid loss, which can result in shock
• Burns to the skin or deeper tissue from the ultrasound used to liquefy the fat
• Infections in the fatty tissues

Depending on your health and course of treatment, recovery from liposuction might take anywhere between a few days and weeks. You could have some soreness, bruising, and swelling following surgery. If necessary, a prescription can be recommended by the doctor to reduce symptoms. You will be monitored, and your surgeon will let you know when you can return home. Most people can return home the same day. An overnight hospital stay could be necessary for more complex surgeries.

Elastic bandages or fitted compression garments help control swelling and compress treated regions as the body adapts to the new posture. Your physician may insert a few tiny tubes into your incisions to help drain any extra collected fluid. The doctor will take out any tubes or stitches during the post-surgery checkup.

The surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions, such as what to anticipate, when to report odd symptoms, and how to plan follow-up sessions. It usually takes a few weeks to resume work or other daily activities. To avoid complications and encourage successful healing, follow your surgeon's recommendations strictly.