Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat from parts of the body where it has been deposited unevenly. Over 250,000 liposuction surgeries are performed in the US each year, making it one of the most popular cosmetic procedures.

Here’s everything you need to know about liposuction and how to prepare for it.

What is liposuction and why is it done?

Liposuction is used to break up the fat layer just under the skin, which is called the subcutaneous fat layer. Although it is a popular procedure, liposuction is not typically considered a weight-loss method but rather a fat-removal treatment. So, it should only be used to get rid of excess fat in certain places if making changes to your lifestyle hasn’t worked.

Body areas commonly targeted for liposuction treatment are

  • Abdomen
  • Back 
  • Chest 
  • Hips 
  • Neckline and chin area 
  • Thighs 
  • Upper arms 

Types of Liposuction

These are some of the different types of liposuction. 

  • Tumescent liposuction – the fat is removed through an incision with a tube. This is the most commonly done liposuction procedure.
  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction – the fat is liquified using ultrasound before removal for more precise liposuction.
  • Laser-assisted liposuction- the fat is burned using laser energy and then removed.

What are the benefits of liposuction? 

Liposuction can be used to treat conditions like:

  • Gynecomastia: Increase in breast gland tissue in men.
  • Lymphedema: Accumulation of fluid due to blockage in the lymphatic system.
  • Lipodystrophy syndrome: Abnormal distribution of fat tissue in certain parts of the body.
  • Lipomas: These are fatty lumps between the skin and muscle.

Steps to prepare for liposuction

What to do before the operation? 

Consult a doctor for information on your options, risks, costs, and benefits. Based on your medical history and test results, your doctor will recommend the best procedure for you and help you with medical evaluations and lab tests.

At least two weeks before the procedure, you should not smoke, take aspirin, or take herbal supplements. Liposuction is also not a good idea if you have a weak immune system, heart problems, or diabetes.

What happens during liposuction? 

Step 1: Anesthesia 

Anesthesia is administered before the procedure to ensure your comfort. It also numbs the blood vessels in the area to stop bleeding during the incision. Local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and intravenous sedation are the three types of anesthesia. Liposuction is often done with local anesthesia, but your doctor will help you decide which is best for you.

Step 2: Incision 

In the area where the fat is to be removed, a small incision is made. Because of the anesthesia, you will experience significantly less trauma and bleeding.

Step 3: Fat removal 

A thin, hollow tube is inserted through the incision. A surgical vacuum or syringe is attached to the tube to extract the fat that has been absorbed. A pumping hand motion draws the fat into the tube. This is done during tumescent liposuction.

Step 4: Closing the wound 

After all of the extra fat has been removed, the cut is closed with sutures that dissolve over time and are covered with a bandage. Once the bruises and swelling have healed, you will begin to see the results.

What to do after liposuction?

After the procedure, the area may be bruised or feel numb, but these effects are only temporary. For any pain you might feel after surgery, your doctor will give you painkillers and antibiotics. 

Liposuction is a permanent way to get rid of fat cells, but if you don’t keep your weight stable, the fat cells that are left could get bigger, so eat healthy.

What are the risks of liposuction? 

Liposuction, like most procedures, has some risks, but complications are uncommon and low-risk when compared to other procedures. Contour deformity is one of the most common risks of liposuction. In this case, the skin becomes loose or wrinkled when the fat is removed.

Some uncommon risks of liposuction include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia reactions.

The amount of fat removed determines the surgical risks, and the rarest complications are seroma (a swollen lump of fluid under the skin) and hematoma (a blood clot caused by a rupture of blood vessels).

How can we help at Body by Kotoske?

The cosmetic surgeons at Body by Kotoske are some of the best cosmetic surgery practitioners in Phoenix. Our surgeons will assist you throughout the procedures to make sure that there are no complications. Make an appointment with us to learn about your liposuction options.