What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as fat removal surgery or fat reduction surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that sculpts and shapes the body by removing unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction is not only an option for fat removal from the abdomen (often known as liposuction of stomach) waist, hips, love handles but also for thighs, calves, chin, arms, and neck. A very lucrative and effective option, liposuction is both easy and harmless. Traditionally popular with women, more and more men are now opting for liposuction to get into shape.
Liposuction of the abdomen is one of the most commonly opted plastic surgery procedures by men and women of all ages. Abdominal liposuction, sometimes referred to as Liposuction of the stomach, is particularly helpful for people who have the tendency to accumulate fat in the abdomen, which is resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure permanently removes the fat deposits, often considered as a "problem area" by many patients giving them a flat smooth abdomen.
The main reason for undergoing liposuction is to remove stubborn fat deposits. Liposuction is often misunderstood as an easier solution for weight loss by many people.
Liposuction is most effective when you are close to your ideal body weight and the aim is to remove inches from a specific area. Liposuction is a technique to get in shape and lose stubborn fat from particular areas and is not a weight loss technique. If you are grossly overweight and want to reduce your weight, bariatric surgery is the right procedure for you.
Am I a good Candidate for Liposuction Surgery?
If you are concerned about localized fat deposits in specific areas of your body like abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, cheeks, chin, hips or neck; are above 18 years; not grossly overweight; are physically and mentally healthy and have realistic expectations from the surgery, you are a good candidate for the liposuction cosmetic surgery.
Types of Liposuction
There are various techniques that are followed and determined by a combination of factors, including the area to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed:
Tumescent liposuction: Subcutaneous saline with lidocaine and adrenaline solution is used in the area of liposuction. The fat is then suctioned out.
Water-jet Assisted Liposuction (WAL)/Wet liposuction: Powerful water spray breaks up the fat and displaces it for suction. The fluid is similar to the above technique but in limited amounts. Super-wet liposuction is similar to this technique but the amount of liquid introduced is equal to the fat to be removed and not in copious amounts like in tumescent liposuction.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)/Ultrasonic Liposuction: An ultrasound cannula dissolves the fat by breaking fat cell walls. It can be beneficial for fibrous areas where fat is difficult to remove. The procedure however takes longer than normal and is an expensive procedure since it is usually joined with tumescent procedure. With the recent development of third-generation Vaser Lipo, the problem with conventional UAL of tissue damage is minimized by the advent of energy delivery in pulsed patterns.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAS): This technique uses a mechanized cannula for movement allowing ease of fat removal.
Laser-Assisted Lipolysis (LAL)/Laser-Guided Liposuction: This is a minimally invasive procedure where a micro-cannula is used for laser energy delivery subcutaneously.
Surgery Information
| Surgery Time |
1-3 Hours (depending on the type and extent of surgery) |
| Anesthesia Type |
General Anesthesia or IV Sedation |
| Hospitalization |
1-2 Days |
| Stitch Removal |
7 Days |
| Recovery Time |
7-10 Days |
How is Liposuction Procedure done?
Step 1
The body is prepared and given general or local anesthesia. Small, inconspicuous incisions are made. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to lose excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion.
Step 2
The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. After finishing the procedure, your surgeon will seal the incision site using either dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches.
What is the Recovery after Liposuction Surgery?
Following the procedure, the surgical area will be bruised and sore for a few weeks, and you will likely experience fluid drainage from incisions. Due to infection fears, you will not be able to have baths or swim, but showering is not dangerous which can be done as early as 48 hours after the procedure.
A compression garment is MUST from the immediate post-op period for 3 to 6 months. Three to four days of recovery will be required before you can return to usual work and movement, and after approximately a week to ten days, light physical exercise is acceptable.
What Results Can I Expect from Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction has very good results if done by experienced plastic surgeons. The surgery makes your body proportionate and in shape and you shall feel more confident after the procedure.
Why is the Liposuction Cost in India so affordable?
Liposuction cost in India is notably lower than the Western countries, it can be attributed to factors such as the generally lower cost of living in India and a favorable exchange rate regime for international patients.