Nothing can be more popular in the world of cosmetics than liposuction surgery. Also known as body sculpting, such procedure offers treatment to both men and women and helps them achieve their desired bodily figure through surgical removal of fat particularly in the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen.
Liposuction was invented in 1974 and has gained worldwide popularity since then. Traditionally, a suction tube called a cannula was used to suck fat out of the body. After the procedure, the skin in the area that has been treated becomes firmer (or “sculpted”) and less flabby. Today, new liposuction techniques have been developed to eliminate problems such as surgical bleeding and the use of general anesthesia.
The three types of modern procedures are:
• Tumescent Liposuction
• Large-Volume Liposuction
• Ultrasonic Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction – Tumescent actually means swollen, and that’s how the procedure works. The surgeon injects large amounts of vasoconstrictors (epinephrine) and local anesthetic (lidocaine) into the subcutaneous fat making the targeted area firm and swollen. The two main substances used in this tumescent liposuction works side by side both in minimizing blood loss and pain. Epinephrine causes blood vessels in the targeted area to constrict while lidocaine, which is a local anesthesia, acts as painkiller throughout the whole procedure.
Large-Volume Liposuction – The name of the procedure indicates that the technique involves the removal of large volume of fat deposits from different parts of the body in one operation. Though newer techniques are less bloody and painful, most surgeons still hesitate to perform this procedure due to its complexity. However, if the surgeon is properly trained in the said technique, serious complications such as bleeding, deep venous thrombosis, major infection, and even death can be prevented.
Ultrasonic Liposuction – Ultrasonic Liposuction is a general term and has many techniques under it. It works basically by liquefying fat deposits with the use of sound waves. It can also be done as a laser liposuction. Such technique allows surgeons to execute the procedure without much tearing making it a less painful and bloody procedure. Nowadays, combining laser liposuction with conventional methods is also becoming a more common practice.
What Are The Advantages of Liposuction?
It is fast – therefor people prefer this form of treatment regardless of it being an expensive fat reduction method. However, many results show that the effects of lipo aren’t permanent. A study was done by the journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery and results showed that the majority of people who went through the procedure either experienced no weight loss or gained weight after surgery.
This might be due to the fact that they took the treatment for granted and expected long-term results without maintenance, and either continued on with their unhealthy lifestyles or ate more junk, just because they could. For permanent results from liposuction, one needs to include exercise and a nutritious and healthy diet, post-surgery.
The Risks & Potential Dangers
Similar to other cosmetic treatments, this method can pose some potential risks. Ever since its discovery, one of the greatest risks that have been associated with it is the use of general anesthesia. Though these risks are rare, they can be fatal and even deadly. Aside from the risk brought by the use of general anesthesia, potential dangers of liposuction include bruising and scarring, blood clots, infection, permanent numbness, allergic reactions, excessive loss of bodily fluid, and damage to nerves and vital organs.
Liposuction is a much debated cosmetic enhancement surgery because it carries along many potential dangers to health. Patients are therefore advised to consider all factors, both positive and negative, before deciding to undergo such procedure.
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