What is Liposuction?

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, performed under general anesthesia, is a medical procedure that involves the use of vacuum tubes to remove fat from localized areas. The most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the U.S., liposuction functions not as a weight-loss method but a way to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to the effects of lifestyle changes (diet and exercise) alone. The most commonly treated areas are the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, hips, upper arms and chin. Liposuction can also be used to assist in breast reduction surgery.

Who Should Consider Liposuction?

The best candidate for liposuction is an individual who is close to his or her ideal weight, is physically active and engages in healthy-eating patterns, and whose skin shows good tone and elasticity. Skin tone is important because, once the underlying layer of fat is removed, the skin will need to adjust to the new contours of the treated area. If the skin is lacking elasticity, a sagging effect will be observed following the procedure.

It is important that you’ve reached a stable body weight prior to undergoing liposuction. Otherwise you may find, with weight gain, that excess fat appears in other areas of the body. Because the surgery is performed under anesthesia, you must be in good general health with a strong immune system and good blood flow. Individuals with diabetes are not good candidates for liposuction.

What Are the Benefits?

The cosmetic benefits of liposuction are obvious—you will lose fat in the treated areas and will consequently be slimmer with more desirable body contours. Because liposuction offers a permanent result (the fat cells that are removed from the body are gone for good), you can expect to maintain your new shape as long as you continue to engage in a healthy, active lifestyle.

For individuals who’ve experienced recent childbirth or significant weight loss, liposuction can offer some extra “help” in common trouble spots like the abdomen, thighs and buttocks. In some people, diet and exercise alone are not sufficient to eliminate stubborn fat pockets in these areas. Liposuction can remove those exercise-resistant fat deposits once and for all.

Fat loss also offers significant psychological benefits. Overweight individuals are more likely to suffer from poor body image, low self-esteem and depression. By improving the appearance of these individuals, liposuction can offer an improvement in self-esteem and body image, and the resulting emotional and psychological benefits can be significant.

Some controversy surrounds the potential health benefits (or lack thereof) of losing fat via liposuction versus losing it “the old fashioned way.” Cosmetic surgeons, largely, would have you believe that any fat loss is healthy fat loss and that a reduction in excess fat leads to a reduction in the health risks posed by being overweight. Studies, however, indicate that liposuction may not offer the same health benefits as losing weight through diet and exercise.

What Are the Risks?

Because liposuction is performed under general anesthesia, there are certain risks involved. As with any surgery, you may react adversely to the anesthesia which could become a life-threatening situation. Other risks associated with liposuction include possible infection at the treated area, uneven fat removal (a “lopsided” appearance), the collection of fluid or blood beneath the surface of the skin, dimpled or sagging skin (particularly when too much fat is removed at once from a single location) and, rarely, blood clots or excessive fluid loss resulting in shock. You will want to discuss these risks and how they may relate to you in detail with your doctor before deciding whether to undergo liposuction.

After your procedure, you can expect to experience swelling in the treated area for an extended period of time—sometimes lasting as long as several months. Bruising is likely to occur as well. These areas will be tender for some time. Most bruising can be expected to disappear within a month following your surgery. You will need to wear special pressure dressing for several weeks after your surgery to help minimize swelling and bruising and to help your skin adjust to the new shape of the treated area.

Bottom Line

Most medical professionals agree that liposuction isn’t the best solution for fat loss that could otherwise be achieved through diet and exercise. If you’ve worked hard, however, to achieve an otherwise fit and healthy body, liposuction can be a good option for removing those fat deposits that just never seem to budge. Provided you are willing to accept the risk that inevitably accompanies surgery performed under general anesthesia, there is a good chance that you will get long-lasting results.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.