Liposuction surgery information
Liposuction (also called lipoplasty, suction-assisted lipectomy, tumescent liposuction or ultrasound liposuction) is a surgical procedure designed to improve body shape and proportion by removing fat deposits that are resistant to both diet and exercise.
 Liposuction can restore balance to bodies that are physically fit, but out of proportion in a few areas. It is most effective for patients who fall within the normal weight range for age and height. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight loss treatments.
Liposuction procedure
Liposuction is a procedure in which localised deposits of fat are removed to re-contour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on the surgeon's preference. The size of the liposuction cannula can influence the smoothness of the skin after liposuction. The use of large cannulas tends to create irregularities more commonly than microcannulas (outside diameter less than 3 millimeters). Surgeons who do total-body liposuction tend to use larger cannulas.
Risks associated with liposuction
As with any major surgery there is always a risk that something may go wrong. If you are considering liposuction your surgeon should outline all the risks to you before you agree to undertake the surgery. Risks include:
- Too much liposuction (excessive volume of fat removed, or an excessive number of areas treated)
- Excessive surgical trauma (excessive liposuction) is dangerous and is an important cause for serious liposuction complications
- Prolonged exposure to anesthesia is dangerous and is an important cause for serious liposuction complications
- Sometimes the results from liposuction are down to the surgeon's skill
- Disfiguring skin irregularities and depressions are frequently the result of the surgeon's inattention to detail
More Information
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