Is liposuction a safe way to cut off extra pounds?

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is one among the most popular cosmetic surgeries around the globe. This process removes extra fat from the body by using suction to gives you a sculpted look.

In this process, thin, small, a blunt-tip tube, which is also called as a cannula, is inserted into the skin through small cuts. The underlying fat deposit is suctioned out with the help these tubes as the doctor moves the tubes under the skin to suction out fat deposits at the targeted areas.  

Over the years, technology has made liposuction easier, safer, and less painful. Here are few types of techniques:

·         Tumescent liposuction: In this type, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area to numb the targeted area of the body where the tube will be inserted. After that, a large amount of anesthetic solution with epinephrine and lidocaine is injected into the underlying fat deposits before carrying out with traditional liposuction.

·         Ultrasound assisted liposuction: This technique works in association with ultrasound to liquefy the fat, which becomes easier to be suctioned out. This technique is particularly used to remove fats from areas, such as the upper abdomen, neck, back, and sides.

·         Laser assisted liposuction: This technique works by using low-energy waves to liquefy the fat, which is removed with the help of a small cannula.

The purpose of liposuction

The major purpose of liposuction is to give you a better, sculpted look by reshaping the areas with fat deposits in your body, but remember it is not done to reduce weight. Liposuction is basically performed on problematic areas, which are not responding despite balanced diet and exercise. These areas include outer thighs and hips for women; back and waist for men.

Sometimes, liposuction is used along with other cosmetic surgery procedures, like breast reduction, facelift, or tummy tuck.

Uses and benefits of liposuction

Liposuction can also be used to treat some medical conditions, listed below:

·         Abnormal enlargement of the male breast (gynecomastia or pseudo-gynecomastia).

·         Benign fatty tumors (lipomas).

·         Excessive sweating in the underarm (axillary hyperhidrosis).

·         Problems with the metabolism of fat in the body (lipodystrophy).

Risks & side effects

Some of the side effects of liposuction are:

·         Temporary swelling, soreness, bruising, and numbness in and around the treated area.

·         Irritation and minor scarring around the incision sites where the tubes were inserted.

·         Baggy or rippling skin.

·         Uneven skin surface over the treated area.

·         Permanent color changes in the skin.

·         Uneven skin surface over the treated area.

·         Damage to the skin and nerves.