Liposuction is a Cosmetic Surgery Procedure that slims and reshapes various body areas through the removal of excess fat deposits resulting in improved contours and proportions.
This excess fat can be stored in the ankles, arms, buttocks, chin, hips, neck, knees, thighs, waists, abdomen or upper arms among other places.
Liposuction in Dubai can treat these areas by removing the stubborn fatty deposits that refuse to budge despite exercise and diet.
In addition to improving the body contours and proportions of a person, liposuction can also improve the person’s confidence. It can be the potential solution for an individual who desires to reshape his or her body contours to enhance the overall attractiveness.
Liposuction can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with other cosmetic procedures such as facelift, tummy tuck, breast reduction, or mommy makeover. It can also be used during gynecomastia surgery that is done to reduce excess fat and breast tissue in men with feminized breasts.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure and not a weight loss treatment or a substitute for proper exercise and diet. It is also not an effective treatment for saggy, loose skin or cellulite.
Types of Liposuction
Liposuction techniques continue to evolve and there are different liposuction approaches in which stubborn adipose tissue can be removed. Modern liposuction techniques include:
- Tumescent liposuction. This involves inflating the fatty tissue to be removed with an isotonic liquid solution. The solution contains epinephrine which helps in contracting the vessels keeping blood loss to a minimum. The solution also contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic agent. The tumescent technique is popular and is still the gold standard in liposuction.
- Power-assisted liposuction. This liposuction technique uses tumescent liposuction but incorporates the use of a special motorized cannula that makes it easier to fragment the fat. This quickens the procedure, minimizes tissue trauma, and allows for faster downtime. It also makes it easier for the surgeon.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction. UAL systems like Vaserlipo combine tumescent liposuction with ultrasonic frequencies to break down and dislodge fatty deposits before suction. This liposuction technique is great for individuals with mild skin elasticity challenges as it helps with tightening the skin.
- Laser-assisted liposuction. LAL systems such as Smartlipo and Coollipo help in melting the fat tissue with laser energy before it is suctioned. It also has a skin tightening effect and does not require general anesthesia for smaller areas.
- Liposculpture. This liposuction approach is also known as abdominal etching as it is mostly performed on the stomach area but it can be done on other areas as well. It involves repositioning some fat tissue to create the appearance of defined muscles. Meaning liposuction in some areas and fat deposit in others to simulate muscle shape.
Good Candidate for Liposuction
The ideal candidate for liposuction is an individual who is:
- An adult within 30% of his/her ideal weight with firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone
- Nonsmoker
- Mentally stable
- Healthy without any underlying or life-threatening medical condition
- Has a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the procedure
Preparation for Liposuction
Preparation for liposuction surgery involves consulting with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in the procedure. Once you’ve discussed your concerns and goals and your Plastic Surgeon has determined you are the right candidate for the procedure, he/she will then take you through what the procedure entails and ask you to do the following:
- Adjust your current medication or start taking certain medication
- Do not smoke for several weeks before and after the procedure
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is a procedure that should be performed in a hospital setting. Occasionally for large liposuction, a one night stay is recommended otherwise it is usually performed as an outpatient. Depending on the liposuction technique being used, the treatment area, the size of the treatment area, and the amount of fat being removed, the procedure can be done under general anesthesia, local anesthesia, or intravenous sedation.
Liposuction involves the Plastic Surgeon making small, inconspicuous incisions. Diluted local anesthesia is infused in the treatment area to reduce trauma and bleeding. A cannula is inserted through the incisions to loosen the stubborn, excess fatty deposits using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a syringe attached to the cannula or a surgical vacuum.
Recovery & Results
You will likely come out of the procedure room with bandages and compression garments over the incision sites and treatment areas. The compression garment helps control the swelling and shape the newly formed contours. Temporary surgical drains can also be placed on the incision sites to collect the remaining fluids and keep the blood from building up under the skin.
During the recovery, you will also experience pain, swelling, bruising, and tightness but you will be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to manage the discomfort.
Your results of improved body contour will appear gradually as the swelling and fluid retention subside.
To Know More
Would you like to understand what options are available for Liposuction? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or book an appointment and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable expert for you.
