The number of fat cells in the body is established by the time a person reaches puberty. After this period these cells act like balloons, so when we gain weight these cells augment their size, because they're storing more fat. Also when we lose weight these cells tend to shrink because the fat inside diminishes.
What these means is that after puberty these cells stay the same in number, but may get larger and smaller depending on several factors varying from person to person. Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing these unwanted cells of fat from different areas of the body. When these cells are removed may not form again.
Liposuction today is the most commonly requested cosmetic surgery in the world and can be performed at virtually any age and in any part of the body.
Patients commonly request this procedure to be performed in their neck, cheeks, jowls, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, knees, ankles, calves and arms.
Liposuction is also used to correct enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with virtually any other plastic surgery procedure.
THE PROCEDURE
In liposuction the area to be treated is injected with a special fluid anesthesia combination prior to suctioning. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless, while minimizing the pain. It also provides anesthesia during and after surgery.
When the procedure is to be started a thin, hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through one or more tiny incisions near the designated area. It is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum. The cannula is strategically manipulated to contour and sculpt the body. No actual pain is felt during the procedure, although you may feel an occasional stinging sensation.
Multiple areas of the body may be treated at the same time. Depending on the areas to be treated liposuction can take from one to two and a half hours. After the procedure is finished fine sutures are placed in the incisions, and tight fitting garments are worn.
POST OPERATORY
This procedure is done as an outpatient procedure in the overwhelming majority of cases, so you will be discharged after resting in your suite and feels comfortable to go. You may feel a little bruised and sore as if you would have over exercised that part of the body. Some swelling is expected, which commonly peaks at three to four days and disappears within four to six weeks.
Depending on the areas treated you may return to work the next day although some patients wait two to three days of rest to return to their work. It is important to begin normal activity as soon as possible. Also you will be recommended a medical massage therapy starting on the next day after the operation.
The support garment should be worn for four to six weeks to reduce the possibility of swelling, unevenness or waviness. Your results will be likely visible almost immediately after surgery, but the full effect may not be fully evident for four to six weeks after most of the swelling has subsided. Patients are usually very pleased with the results of the procedure with a more comfortable shape of the body and an enhanced self-esteem.
