Liposuction – It’s a Big Decision, Do You Have the Facts?

A life-changing decision, liposuction is not something you should consider until you know all the facts and can make an informed choice. While not technically a medical procedure, it’s still surgery so you need to understand what liposuction is; which parts of the body it’s done on and how; what the risks, side-effects and recovery time are; how much it costs; etc.

The most important thing to remember here is that it’s not a weight loss tool, so don’t go into it thinking this will take care of obesity or cellulite.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction (also called lipo, lipoplasty, and liposculpture) is a form of cosmetic surgery wherein surgeons change or contour the shape of your body by removing isolated pockets of fat. This kind of body contouring is most frequently done on the buttocks, abdomen, thighs, chin and arms.

The surgery, done under local anesthesia, involves making small incisions in areas with hair or natural skin folds and introducing a tumescent solution into the fat deposit to break it down. This melted fat is then sucked out using a surgical instrument called a cannula. At the end of the procedure, you may be required to wear a compression garment for a specified amount of time.

What do You Need to Know about Lipo Surgery?

There are different aspects you need to consider with this surgery but here are the main points you should think about:

Is Liposuction Right for You?

Lipo works best for men and women who are close to their ideal weight but have a few areas of fat. If you have any health conditions like diabetes however, it is likely to weigh against you. Another factor to consider here is skin elasticity, i.e. – how well you skin will recover from being stretched. The older you get, the less elasticity there is and the higher the possibility of saggy skin post-surgery.

Different Lipo Techniques

There are several techniques to choose from, so consult with your surgeon on which one suits you best. Some common techniques are:

·         Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a vibrating tool along with the tumescent to speed up the breakdown and make it easier to extract from dense areas.

·         Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses ultrasonic energy to loosen and melt the fat. However, this process takes longer and also presents a risk of burns.

·         Vaser liposuction is a variation of the UAL and has a grooved cannula to evenly disperse the energy needed for fat breakdown.

·         Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) is also like the UAL but uses low-energy waves for the procedure. This process also takes longer and needs an experienced surgeon.

Recovery Time

Most lipo surgeries are outpatient procedures that don’t require an overnight stay. While some results may be visible immediately, it can take a few weeks for the swelling to reduce and around six months for the full effects to show. Most doctors recommend a week off from regular activities, and two-three weeks off from heavy exercising.

Liposuction Side-effects

Like any other surgery, the risks involved include an allergic reaction to the anesthetic, bleeding and infection, hematoma or seromas, internal and external scarring, etc. Ask your doctor to discuss all risks and side-effects with you and give you clear post-op care instructions.

Liposuction in Dubai

The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Hospital (AACSH) is a premier destination for liposuction surgery in Dubai. With world-renowned surgeons, we are here to help you bring out a brand new “you”. Schedule a consultation with us today!