How effective is liposuction?

Who minds losing their extra bulge with just a surgery, when all you think that's needed is some money, a day's time and an obsession with weight loss? But have you considered the actual details and repercussions of such surgical treatments? Today, we have Dr. Mukund Jagannathan, International Member at American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Consultant and Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon, Nova Medical Centers, tell us about one such treatment - liposuction, and what it really involves. What is Liposuction? Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to contour the body by removing fat cells from specific body parts prone to stubborn bulges like abdomen, hips, thighs, back, knees, buttocks, upper arms and male breasts. Fat distribution patterns in the body are determined by factors like genetics, age and lifestyle. Sometimes diet and exercise may be ineffective in getting rid of these stubborn fat deposits and bulges. Liposuction is considered to be the safest and most effective surgical way to rid the body of these fat cells. How does the procedure work? To contour the body and remove the fat cells from under the skin's layer the surgeon uses a small instrument called a cannula. He directs this in a back and forth method to break up the fat cells and pull them out through suction. Liposuction can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the amount of fat removal and the areas addressed during the session. What are the techniques available? As a result of technological advancement and continuous improvement, liposuction has moved beyond the standard traditional method of using plain suction during extraction. Newer techniques are safer and gentler on the body and unlike traditional liposuction do not cause injury to surrounding tissues. The latest Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction or UAL technology uses high frequency sound waves to liquefy fat before the suction process. How soon are the results visible? A noticeable difference in the body shape is visible soon after the surgery, however this might appear to be a minimal change since the final contours will become visible only after the swelling has completely subsided. To get the most noticeable results there may be a time of 4 to 6 months, however changes are noticed within 4 weeks. To make the achieved results last long, it is important to make lifestyle changes and follow a healthy diet and exercise regime. What are the post-surgery symptoms? Most patients suffer from temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and some pain immediately after the surgery; however, most of these symptoms disappear within a few weeks. Stiches are also removed after a week or 10 days. To speed up the recovery process, it is advisable to start walking soon after the surgery to prevent blood clots from forming. The patient is usually required to wear a pressure garment for 3 to 6 weeks following surgery. A quick fix for obesity Liposuction is not an ideal weight loss method suitable for obese people. It is a surgical procedure to balance and sculpt the body and remove stubborn fat cells from select body parts. It works best for those who arenear their normal weight and yet have few areas that do not respond to weight loss or exercis Liposuction requires aftercare to maintain results Even though the fat removal from liposuction is permanent if one gains weight after liposuction, the fat will be distributed equally throughout the body, including the area where the procedure was performed. After liposuction, one should follow a healthy diet with regular exercise since significant weight gain may annul the results of liposuction. Liposuction does not remove cellulite Unfortunately, once cellulite has formed, it can be difficult to reduce its appearance. Many people falsely believe that liposuction surgery can remove cellulite; however, liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. Liposuction in no way removes stretch marks Stretch marks are scars caused by stretching of the skin due to excess weight loss/gain or hormonal changes. Liposuction does not affect the appearance of scars on the body.