Expectations of Liposuction

Intro to Liposuction

Liposuction involves removing fat deposits from under the skin. Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States. It is sometimes referred to as lipoplasty, liposculpture, and suction-assisted lipectomy.

Fat deposits accumulate under the skin in everyone. With sufficient accumulation, these fat deposits can cause certain body areas, such as the neck, arms, thighs, and abdomen, to bulge. These fat deposits can persist even in people who eat a healthy diet and stay physically fit. They can be caused by genetic or body-chemistry factors. When these deposits are well-localized, they can be removed by liposuction. Liposuction is a technique where the fat deposits under the skin are removed with a long needle or tube, called a cannula, that is inserted through an incision in the skin. A strong vacuum then removes the deposits through the tube.

The cannula, hollow with holes at the end to allow the suction, is inserted underneath the skin and scraped along the skin surface, loosening the fat deposits. These fat deposits are then sucked into the vacuum through a tube connected to the cannula. The typical size of the liposuction cannula is 3 mm; however, the cannulas can be as large as 6 mm or as small as 1.5 mm.

The size of the cannula used for the liposuction procedure should provide a balance between the size of the incision in the skin and the efficiency of the liposuction procedure. The smaller the cannula is, the smaller the scar is, but larger cannulas can extract more fatty deposits over less time.

Have Proper Expectations

Liposuction, similar to other cosmetic surgery techniques, is a means to enhance the body contour and shape. This surgical procedure will not completely change the patient's shape. The patient needs to have realistic expectations and understand that liposuction is not a "quick fix" or a substitute for good diet and exercise. Additionally, dissatisfaction with personal relationships or employment status can sometimes translate to unhappiness about physique, and surgery should not be the answer for these problems either.

Liposuction can improve physique, and this should be the primary goal and expectation for the procedure. But liposuction may have no impact on other areas of the patient's life. It is best to consult a liposuction surgeon to determine whether this procedure is best for you.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are physically fit and are not more than ten to twenty pounds overweight. The best results come from patients who have very localized fatty deposits that are resistant to exercise. Patients should realize that the flabby or cellulite appearance of the area for liposuction may improve, but not disappear completely.

The ideal candidate is someone who has made an effort to eliminate the fatty deposits through extensive exercise or diet. For these types of patients, liposuction can provide immediate satisfaction and relief. A consultation with a liposuction surgeon can provide the best background regarding anticipated outcomes and proper expectations.

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