Liposuction

Liposuction is the removal of fat deposit underneath the skin with the help of hollow tube and vacuum. Liposuction is also called as Lipoplasty. Fats are removed from various parts of the body like thighs, abdomen, buttocks, neck, chin and male breast.

Liposuction reshapes the body by removing excess of fat deposits in various part of body which makes the body proportionate and improves thebody structure.

Different Techniques of Liposuction - Liposuction can be done either in local anesthesia (local area is numb during surgery) or general anesthesia (patient is completely unconscious during the surgery).

• Ultra sonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL) - UAL is a technique where long solid or hollow metal probe is inserted into the fat. This probe transmits the ultrasound vibrations into the body which destroys the fat cells and then suction of fat becomes easier. UAL is generally used in general anesthesia. There is a external UAL which works from outside the body through the skin, where ultrasound is applied externally. Surgeons don't prefer this technique (UAL or External UAL) as there are more complications like skin necrosis, skin burns and scalding.                         Ultrasound machine

• Suction Assisted Liposuction (SAL) - In this technique, a small probe is inserted in to the fatty layer of the area cum device is attached to the probe. With the help of vacuum the fat cells are suctioned through the vacuum. This is the traditional method of liposuction.
• Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) - Power suction is the recent used method. PAL is a device which is available recently. It works similar to SAL. Instead it uses power supplied by electric motor to produce rapid spinning movement of liposuction probe which makes the surgery more easier for the surgeons. PAL is most efficient with very minimal complications and minimal blood loss.
• Laser Liposuction - Also called as LipoTherme. This technique is useful in the cases where traditional liposuction is not successful to go through and the parts where fats are not able to reduce in spite of heavy exercise and diet. Laser Liposuction targets only the smallest required fatty areas and offers more precision to cosmetic surgeries.
• Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL) - WAL technique uses pressurized stream of saline to dislodge the fat and remove the fat cell instead of destroying the fat cells. It smoothly loosens the fat cells and gently removes the fat. This technique can be done in local anesthesia and hence the cost is less.

Complications of Liposuction - It is common to have some major or minor complications after surgeries.

• Excessive liposuction from a specific area can lead to skin depression or skin irregularities and more commonly seen if larger probe is used during the surgery.
• There can be unknowingly injuries to the inner blood vessels which may cause accumulation of large amount of blood (Hematomas) in the body.
• There are chances of skin necrosis and skin burns during external UAL. The injury to skin can lead to skin rupture and hyper pigmentation of skin at the operated sites.
• Temporary lumps or nodules may appear at the operated site and usually noticeable for 1-2 weeks after the surgery. These formation of lumps are the result of normal healing process.
• Swelling and bruising of lower limbs or genitals may occur due to the some fluid (blood tinged fluid) flowing downward as a effect of gravity. Swelling is commonly seen when liposuction of abdomen is performed.
• Mild to moderate pain is expected post operative but it is temporary.
• Allergic reaction to the drugs or material used during the surgery.

Cost of Liposuction

The cost depends on the type of surgery you choose and number of areas you want to be performed. The cost for abdomen liposuction is more as compared to other body parts , the minimum cost is approximately Rs.100000 for abdomen liposuction and lowest cost is for the liposuction of arms or small part of thighs and that is minimum Rs.50,0000.

Note - Liposuction is not the treatment for obesity and not the substitute for regular exercise and diet. People who do regular exercise and still fat deposits are not reduced are the ideal patients for liposuction. Even after liposuction procedure, regular workout and fat free diet is recommended as the operated area may accumulate the fat again if proper care is not taken.