Liposuction 101: Body Contouring and Fat Reduction

Updated on December 13, 2022

Are you desperate to get rid of excess fat in your abdomen, buttocks, and neck?

Do your thighs, calves, and the back of your arms stress you out?

Have you tried all workout programs and a healthy diet, yet the stubborn fats remain in your body?

Liposuction is the solution you need. It is one of the best ways for body contouring and fat reduction that men and women often sought.  

The treatment improves body shape by reducing the bulge and redefining the waistline. Thus, help achieve their goal of slim hips and thighs. 

Let’s delve more into this procedure. Read further and understand Liposuction 101: Body contouring and Fat Reduction. 

Liposuction

Also known as lipo, lipoplasty, lipectomy, or liposculpture suction. The name implies high-tech suctioning equipment—the key component of fat cell reduction. 

Liposuction is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic procedures. It reduces excess fats located between the skin and muscle. But, it does not take the place of a healthy lifestyle. For best results, patients must keep their lifestyle healthy before and after the surgery. 

Facts about Lipo

The truth about liposuction. 

  • Liposuction is not a weight-loss technique. It is a tool for contouring the body. 
  • Lipo is not an obesity treatment. 
  • Lipoplasty is ineffective for cellulite, dimpled skin, or stretch marks. 
  • Risks are inevitable but minimal. Surgeons provide instructions to avoid it. 
  • Underlying fitness is vital in liposuction. The surgery does not treat bad diet and exercise habits. 
  • Achieve the best results with good nutrition, portion control, and regular exercise. 

Fat Reduction

Utilize heating or cooling-based non-surgical fat cell reduction technologies

Abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck Surgery or Belt Lipectomy. Best for Post-weight loss body contouring surgeries.

How does Lipo work?

Although it is a surgery, it is minimally invasive. There are no large incisions made but a small incision instead. A suction-assisted device (cannula) is inserted to reduce fat cells in the treated areas. 

The cannula is also connected to a suction pump. The surgeon inserts the cannula into fat areas to begin the procedure. 

Fat reduction and body contouring happen afterward. The suction cannula creates tiny tunnels through the fat tissues or fatty layers. 

Don’t fret. The tiny tunnels collapse after healing from the surgery. It results in an improved body contour. 

Aside from the cannula, injections are necessary. It helps reduce swelling and bleeding before suctioning the areas to be treated. 

Now that you understand lipo, let’s find out who can undergo surgery. 

Candidates For Liposuction

Plastic surgeons determine a good liposuction candidate. 

  • Men and women
  • Fit and healthy
  • Within the ideal weight and can maintain it.
  • Not obese (BMI over 30)
  • No chronic disease
  • No history of seizures, diabetes, high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis, cardiovascular disease
  • Not pregnant or nursing
  • Don’t smoke
  • Good muscle tone
  • Not too much excess skin

Every patient is different. One client may be qualified for lipo-sculpture, while others may not. It depends on the patient and the areas of excess body fat they want to LIPO. 

Fit people with bulges but good skin resiliency are suitable for liposuction. The procedure smoothen out certain areas of the body to reduce fat. 

However, having too much excess fat or loose skin requires a different approach. It needs a tummy tuck or weight-stability program in lieu of the treatment. 

Liposuction is not only for the overweight. Fit individuals still have saggy or bulgy areas in their body. People who are slightly overweight and uneven body fat distribution opt for a tummy tuck. 

The most common bulges in the body are the thighs, stomach, abdomen, and belly. These areas are resistant, no matter how hard you exercise and follow a strict diet. 

Sometimes, a healthy lifestyle is not enough to eliminate body fat’s stubborn pockets. Liposuction works well as a body contouring solution, especially for those who experience weight changes. It is also applicable to women who had children. 

Nevertheless, there are risks that you need to know. 

Risks Of Liposuction

Risks are present in liposuction, just like any other surgical procedure. 

  • Bleeding
  • Infections
  • Fat embolism
  • Fluid accumulation under the skin
  • Numbness
  • Damage to blood vessels, nerves, and muscles (worst – lungs and abdominal organs)
  • Burns from instruments
  • Blood clots in deep veins

Ask surgeons about the risk during the consultation. Surgeons explain how they manage and minimize the risks. 

Recovery After Liposuction

The recovery period depends on the size of the area treated. Some patients take a few days, while others need months for recovery. 

On average, it ranges from a few days to seven days. It is ideal to allow two weeks off of regular duties. Doing activities like lifting, exercise, or driving is not advisable. 

Moreover, expect swelling, bruising, soreness, and inflammation. It is part of the post-op effect that lasts a few weeks after the surgery. 

A compression garment is necessary for a month or two. It aids in controlling the swelling. 

Also, surgeons prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. 

Don’t worry. After your two weeks rest, you can resume your daily activities. Stay healthy as it affects your natural recovery ability. 

Desired Results of Liposuction

Some see the results right after the procedure. However, it might be minimal because of the swelling and bruising. 

The surgery’s final reshaping results take between six weeks and two months. The body needs time to adapt to the new shape. The skin also needs to adjust its elasticity to contour more to the body. 

Nevertheless, most patients report having a trimming figure and more defined muscle tone in no time. The youthful appearance proves how satisfied they are after the surgery. 

And the best part, is they enjoy the oozing confidence feel of surgeries like the ones offered by this company specializing in cosmetic surgery in Columbus, Ohio

Must-Do Before Liposuction

Keep this in mind before finalizing your decision to undergo the procedure. 

  • Always take note of the patient-safety and risks.
  • Evaluate the surgeon: experience and quality of training in Liposuction
  • Communicate and collaborate with the surgeon. 
  • Don’t take the risk of high cost discounted surgery.
  • Be comfortable with your chosen facility and surgeon.
  • Be knowledgeable of what to expect in the surgery, including healing, recovery, and risks. 
  • Secure consent once you understand every detail about the procedure. 
  • Incorporate a good diet and exercise program in your daily routine before liposuction. 

Liposuction,  body contouring, and fat reduction are not all aesthetic benefits. Like sgap flap, they significantly bring back self-confidence. Furthermore, it inspires patients to lead a healthier lifestyle to maintain their new body shape.

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The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.