Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses suction to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body, such as the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck, while also contouring those areas. Other names for this procedure include lipoplasty and body contouring.
While liposuction is not a weight-loss method or substitute, it may be ideal for individuals who have a stable body weight but possess a large amount of body fat in specific locations.
Liposuction removes stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise from areas including the abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, calves and ankles, chest and back, hips and thighs, chin, and neck. The procedure may also reduce extra breast tissue in men, a condition known as gynecomastia.
The amount of fat removed during liposuction largely depends on the fat volume and the desired shape changes, which can be permanent as long as the patient’s weight remains stable. Following liposuction, the contour of the treated areas becomes more apparent as the skin molds to the new shapes. Nonetheless, if the patient has thin and inelastic skin, the skin in those areas may appear loose.
While liposuction does not address dimpled skin from cellulite or other types of skin differences, the procedure may be performed only on patients who are in good health and have no conditions that could make surgery more difficult, including blood flow issues, coronary artery disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system.
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks such as bleeding and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks related to liposuction include contour irregularities, fluid buildup, numbness or irritation of nerves, skin infections, internal puncture, fat embolism, kidney, heart, and lung problems, and lidocaine toxicity. These risks increase if the surgeon operates on larger body surfaces or performs multiple procedures simultaneously.
Before the procedure, it is essential to discuss its expectations with the surgeon, who will review patients’ medical history and medication intake. Surgeons may recommend discontinuing intake of certain medicines, such as blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), at least a week before surgery, and conducting specific lab tests before the procedure. If only a small amount of fat is to be removed, the surgery may take place in a clinic or medical office. However, if a large quantity of fat is to be removed, and/or additional surgery is to be performed simultaneously, surgery may occur in a hospital. In any case, it is highly recommended to find someone to drive the individual home and stay with them for at least the first night following the procedure.
