Have you heard of the liposuction procedure? A slim body with sharp lines is the dream of every woman. Representatives of the fair half, striving for perfection, resort to strict diets and exhausting sports. But they don’t always bring the desired result. Plastic surgery will help you transform your body without giving up the usual pleasures of life. The liposuction technique quickly and effectively copes with fat deposits in problem areas.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 1-4 hours | 1-2 days | 1-3 weeks |
How is it, and what kind of preparation requires for liposuction? What awaits patients during rehabilitation? How to save the result? We will answer the questions in detail; keep reading!
This procedure is a plastic surgery that corrects body contours by removing fat deposits. It is applied to various parts of the body to adjust volumes. This procedure has been one of the top three plastic surgeries in the US and Europe since 2014.
Many patients perceive liposuction as a quick way to eliminate extra pounds. But it isn’t! Surgery only corrects the body’s contours but doesn’t reduce weight. For this reason, this surgical intervention doesn’t perform in overweight or obese people. When deciding to go to a plastic surgeon, you must have an ideal stable weight.
Also, many men believe that liposuction is a surgery for women. They do this for men as well.
The purpose of this procedure is to remove fat deposits in the areas we call depots (abdomen, inner, outer thighs, back sides, waist, knees, etc.). Fat leaves very slowly from these problematic areas. This significantly spoils the figure.
In general, surgeons reserve about 25 zones for this procedure. This process is often combined with a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to achieve the most noticeable result. So you will get a completely flat stomach. This operation is also called Lipoabdominoplasty. In addition, the surgeon can remove fatty tissue from the chin during the SMAS facelift. But of course, the specialist can also perform jowl liposuction as a separate operation.
We generally consider this procedure a safe and effective procedure for removing excess fat from specific body parts. However, like any surgical procedure, this procedure carries certain risks and potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
In addition, liposuction results may not be permanent, and some people may require additional treatments or surgeries to maintain the desired shape and contour. In general, the success of this procedure depends on several factors, including the surgeon’s skill and experience, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and specific goals and expectations.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat from specific body parts. Usually, experts use it to shape the body and improve its shape by eliminating pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise. The procedure typically performs under local or general anesthesia. It involves using a thin, hollow tube called a cannula, which the specialist inserts into the fatty tissue through minor cuts in the skin. The specialist then uses the cannula to absorb excess oil. This provides a smoother and more contoured look. Remember that process isn’t a weight loss procedure and is most effective when used to treat small, localized areas of excess fat.
There is no 100% cure for pathological changes in adipose tissue. Some methods only improve the appearance of the skin and mechanically reduce the volume of tissues. For this, cosmetics and massages, exercises, and diet use. However, one of the most common aesthetic correction methods is this procedure. Also, given the incredible complexity of regulating fat metabolism, removing fat from destroyed cells alone cannot solve the problem of cellulite. The same factors still don’t always control: Sex, metabolism, and hormonal background. In this case, you should change your eating habits; you can include physical activity in your daily routine.
Fat cells lose their vitality in the area where the surgeon operates. But this isn’t a ‘magic pill’ that forever saves a person from extra kilograms. You should reinforce the result with a moderately balanced diet and adequate physical activity. Otherwise, your extra kilograms will come back soon. Since this vital procedure is a surgical procedure, you should not take it lightly. It is essential to remember that for some health problems (we will talk about them below), the operation will contraindicate. If it does happen, you may need to take sick leave and limit and monitor physical activity afterward. However, on the other hand, you can preserve the result you will obtain for many years or even a lifetime.
Who should have liposuction procedure?
We generally accept that the main target of liposuction is the anterior abdominal wall. But often, other parts of the body need to be corrected. Surgeons distinguish about 25 areas subject to liposuction. This includes various arms, legs, back, face, neck, and chest areas. Removal of fat deposits in each case changes the silhouette of the patient in a certain way, and only a competent doctor can accurately predict the outcome of the intervention.
Experts often recommend combining liposuction of particular body parts with other types of plastic surgery. For example, it is possible to tighten the skin while removing fat tissue from the lower part of the face, neck, and chin. This shows a rejuvenating effect and prevents the formation of excess wrinkles in this area. Abdominoplasty combined with liposuction of the abdomen (removal of excess skin from the anterior abdominal wall) promises the return of a slim silhouette.
You can decide about such combinations of applied techniques individually during preliminary consultation with the surgeon. After examining your appearance and learning about your wishes, the specialist will offer several options for achieving the goal, considering your financial capabilities, lifestyle, and plans. Therefore, a good doctor may insist on postponing surgery, for example, if the patient is planning a pregnancy. Liposuction alone isn’t a contraindication for this process. However, in some cases, it would be wiser to delay it until the postpartum period—no need to re-fix.
There aren’t many indications for the procedure, but one is the presence of fat deposits in one of the body’s problem areas. Cellulite isn’t a disease but a pathological condition when the balance between fat accumulation and consumption in subcutaneous adipose tissue cells is disturbed. Adipose tissue is one of the body’s systems, along with cardiovascular, endocrine, and others. Therefore, regulating its normal functioning is a rather subtle and multilateral process.
The causes of cellulite aren’t only overeating and a sedentary lifestyle but also genetic, gender, racial factors, and endocrine disorders. The fat cell is designed to build energy reserves. Due to this dysfunction in cellulite, the cells increase in size, and the partitions between them become denser. Thus, the ability to drain the oil from the cell suffers the most. The blood circulation in these areas is blocked, which increases the rate of lubrication. In summary, take a look at the ideal candidates for liposuction:
- Adult patients weighing less than 30% of their ideal body weight, with firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone
- Aesthetic dissatisfaction with the figure after pregnancy (the presence of fat traps on the abdomen, hips, and back)
- Patients without complex, chronic conditions that may increase the risk of surgery.
- Adults with relatively constant weight (including after weight loss)
- Non-smokers or recent quitters
However, it isn’t always a cosmetic procedure. Surgeons can also use it to treat certain conditions, such as:
- Lymphedema: A long-term condition that causes excessive fluid buildup and swelling of the hands and feet.
- Lipedema: A condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of fat under the skin on the legs, hips, and calves.
However, experts don’t recommend this procedure in the following cases:
- Under 18 years old (except for exceptional reasons)
- Oncological diseases
- Chronic diseases in the acute stage
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Diabetes
- Inflammatory processes
- Blood coagulation disorders
- Mental disorders
In which areas is liposuction done?
Specialists perform primarily for problem areas, which are determined by taking into account the patient’s request and the individual characteristics of body. Check out the sites where experts perform liposuction in general:
Abdominal Liposuction
If the question of removing excess fat from the abdominal area remains after diets and months of exercise, it’s time to visit a plastic surgeon.
Abdominal liposuction, the cost of which may vary depending on the amount of fat in this area, is prescribed in case of small fat deposits. It may take several sessions to achieve the desired result. One of the most popular types of body contouring is abdominal process.
Thigh Liposuction
The procedure mostly does on the inner thigh, where fat deposits quickly accumulate and are difficult to remove. Experts often do thigh liposuction, which involves removing fat deposits inside the joint, with the hip correction to achieve a more contoured silhouette.
Chin Liposuction
During this process, the chin profile and decollete area change significantly when specialists remove the fats that form the jowl.
It requires about 30 minutes of local anesthesia. Experts often combine it with a lower facelift. It isn’t suitable for obesity.
Back Liposuction
The procedure can permanently remove bra bulges, frills, and other fat deposits on the back. The process does under local or general anesthesia.
Specialists often perform this procedure of the middle and upper back simultaneously. Doctors make incisions in the lumbar region.
Hand Liposuction
This procedure removes loose, saggy skin on the upper arm’s underside due to aging, weight loss, or weight gain. The system narrows the contour of the arm and is ideal for patients with stubborn areas of localized fat.
Hip Liposuction
The procedure aims to increase the size and correct the shape, creating elastic and toned buttocks.
What are the risks of the liposuction process?
This vital procedure is a highly safe and effective cosmetic procedure. However, like all surgeries, it carries some risks and potential complications. Check out some of the most common risks associated with liposuction:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection after liposuction. Surgeons can usually treat this with antibiotics. However, in rare cases, the surgeon may perform additional surgery to remove the infected tissue.
- Bleeding: The procedure involves making an incision in the skin. Therefore, there is a risk of bleeding during and after the process. In most cases, this is minimal and can control with medication. In rare cases, however, the doctor may perform a blood transfusion.
- Nerve damage: This process can damage the nerves in the treated areas, resulting in numbness, tingling, or other sensations. In most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own.
- Skin irregularities: The procedure can sometimes cause the areas the surgeon is treating to look patchy or lumpy, especially if the doctor has removed too much fat. The surgeon can usually correct this with additional surgery.
- Phlebitis and pulmonary embolism: These risks are increased by being overweight, having venous insufficiency (and sometimes taking birth control pills), and excessive liposuction.
- Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising are joint after the procedure. It may take several weeks for it to go away completely. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for managing these symptoms during recovery.
In typically, the complications and risks of this process are very low. However, it is essential to discuss these and other potential complications with your surgeon before the process so that you can make an informed decision about whether the course is right for you.
What will you encounter during a liposuction consultation?
During a liposuction consultation, you will meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss the details of the procedure and determine if it is the right option for you. Here are some things you can expect during the consultation:
- The surgeon will discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure. It is essential to be honest, and forthright about what you hope to achieve from the process so that the surgeon can offer realistic advice and recommendations.
- The surgeon will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical examination. This will help the surgeon determine whether you are a good candidate for liposuction and identify potential risks or complications that may need to consider.
- During the consultation, many patients ask to explain how liposuction performs on the abdomen and other body parts. Like any operation, this requires preparation, organization, and a healing process.
- The surgeon will explain the different liposuction techniques and the options available. The surgeon can use several other methods for the procedure.
- The surgeon will recommend the best option based on your specific needs and goals.
- The doctor will provide detailed information about the procedure and the healing process. This will include information about the anesthesia to be used, the expected length of the system, and any possible risks or complications.
- You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure and address your concerns. Before deciding, it is essential to understand the process and what to expect entirely.
- A consultation is essential in deciding whether treatment is the right option for you. It’s a good idea to schedule consultations with several different surgeons to compare their recommendations and get a better idea of your options.
How should you prepare for a liposuction procedure?
If you are planning to have liposuction, there are several steps you can take to prepare for the procedure and ensure a smooth recovery. Here are some tips for preparing for liposuction:
- Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience performing liposuction. Your surgeon will be able to provide detailed information about the procedure, including risks and potential complications.
- Discuss your medical history with your surgeon. It is important to tell your surgeon about any medical conditions or medications you are taking, as these may affect your eligibility for the procedure or your healing process.
- Quit smoking. Smoking can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications after surgery. If you smoke, your surgeon will likely recommend you quit smoking at least a few weeks before the procedure.
- Avoid taking certain medications. Your surgeon may recommend avoiding certain medications, such as blood thinners, that can increase the risk of bleeding during and after the procedure.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions. The specialist will provide specific instructions on preparing for the procedure, including any dietary restrictions or pre-operative tests that may be required. It is essential to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
- Arrange for transportation and assistance. You will typically be under general anesthesia during this procedure. Therefore, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. During the first few days after the surgery, someone should be with you to help you with your daily activities.
What are the most popular types of liposuction?
The surgeon will examine the treatment goals, body areas where it is necessary to destroy adipose tissue and facilitate its removal, and whether you have had other contouring procedures in the past. Check out the most popular types of liposuction you can choose according to these:
Traditional Liposuction
It is the earliest and easiest method. The specialist aspirates fat from the body using a hollow cannula (thin tube) connected to the vacuum system. However, experts can also use vibration. The cannula vibrates to increase efficiency. This allows it to move smoothly through fatty tissue to improve contours and collect deposits.
Vacuum Liposuction
It is a classical procedure where experts insert special needles into the patient’s subcutaneous fat through incisions in the skin, creating negative pressure in the device, and absorbing the fat cells that were previously mechanically destroyed by the manipulation of the surgeon.
Modern technologies have made this procedure safe and less traumatic. It not accompanies by significant blood loss and allows you to adjust the volume of interventions during the operation. Vacuum process results are the fastest when we compare them with other methods. This is the most effective, reliable, and safe technique.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic energy breaks the walls of fat cells and turns the fat into an emulsion for easier removal. This method helps remove deposits from densely fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back or enlarged male breast tissue.
Tumescent Liposuction
It is the most common type of liposuction. The surgeon injects a sterile solution (saline that helps remove fat, an anesthetic to relieve pain, and a medicine that causes blood vessels to constrict) into the area to treat.
The liquid mixture causes swelling and hardening of the affected area. Small incisions are then made in the skin to insert a cannula connected to a vacuum that absorbs fat and fluids. This technique can safely remove fat from almost all body parts. It uses to remove lipomas or benign fatty tumors, treat excessive armpit sweating, and enlarge male and female breasts.
Laser Liposuction
It uses high-intensity energy to break down fat cells. Once they become liquid, the specialist can drain them or let them drain through the tubes.
Doctors use the method for limited areas (chin and face). Laser energy stimulates collagen production, which helps prevent skin from sagging after the procedure.
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
This procedure doesn’t require anesthesia. Experts can do it to the body and face. A process in which low heat uses, the fat cells begin to die.
All techniques are minimally invasive, requiring several tiny incisions to insert the appropriate cannula.
How is the liposuction procedure performed?
Like any operation, this procedure requires preparation and organization of the healing process. Keep these steps in mind when planning the time and cost of your aesthetic intervention. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the size of the treated area, the amount of fat removed, the type of anesthesia used, and the body contouring techniques chosen. Follow the liposuction procedure steps:
- Preparation
As we mentioned in detail above, it includes preliminary consultation with the surgeon, undergoing necessary tests, early refusal of certain medications (as agreed with the doctor), exclusion of alcohol and nicotine a few days before the procedure, and fasting on the day of surgery.
- Anesthesia
Depending on the liposuction type and the intervention volume, the operation will take from half an hour to several hours. It can take place under local anesthesia or general anesthesia; after the procedure, the patient needs to rest and, in some cases, bed rest and observation in the hospital.
- Incision
First, the surgeon marks the incision sites with a marker. Then, to reduce bleeding and trauma, the doctor injects anesthetic fluid into the area to be treated. The doctor makes inconspicuous incisions smaller than one cm in the place where the doctor will remove the fat.
- Process
The specialist inserts a small cannula through the incision. So the doctor pumps out the fat. The technique the surgeon will use again depends on the area to be treated by the surgeon. Therefore, it is determined individually. The specialist then closes small sections of the incisions with absorbable stitches. For best results, the doctor recommends wearing special corrective underwear or a mask (liposuction on the face or neck). Depending on the area to be treated, you will ask to comply with some restrictions in your physical and work activities a few weeks after the operation.
What to consider after the liposuction procedure?
On the first day, if necessary, you will be in the hospital under the supervision of your health personnel to urgently eliminate the complications. You will be under medical care for 24 hours after the liposuction. The hospital arranges your meals.
Patients may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the first days after the liposuction. It would be best if you prepared that bruises under gravity can fall on the legs and lower abdomen. It is necessary to wear corrective underwear, which contributes to the formation of a beautiful silhouette and tightens the skin. The recovery period takes about one month. For the rehabilitation to pass without complications, you need to follow the recommendations:
- Refuse to visit the hammam, sauna, solarium, and swimming pool.
- Limit your physical activities.
- Compliance with compression underwear-wearing mode.
- Don’t drink alcohol or smoke.
The definitive list of recommendations is compiled by the surgeon individually. You must strictly follow it to ensure the maximum efficiency of the operation. After the process, you can evaluate the final effect after three months, when the skin tightens, and the tissues completely heal.
What is the recovery process after liposuction?
The doctor will usually treat you as an outpatient, except for fat volumes exceeding five liters or other simultaneous surgeries that require more careful post-operative monitoring. Follow the recovery phase after liposuction:
- Wear compression underwear day and night for 4-6 weeks.
- Take your anticoagulants (prescribed by your doctor) 10-15 days after the operation.
- The doctor doesn’t need to remove your stitches because the stitches are generally absorbable.
- Wait a while for physical activity to resume after liposuction. This process usually takes 1-1.5 months.
- You should be patient for 1 to 15 days for your professional activities to start again.
- You need about 5-6 months to evaluate your post-procedure results and see the lasting effect.
- The recovery process after the procedure may vary depending on your body structure and the size of the operation performed by the doctor.
- You will be able to return to your normal daily activities when swelling and bruises begin to subside. However, it would be best if you avoided heavy lifting or intense exercise for several weeks to allow your body to recover fully.
- Your doctor will give specific instructions on how to care for the incision sites and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
- Over the next few weeks, the treated areas will continue to heal, and the swelling will gradually subside. You will begin to see the final results of liposuction. You can return to your regular exercise routine and other activities.
- To get the best possible results from the liposuction procedure, carefully follow your doctor’s instructions during the recovery period.
How long after liposuction will you see the final result?
It may take several weeks and sometimes months to see the liposuction results. The time it takes to see the final result depends on several factors, including the amount of fat the surgeon removed and your healing process. In general, it is essential to be patient and follow your doctor’s instructions during recovery for the best possible results.
If you continue to exercise and diet regularly, you can maintain your new silhouettes for years. This process will not make you lose weight. It only removes localized fat cells (locked fat) resistant to diet and exercise. By choosing one of the methods of the procedure on most areas of your body, you can achieve an excellent effect. Experts can also perform this procedure on the neck to lift the jowl or on the face (mainly the cheeks) to emphasize the oval of the face.
How much does liposuction cost?
Liposuction cost varies depending on the length of stay in the hospital, anesthesia services, related examinations by the doctor, compression garments, tests, etc. At the same time, some clinics offer discounts for simultaneous liposuction in several areas or when combined with other types of aesthetic effects.
This procedure may seem expensive. But many people with non-standard figures have to pay impressive sums for classes and consultations in gyms to sew clothes and remove capricious fat deposits to gain individual patterns.
Moreover, men and women who are dissatisfied with their appearance spend money on exotic hobbies, cosmetics, and the services of psychologists just to distract themselves from the experiences in the mirror. However, the transformation of the appearance obtained by medical means can turn into tangible positive changes in various areas, from family to professional activity.
In which countries is the cheapest liposuction procedure performed?
Traveling to different countries for some plastic surgeries, such as this procedure, can provide more affordable prices and better results. However, there are some points to consider when planning such a trip. First, you should ensure that the doctor and clinic you choose are experienced and reliable. You should also research the health system of the country you will be traveling to and the quality of medical services.
When you decide to travel for a surgery like this procedure, you should plan all the details properly by communicating with your doctor and clinic. Thus, your surgery and recovery process will be safer and more comfortable. Here are the liposuction costs by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $3600 to $20000 |
| Brazil | $2350 to $11000 |
| China | $3500 to $20000 |
| Japan | $3500 to $19000 |
| South Korea | $3200 to $17500 |
| India | $2150 to $9500 |
| Argentina | $2300 to $10500 |
| Mexico | $2750 to $14000 |
| Germany | $3250 to $13500 |
| Turkey | $1200 to $6000 |
| Colombia | $2400 to $15500 |
| Italy | $3200 to $12000 |
| France | $3150 to $14250 |
| Spain | $3100 to $17000 |
| Taiwan | $3000 to $12500 |
| Venezuela | $2600 to $11000 |
| United Kingdom | $3690 to $21500 |
| Netherlands | $3000 to $14000 |
| Egypt | $3000 to $9900 |
| Peru | $3100 to $11500 |
| AVERAGE COST | $1200 to $21500 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
https://www.plasticsurgery.theclinics.com/article/S0094-1298(05)00108-2/abstract
https://www.obgyn.theclinics.com/article/S0889-8545(10)00088-4/abstract
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/3-540-28043-X.pdf
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/193460
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/1999/10000/
https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0039-1700473
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
