![Liposuction or Lipoplasty]()
Liposuction or Lipoplasty
Sometimes the body has fatty deposits that do not respond to the more traditional weight loss methods such as dieting and exercise. While the patient may be a normal weight, there can be fatty deposits in places that are unsightly or in unflattering places such as thighs, buttocks and abdomen. It is these fatty deposits that liposuction, or lipoplasty, target.
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There are various techniques that used in liposuction, though there are three that are more common than others:
The traditional method for liposuction involves the surgeon making small incisions close to the fatty deposits that are being targeted. A hollow needle is then inserted into the incisions and the fatty deposits are vacuumed out.
If the surgeon uses the “tumescent technique” then the fatty deposits are infused with a saline solution with a local anaesthetic in order to minimise post procedural swelling and bruising. The procedure then follows the same method as for traditional liposuction.
With the development of Ultra-sonic Assisted Lipoplasty, a special device called a cannula produces ultra-sonic energy in order to liquefy the fatty deposits and thus allow them to be vacuumed out with less difficulty.
Depending on how much is to be removed, these procedures are generally done on an outpatient basis. Of course there is an element of risk in any surgical procedure, however liposuction is fairly straight forward and assuming that the surgeon is qualified and competent, and operates in a hygienic and professional manner there are few risks. Liposuction does cause small scars as a result of the incisions.
It usually takes around three months for the swelling to completely subside and the benefits of the new body shape to be fully appreciated.