Liposuction is an incredibly popular Procedure, with hundreds of thousands of people going under the knife every year in the United States alone. If you are considering Liposuction, you may think to yourself: What is the process like? What are the risks associated with liposuction?
Those are exactly the questions we’ll be covering in this article. Read on for all you need to know about liposuction.
What is the Process to Get Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure performed by a plastic surgeon in which body fat is removed using a suction device.
Liposuction is used to remove localized fat deposits in places like the abdomen, flanks, arms, and legs.
Liposuction can be performed under local or general anesthesia and a typical procedure can take 2-3 hours to complete.
Ok, but what does that mean for you? Below are the 3 steps in the process of getting liposuction.
Step 1: Screening
Liposuction is not for everyone. In the first step, you will need to have a virtual or in person meeting with your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will evaluate your case by speaking with you and reviewing your medical history.
There are a few common reasons why someone WOULDN’T be a good candidate for liposuction. For example, liposuction is not a good fit for patients with cardiovascular disease or clotting disorders like thrombophilia. Patients with prior abdominal procedures like c-sections, or scarring will typically be given a more in-depth evaluation to determine if they are eligible.
Another important screening for liposuction is the mental state and attitude of the patient. Like any cosmetic procedure, it is important for the patient to understand that the goal is improvement and not perfection.
Step 2: The Procedure Itself
Liposuction is an ambulatory surgery, meaning that you will typically not need to stay in a hospital overnight.
After you are under local or general anesthesia, a surgeon will use a cannula to remove localized fat deposits. incisions made for the surgery will be dressed, and your doctor will provide you with recovery instructions.
Step 3: Recovery
Liposuction is an invasive surgery, so you may experience swelling and discomfort for several days. Swelling will go away gradually over time as your body recovers.
Your doctor will provide you with some recovery instructions following your surgery that you will need to attend to. Some things they will go over with you include how to properly care for your incisions, what medications you should take for pain and to reduce the risk of infection, and when you should follow up with the clinic.
It is very important that you follow your recovery procedures to have a great result and to minimize your risk of complications.
Speaking of complications…
The Risks of Getting Liposuction
Surgeries involve an inherent risk of complications. Some of the risks specific to liposuction include:
Bruising
Bruising tends to peak around 3 days after a liposuction procedure due to broken capillaries (tiny blood vessels) and tends to go away after 2-4 weeks.
Changes in Sensation
Some patients experience numbness around the surgical site as a result of disturbances to the nerve fibers which extend through the fat layer to the surface of the skin. Sensation will return gradually over a few weeks.
Damage to Structures
Liposuction is a procedure which can potentially cause damage to structures including nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and organs.
Other risks include deep vein thrombosis, fluid accumulation, asymmetries, pigmentation changes, and persistent swelling.
Conclusion
There you have it! That should answer most of the questions surrounding the procedure and the associated risks. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Apollo Medical Travel. People considering liposuction also tend to get other procedures including breast augmentation, and arm lifts.
Liposuction may be your key to losing those stubborn fat deposits holding you back! Speak with your doctor, speak with a qualified surgeon, and live your life with greater confidence.
