Hey, you.
Yes … you!
Got a little jiggle when you wiggle?
We’re talking about that extra fat that always seems to stick around your midsection … or on your behind … or on your thighs.
First of all, if this is you … know that you’re not alone. In fact, recent results from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (CDC) revealed that roughly 49% of adults in the United States have attempted to lose excess fat in the last year. This essentially means that half of the country is on a diet!
The unfortunate truth is, however, many (or even most) of these individuals will never achieve their goals.
That’s not necessarily because they don't try or work hard enough, of course. Rather, the more usual culprit is the dreaded persistence of “vanity pounds.”
Vanity pounds are those last five or 10 pounds that always stick around, and you can't seem to get rid of them. No matter how much you diet or exercise, they are there — haunting you!
Whenever I hear someone talking about trying lose vanity pounds, I have one answer: liposuction.
How Liposuction Works
You’ve undoubtedly heard of liposuction, but do you know how it works?
Most people don't.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, but it's not one that’s likely to keep you off your feet for long or give you a lot of pain during recovery. Instead, liposuction is an extremely common, routine cosmetic procedure that simply removes excess fat that can't otherwise be lost through healthy diet and exercise.
The process works like this:
After meeting with your plastic surgeon and making an appointment for surgery, you'll go to the accredited surgical facility, meet with your surgeon, and go into the operating room. There, anesthesia will be administered, and the surgeon will begin by making small incisions near where you'd like fat to be taken out.
These are super tiny incisions that will hardly be noticeable later on after they've healed. Through these incisions, your surgeon will insert a device called a cannula. Cannulas are thin, hollow metal tubes connected to thin hoses.
Essentially, your surgeon inserts the cannula into the incisions, agitates the fat cells there, and sucks out the excess fat. Your incisions will then be sutured up, and you'll be taken to a recovery room. You can go home the same day in most cases.
What Types of Liposuction Are There?
There are different types of liposuction, but most liposuction procedures use the default type, which is called suction-assisted. Basically, this means that suction is the primary tool used to remove the fat.
There is also tumescent liposuction, which uses special chemical ingredients to help the fat become swollen before it is removed. This makes it easier to take out.
Ultrasound assisted liposuction is another type that is usually used where tougher fact exists.
And finally, there is laser-assisted liposuction. This process removes excess fat in the same way as the other types, but lasers are used in the first stages to help break down the fat before it is removed through the cannula.
Is Liposuction Safe?
All types of surgery carry certain risks with them. The same goes for liposuction. These risks include:
- Complications from anesthesia
- Damage to nerves
- Burns (usually only possible with ultrasound assisted lipo)
- Wounds to organs/puncture wounds
- Excess bleeding or hematomas
- Seroma (fluid leaking)
- Excess swelling (edema)
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Fat clots
When it comes to safety with liposuction, the most important thing to remember is to find a board-certified doctor with plenty of experience and a great track record.
Liposuction Side Effects to Be Aware Of
Certain side effects may be present with liposuction:
- Bumpy skin or indentations
- Wavy appearance on skin
- Irregular contours
- Asymmetries
- Numbness
- Bruising
- Swelling that won’t go away
Talk to your surgeon if you experience any of these symptoms. Some side effects may go away over time or could be a sign of something serious.
Liposuction Benefits You Can Look Forward To
Liposuction has a range of awesome benefits. Basically, the procedure can do more than just help you get rid of fat!
Here are some of the benefits associated with this procedure:
- Smoother skin: With less fat often comes smoother, better-contoured skin in the target areas.
- Lower overall weight: While liposuction is not a weight loss solution and should not be used for weight loss over approximately 10 pounds, it will, at the same time, generally lower your overall weight.
- A more proportionate body: Weight will be better distributed after liposuction.
- Increased self-confidence: You’ll feel better about your appearance, and that will translate to other areas of your life as well!
- Long-lasting results: As long as you watch your weight and continue to exercise and eat healthy, the results you get from liposuction should last for a long time.
Liposuction: Is It Right for Me?
The only ones who can say whether liposuction is right for you are you and your doctor. That’s why it’s so important to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation appointment before moving forward with this procedure.
With that said, most people qualify for liposuction, and most liposuction patients are exceedingly happy with their decision to get surgery and their results. As Dr. Ran Stark says, a Philadelphia plastic surgeon who specializes in liposuction states, “When a patient has maintained a consistent and healthy weight for some time, but still struggles with the irritation and embarrassment of excess stubborn fat deposits, liposuction can be a transformative solution.”
If you think liposuction might be right for you, talk to a plastic surgeon today about your options!
References
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db313.htm
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedure-liposuction#1
https://www.starkmdplasticsurgery.com/body/liposuction/