Is liposuction the best way to contour your body ?

There have been, and undoubtedly will be, many articles written on this theme. Here, we hope to give you an overview of liposuction, provide some facts and dispel some myths.

Liposuction Facts

Liposuction is not a method for losing weight. A preferable definition for this body surgery would be body contouring. Liposuction is more suitable for normal weight people who only need smaller, localized areas of excess fat removed.

Another condition for a successful liposuction is good skin elasticity. As our elasticity is reduced as we get older, the optimal age limit to perform liposuction is around 35-40 years. The decision to have liposuction above or below this age range is personal.

There are areas that are not recommended for liposuction. We call them forbidden areas; for example the lower half of the buttocks. Some areas are not strictly forbidden, although they are not recommended for liposuction. This is because of where they are located on the body, i.e. your back. Areas that are also not recommended for liposuction are places where there is an excess of skin.

Wearing bandage underwear after liposuction is natural. How long this will be required depends on the localization of the surgery, the amount of fat removed and skin quality. General information about liposuction abroad can be found here.

Liposuction instruments

There are several types of liposuction techniques depending on the instruments used. Today, there are a wide range of devices available; including liposuction cannulas of various shapes, lengths and diameters.

1. Classic liposuction – liposuction is performed through a vacuum pump, to which a cannula is connected with special tube
2. Vibration liposuction – the difference from this liposuction and classic liposuction is that the cannula is connected to a special vibrating device. It mainly helps the surgeon
3. UAL liposuction – UAL simply breaks up fat cells
4. Laser liposuction – laser liposuction is similar to UAL

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. The newest modern technique is not always the best solution. The results of liposuction always depends on the surgeon’s skills and experiences with the specific liposuction technique. Click here to learn more from liposuction Prague doctors.

The Liposuction Method

Liposuction is performed through either a so-called dry or wet (tumescent) method.

• Wet method – the fatty area that is to be removed is injected with a special solution that helps the fat to be removed easier.
• Dry method – the fatty area is not injected with any solution before the liposuction. Liposuction using the dry method is performed under general anesthesia

If a local anesthetic is added to the solution, the surgery may be performed as an out-patient procedure, without general anesthesia. It is always necessary to balance the dosage of a local anesthetic to prevent intoxication of the organism. Another risk during a large liposuction is a collapse due to the loss of a large amount of liquids. We therefore cautiously recommend performing liposuction as an out-patient procedure or to separate large liposuctions into several out-patient sessions In larger liposuctions, when we expect large amounts of fat to be removed, when we plan to suck in many places, or a combination of both, we recommend performing the procedure under general anesthesia using the wet technique. It is very simple to watch the patient’s reaction, to replace the loss of liquids with infusions and to moderate pain. A one day stay in hospital with approximately 2-4 days at home is sufficient after the surgery. Liposuction in a specific area of the abdomen is a more difficult procedure. This is where there are relatively strong  and sensitive nerves coming from the rectus abdominis muscle. It is essential to be aware that during liposuction under local anesthesia we do not suck only fat but also the local anesthetic. The patient can therefore feel strong or uncomfortable pain at the end of the surgery. Moreover, we pull on the above mentioned nerves through the cannula. These cannot be numbed, so the pain might be really very uncomfortable.

Anesthesia

• Local = smaller extent, less localizations = out-patient procedure = tumescent liposuction = greater extent, more localizations = out-patient procedure = more sessions = tumescent liposuction
• General = greater extent, more localizations = stay in hospital = dry method = wet method = tumescent liposuction = abdomen = stay in hospital = wet method = tumescent liposuction

Conclusion

From experiences that I have gained through years of performing liposuctions, I would like to touch on the topic of so-called “inflation” of removed fat. Many clients like the fact that several hundred milliliters or even a few liters of fat were removed. In reality, these numbers don’t matter, it’s the final effect that is the most important. Click here to see before and after photos of liposuction Prague.

Also one of the oldest rules in plastic surgery is still valid today; less often means more. It is better to remove the fat twice, than to suck too much the first time. Areas of the body with an insufficient amount of subcutaneous fat are almost always incapable of liposuction or only partially and imperfectly correctible.

Many clients like knowing that during liposuction under local anesthesia they are allowed to stand up. The surgeon and the patient can see where it is necessary to continue with liposuction and where it is not and if everything is symmetric. Such imagery is very effective. Liposuction can also be evaluated by touching, when we examine the amount of the fat layer between two fingers. Through such a method, we can set symmetry and also we don’t have to be afraid of a patient collapsing. Not every patient is able to keep their blood circulating on a sufficient level to maintain their blood pressure.

Finally, I recommend all potential liposuction patients seek out and trust only experienced, certified plastic surgeons. The consultation can help you in your decision making process, as can visits to several different offices. Liposuction may not be right for you, but another type of procedure may be recommended during the consultation.