Introduction: Liposuction Definition
Liposuction definition is derived from the word derivates of “lipo” and “suction”. Lipo is derived from the Greek word “lipos” which means fat. Suction is defined as the creation of a vacuum that is created by administering negative pressure. When placed together, liposuction defines the act of removing fat using vacuum-induced negative pressure. This negative pressure is created by a vacuum pump and administered to the soft tissues using a closed tubing connected to a hollow bore cannula that is placed into the human body to remove fat.
Liposuction Definition Overview
The liposuction definition is intuitive in that surgeons may remove fat by creating a vacuum of negative pressure. This negative pressure is then applied to the soft tissues through a hose that is connected to hollow cannulas. The hollow bore cannulas contain holes at the tip through which the fat is retrieved. Before suctioning the fat, the soft tissues are injected with a solution, called a tumescent solution.
The tumescent solution contains lidocaine, a numbing agent, and epinephrine, a constricting compound that closes off the small vessels in the soft tissues. The effect of injecting the tumescent solution is that patients can have less discomfort following liposuction and can expect less leakage of blood products. Limiting leakage of blood products provides not only a safety benefit by minimizing blood loss but also serves to minimize pain. Pain reduction is achieved because blood products activate sensory pain nerve endings; minimizing their leakage results in less discomfort.
Following injection of a tumescent solution, the fat is suctioned out as above. If patients undergo liposuction under general anesthesia, the volume of tumescent solution injected and removed is 1:1, called wet tumescent liposuction. This makes for a safer volume fluid balance as the fluid injected and removed are equal; this means that there is minimal fluid shift. When liposuction is performed under a local anesthetic solution, the volume of injection to removal is threefold, or 3:1 termed super wet tumescent liposuction.
Increased infiltration of tumescent solution serves to provide more lidocaine intended to provide pain control for patients who are awake during surgery. However, patients undergoing super wet liposuction techniques are more vulnerable to fluid shift concerns due to the fact that larger volumes are injected than the volumes removed.
Liposuction Definition: Everything You Need To Know
Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted fat deposits from certain parts of the body. During liposuction, a plastic surgeon will make small incisions and insert a thin tube called a cannula under the skin. The cannula is attached to a vacuum device that suctions out the fat cells, sculpting and contouring the treatment area.
Liposuction can be performed on various regions, including the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, neck, arms and more. It is not a weight loss solution but rather a body contouring procedure ideal for targeting stubborn pockets of fat.
Liposuction Definition: Benefits of Lipo
Some benefits of liposuction include:
- Improved body contours and proportion
- Clothing fits better
- Boosted confidence
- Contour areas resistant to diet and exercise
- Permanently remove fat cells in treated areas
- Minimal scarring when performed by an experienced surgeon
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but it can help reshape specific areas of the body that carry disproportionate fat. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures with over 250,000 procedures performed in 2020.
Liposuction Definition: Who is a Good Candidate?
Ideal liposuction candidates include:
- Those in overall good health
- People with good skin elasticity
- Non-smokers
- Individuals within 30% of their ideal body weight
- Adults with localized fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of their body
- Those who maintain realistic expectations for liposuction results
Liposuction is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions like heart disease, poor circulation, bleeding disorders, or those taking blood-thinning medications. Your plastic surgeon will help determine if you’re an appropriate candidate during a consultation.
Liposuction Definition: Types of Liposuction Techniques
To review Liposuction Definition, we must review the various liposuction techniques plastic surgeons may use:
Tumescent Liposuction
This is the most common type. The surgeon will inject a sterile solution of lidocaine and epinephrine into the fatty areas which helps minimize blood loss and discomfort. The cannula is then used to suction out the fat.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
This uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy the fat cells before they are removed. UAL may be helpful for treating dense, fibrous areas.
Laser Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
LAL uses low-energy waves to melt the fat before it’s suctioned out. This allows for more precise results.
Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
A cannula with a mechanized blade is used to remove fat quickly and smoothly with PAL.
The technique used will depend on the surgeon’s expertise and the needs of the patient. Many surgeons use a combination of techniques to achieve the desired aesthetic results.
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects
While serious complications are rare when liposuction is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, some risks include:
- Temporary swelling, bruising, numbness and soreness
- Permanent skin irregularities if the skin lacks elasticity
- Fluid imbalance if large volumes of fat are removed
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Contour irregularities
Proper patient selection and technique reduce the risks of side effects and lead to better liposuction results.
Recovery After Liposuction: What to Expect
Recovery time for liposuction varies by individual and the extent of treatment. Most people can return to non-strenuous work within a few days and resume normal activity after 2 weeks. Bruising and swelling may take 2-3 months to fully subside. Compression garments are worn during the recovery period to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
Results are not immediate – it takes about 3-6 months for the full effects to become visible as the swelling resolves and the body adjusts. As long as a patient maintains their weight, the fat cells removed during liposuction should not return.
Cost and Insurance Coverage for Liposuction
The average cost of liposuction ranges from $2,000 – $10,000 depending on the body area treated and number of sites. Liposuction is considered cosmetic so insurance typically does not cover the procedure fees. Some factors affecting the costs include:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Extent of treatment sites
- Anesthesia fees
- Hospital or facility costs
Many cosmetic surgeons offer financing plans to help patients budget for liposuction procedures.
Conclusion: Liposuction Definition
Liposuction can refine and enhance your figure when performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon. It excels at removing localized fat that is unresponsive to diet and exercise. Realistic expectations are necessary – liposuction complements a healthy lifestyle but does not replace the need for one.
Carefully assess your candidacy, evaluate potential risks and recovery times, and choose an accredited surgeon for the best liposuction outcome. Liposuction definition describes the tried-and-true body contouring procedure that can help you achieve the sleeker, more proportionate physique you want. We hope that you found this blog, Liposuction definition, insightful.
