Liposuction is an attempt to remove unwanted fat from the body. Fat can be removed from the abdomen, hips, calves, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck using a vacuum aspirator and special cannulas. Liposuction is an intervention that must be done by plastic surgeons. Undesirable complications may develop in inexperienced hands and these are extremely difficult to correct. In the definition of the technique, expressions such as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy” were used in the past. First of all, it should be tried to lose weight naturally with diet and exercise, if the fat mass in certain areas cannot be melted, liposuction should be performed.
Patients eligible for the technique
First of all, the patient should have realistic expectations. Liposuction can correct body contours and increase self-confidence, but it can never create a completely ideal body. Ideal patients for this technique application; Patients with normal body weight, firm and elastic skin structure, but with excessive fat masses in certain body regions. Although age is not very important, skin elasticity decreases with aging and the indication for liposuction decreases. Recovery is earlier in young skin after the application. If the skin is excessive and its elasticity is reduced, lipectomy (removal of fat and excess skin together) comes to the fore instead of liposuction.
Anesthesia
Liposuction is performed under local anesthesia (only numbing the area) in small areas, and under general anesthesia in larger and more than one area. There are more than one technique under the name of liposuction. The plastic surgeon chooses the appropriate technique for the patient and makes necessary explanations. The fat obtained in liposuction can be used for fat injection in other body areas of the patient (lips, cheeks, etc.) if necessary.
Marks
In liposuction, the operation scars are limited only to the cannula entry holes (5-6 mm in length) and a maximum of 2 holes are made for each area. These holes are then closed with sutures.
Post-operative
Immediately after liposuction, special printed clothes (like tights) are applied to ensure that the areas where the fat mass is emptied are reunited with the skin as soon as possible and the gap is filled. There may be minimal pain, burning, bruising and swelling after the intervention. Necessary treatments are performed for these ailments and the patient has a good postoperative period. After the intervention, patients can return to their normal daily activities within 4-5 days. However, for intense activities (running, tennis, aerobics, etc.), it is necessary to wait for the swelling to subside and the tissues to settle (for a period of 3-6 weeks). The shape of the body contours takes its final form after this edema (swelling) passes.
