Liposuction procedures are a very popular form of cosmetic surgery, which are used to remove fat from different areas of the body. These treatments help men and women get rid of hard to shift fat deposits and are known as body contouring surgery.
What is Liposuction?
One form of cosmetic surgery, which has been around since the 1970s and is increasing in popularity, is liposuction. Through conventional liposuction, a high-pressured suction device helps rid the body of fat cells, causing the skin to shrink and leaving the body re-sculpted. Liposuction is normally carried out under general anaesthetic, except when only a very small area is required to be treated.
Different Types of Liposuction Procedures
In addition to conventional liposuction, there are three other different types of liposuction procedures, which include, tumescent liposuction, large-volume liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction. In The Cosmetic Surgery Companion, Mariconda (2010) highlights that while tumescent liposuction uses large volumes of saline to help break up an extract fat deposits, large-volume liposuction involves at least five areas of the body being treated in a single operation, where over five litres of fluid and fat are removed.
Another form of liposuction, known as ultrasonic liposuction, makes use of sound-wave vibrations. According to Mariconda (2010), this approach may be performed as non-invasive or laser liposuction. Laser lipo does not require stitching and is carried out without using vacuum suction.
Potential Benefits of Liposuction Surgery
There are many different reasons as to why men and women choose to have liposuction surgery, with most opting for this form of cosmetic enhancement, in order to improve the way they look and feel about their bodies. Mariconda (2010) identifies key potential benefits associated with different liposuction procedures, to include the following:
- permanently removes portion of fat cells
- patients tend not to regain weight in treated area
- helps get rid of fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise
- leaves newly contoured body
- results in a slimmer, re-sculpted body
- large-volume liposuction helps take many inches off the waist
- laser lipo achieves smoother contour without invasive surgery
Potential Health Risks of Conventional Liposuction - Is Lipo Dangerous?
Having looked at the benefits and possible advantages of choosing to undergo liposuction, it is important to recognise the potential health risks, before opting for this type of cosmetic surgery. As with all forms of surgery, general anaesthesia is always a risk and thus the decision to go under the knife should not be taken lightly. According to Mariconda (2010), key potential health risks associated with conventional liposuction surgery, include as follows:
- bruising
- swelling
- discomfort
- infection
- numbness - temporary or permanent
- blood clots - potentially fatal
- allergic reaction to medication or anaesthesia
- scarring
- excessive fluid loss - potentially fatal
- nerve damage
- damage to vital organs
As highlighted above, liposuction is a very popular form of cosmetic surgery, which is used to get rid of fat cells and sculpts or recontours the body. Before opting to undergo liposuction, it is important to consider the different types of liposuction treatments available and weigh up the potential benefits against the possible health risks associated with such procedures.
Source:
Mariconda, A. (2010) The Cosmetic Surgery Companion London: Apple Press
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Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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