Liposuction is defined as the process of removing regionally settled fat that has resisted exercise or diet. Fat that occurs in stubborn areas such as the hips, buttocks, arms, chin, cheeks, neck, chest, abdomen, waist, back and ankles is eliminated with liposuction.
Today, there are many different liposuction techniques that have been applied for years. The most suitable one for the person should be applied among these techniques. The operation can be performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia can also be preferred for operations to be performed in small areas. It is very important to know that liposuction is not a solution for obesity and will not replace the need for exercise and healthy nutrition. It is not possible to eliminate cellulite with liposuction. The effects that occur after liposuction can be considered permanent unless there is a serious weight gain or loss after the surgery.
Why Should You Have Liposuction?
It is known that people who cannot get rid of regionally settled stubborn fat despite continuing their exercise practices, dieting and healthy nutrition are the most suitable candidates for liposuction. Fat accumulations in certain areas of your body can also be hereditary. Liposuction can also be applied to eliminate these hereditary fat accumulations.
People who are considering liposuction should ideally be over the age of 18. In this way, people can have more mature and realistic expectations regarding their goals. In addition, the possible results of the surgery can be better in people over the age of 18. Age is not a factor that seriously affects the operation, but it is known that increasing age slightly reduces the benefits of liposuction.
Who is Suitable for the Operation?
People who have not been able to lose weight despite dieting and exercising several times, People with disproportionate general body mass index, People who have excessive fat masses in some parts of their body, People who do not plan to lose excessive weight (These people should definitely inform the specialist who will perform the operation about the diet or exercises they plan before the operation), People whose skin is sufficiently elastic
Liposuction is known for its high success rate in eliminating stubborn and regional fat as long as the post-operative instructions are followed. During liposuction, only a certain amount of fat can be removed from the treated area. Therefore, it is very important to state your expectations and find out whether it is possible for you to have the ‘ideal’ body image in your mind.
Before the Operation
Determining your expectations from the surgery, Whether the medications, vitamins, herbal supplements being used will have any effect during the liposuction operation, Whether the use of alcohol and tobacco will have any effect, Whether there is any effect if there is a previous surgery.
Before Deciding on the Operation;
It is very important to determine your goals for liposuction by consulting your surgeon. Before liposuction, you should be clear about the physical and psychological results you expect, as well as being informed about the procedure.
You should be ready to discuss your diet and exercise regimens, your general health, and any hereditary issues that underlie the formation of the fatty areas you want to eliminate.
There are many different liposuction techniques today. Among these techniques, the most appropriate technique for you will be selected by your surgeon according to the condition of the fatty area.
It is very important for the person to be informed about the liposuction recommended by the surgeon and to talk about this issue with the surgeon. As in all aesthetic operations, it should be known that the application of liposuction will have some effects on the person. It is necessary to consider the effects that these effects will have on health both today and in the longer term. In addition to all this, the person should also be informed about what they can do to maintain their new body shape.
Things to be Done by Your Surgeon:
Evaluation of your general health, Evaluate any health conditions, Examine regional fat masses and determine the areas to be treated, Discuss the possible results of the surgery, Evaluate possible complications that may occur with liposuction and inform the patient about these complications, Inform the patient about the type of anesthesia used and its effects
Things to Do Before the Operation:
Determine whether certain medications are needed, How do I best prepare for the operation?, Will I need any procedures after the operation?, What results can I expect after the operation?, What side effects or complications can occur after liposuction?, Will I have any discomfort after liposuction?, How will the treated area look in terms of swelling and puffiness after the operation?, Are there any activities or situations that I should avoid during the recovery process?, When can I resume my normal exercise routine following the operation?, What other aesthetic procedures can I consider in conjunction with liposuction?, What instructions should I follow after the operation?
What to Expect After the Operation
Depending on the type of technique used in the operation and the structure of the skin, bruising, swelling and pain may occur. In addition, your doctor may ask you to wear a corset and continue to wear it for 3-4 weeks. Many patients can go home on the day of the operation, but depending on the size of the area where the operation is performed, some patients may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days. Hospitalization may be deemed appropriate by the doctor to prevent the possibility of immediate complications such as fluid accumulation under the skin in the treated area, infection or excessive swelling and pain.
All dissolvable stitches are absorbed within 10 days. However, the patient should inform the doctor if they see that these stitches are embedded or removed from the skin. Using a support, pressure bandage or wearing supportive clothing for 6 weeks after the operation helps prevent swelling.
It may be useful to take light walks shortly after the operation to prevent the risk of thrombosis (blood clot). Although the results of maintenance liposuction are satisfactory when considered in the long term, it will take some time for your body to adjust to its new structure in the first period after the operation.
How is the Operation Performed?
Liposuction is performed by inserting a narrow tube (cannula) through small incisions in the skin. The incisions are small (0.5 cm) and the smallest possible scars are present in the selected area. The specialist performing the operation uses a vibration technique and breaks up the fat cells. The broken down fat cells are sucked out by a vacuum pump.
The liposuction operation takes 2 to 4 hours, but in some cases the operation may take longer depending on the size of the treated area. If the area is small, the operation can be performed under local anesthesia. In this case, the patient can be discharged on the same day. If the area is not small, the person may need to stay in the hospital for 1 or 2 days so that the effects of fluid loss can be monitored by healthcare personnel.
Recovery Process After the Operation
It is possible to say that the recovery process of liposuction surgery is fast. Most people can and do continue their normal and light routines within three days after the operation and even return to work in a week or less. However, people can start doing light exercises within 2 to 4 weeks. However, it should not be forgotten that changes can be seen in each individual in the post-operative process. For this reason, while some people experience swelling and bruising for up to 2 months, it is possible for some not to experience any discomfort.
The wounds that occur after the operation disappear over time. People should inform their doctors if they experience any problems with the wounds. It is recommended that you do not do any intense exercise for the first 2 months after the operation and continue your daily routine by only taking a light walk until the swelling completely disappears. Liposuction removes regional fat, not excess skin. Therefore, if any sagging occurs in the skin after liposuction, the person may need to undergo a different aesthetic operation such as a tummy tuck.