Liposuction appeases the eye, by attaining a proper contour, balance that is proportionate to the body and is aesthetically pleasing. It is a type of cosmetic surgery that uses the skill of a cosmetic surgeon to chisel or to sculpt any part of the body, thus achieving desirous results (1).
Liposuction surgery aims at removing the extra fat (adipose tissue) to give a better shape to the body. Liposuction is not limited to just a fat removal procedure, but also lends an expert hand to attain patient redefine his shape as per his or her liking.
Indications- Everyone is desirous of a perfect body with proportionate contours. People with excess fat deposit on certain areas of the body like hips, thighs or abdomen that is refractory to diet or exercises. Liposuction proves apt for reducing fat deposits in localized places , thus regaining the natural contour of the body (1). The ideal candidates for liposuction are adults within 30% of their optimum weight who have a relative firm, elastic skin and optimum muscle tone. Intraoperative and postoperative complications are associated with pre-existing morbid health conditions. An optimistic mental state helps attain carry out goals in a realistic manner.
Liposuction is not a solution for weight loss neither is a treatment for sagging of the skin.
Types of liposuction-
a. Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction or Vaser – the sonic energy emulsifies the fat which is then sucked through a conventional suction tube, however this technique requires a larger incision.
c. Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) it is considered in excess fat removal in less time
d. High Definition
e. Suction Assisted Liposuction (SAL) – it is the most commonly done liposuction.
f. Tumescent Liposuction similar to SAL, however it utilizes higher amounts of anaesthetic fluid
g. Laser-Assisted Liposuction or SmartLipo- it incorporates the heat released from a laser to melt the adipose tissue, tighten the skin and coagulate the blood vessels. There is a risk of thermal injury (2).
Complications of liposuction – liposuction is the most widely performed surgery and if fundamental principles are considered the risks can be reduced to the bare minimum. Since the invention of liposuction various methodologies have been incorporated to make it more effective and safe. However, there are certain transient complications that needs to be mentioned –
Following liposuction, some amount of swelling or edema is expected as a part of normal response of the soft tissues towards surgical trauma. This can be tackled by immediate use of a compression garment to be used for 4 to 6 weeks after which it resolves completely (3).
Seromas – swelling can occur due to collection of serous fluid in a liposuctioned area as a result of massive tissue damage. Asymmetry, surface irregularity, over correction or under correction of the fat tissue can occur.
Haematomas – it can be prevented to considerable extent by doing a prior thorough work up consisting of complete blood count with platelets, liver function tests and coagulation profile.
Infection – the incidence of infection post liposuction is extremely rare, and if at all, are mostly related to uncontrolled diabetes (3).
Resources –
https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedure-learning-center/body/liposuction-guide/
https://www.77plasticsurgery.com/blog/which-type-of-liposuction-is-best-for-you
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901919/