Liposuction
Liposuction, commonly called as lipo, is the process of removing fat from specific areas of the body. These areas can be the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or even the neck. It is a surgical procedure and uses suction technique to pull fat deposits from under the skin. Traditionally liposuction (or removal of fat cells) was done manually by the surgeon. But the most common methods currently in use are: power assisted liposuction, laser assisted liposuction and ultrasound assisted liposuction.
All types of liposuction follow the same basic steps. Fat deposits are broken apart and then removed from the body using cannulas (or vacuum tubes) to suction out the fat from under the skin. The method most surgeons recommend to eligible patients is the VASER liposuction which is the most advanced method of liposuction. VASER is the short form for vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance. It is an ultrasound assisted liposuction technique. It is an extremely precise method of fat removal while being gentle at the same time.
In this procedure, a saline solution or tumescent fluid mixed with an anesthetic is injected into the targeted area. Then, titanium ultrasound probes are inserted into the skin through one or more small incisions which are just a few millimeters in size. The ultrasonic technology in VASER is produced by a conversion of electric energy in sonic vibration waves through a handpiece. Such vibration moves the titanium probe in a constant frequency of 36 kHz. The fatty tissue gently starts to break apart, and then a cannula is inserted. The fat cells are then broken by moving the cannula back and forth using an attached syringe or vacuum pump which sucks out the fat. The cannula is then used to vacuum out the fatty tissue and most of the fluid through the same port. Some of the fluid will be left in the body to numb post-procedural pain and the body absorbs it over the following days after procedure. Therefore, once the patient is awake there is little or no pain near the area of the body which has been operated.
Visible results can be seen immediately after liposuction but appropriate time should be given for proper healing. Though liposuction permanently removes fat cells the amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited. Fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not grow back. But after liposuction, the patient needs to lead a healthy lifestyle, or some fat re-deposition may occur. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a weight loss method. Also, liposuction does not remove cellulite. Cellulite is an accumulation of fat under the skin that gives it a dimpled appearance. Contrary to what some people believe, liposuction cannot target fat from all over the body, nor will it be able to remove cellulite and stretch marks.
Liposuction is an aesthetic process to enhance the contour of the body. VASER method allows deeper fat removal and hence precise contouring of the body. It is safe and effective and has helped people achieve a better body shape and boost self-confidence.
