The practice of Liposuction emerged and was popularized in the 1970's and 1980's as a method of effecting body re-shaping and fat loss, but what exactly is it? Under what conditions should you consider liposuction as an option? Most importantly, is it safe?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure where fat deposits are sucked out from under the skin by a small tube called a cannula, which is attached to a syringe or vacuum pump. The cannula is pushed through a small incision under the skin and into a fatty deposit. The cannula is then pushed and pulled through the layer of fat in order to loosen and break apart the fat cells. The freed fat cells are then sucked through a tube and out of the body using the suction power of either a syringe or a vacuum pump depending on both the extent of the deposit targeted and the surgeon's preference.
The size of the cannula used also varies depending on the extent of the operation. Larger cannulas are general used for full body procedures. Unfortunately, the larger the cannula, the greater the chance that the finish will not be as good. Larger cannulas sometimes result in dimpling of the skin's surface, and the amount of dimpling is generally down to the surgeon's experience and skill.
This procedure is generally used to best effect by people of correct weight for their height, and generally good physical fitness. It's meant to be a means of targeting specific areas of fatty deposits that are stubbornly resistant to diet and exercise, there by improving body shape. It is not meant to be an alternative to diet and exercise, except in the most extreme cases of obesity.
The risks associated with the procedure include the unbalancing of the body's chemical stasis by the removal of too much fat, as well as dangers and complications caused by prolonged exposure to anaesthesia. There is also the potential for disfiguring skin depressions or irregularities. If you are considering the procedure, please consult your doctor.
