Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #64

feature
Liposuction has replaced breast augmentation as
most popular surgical procedure in 2013, according
to recent statistics from the American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which usually reflects similar
trends seen here in Australia.
The benefits of fat removal can be enormous, and
liposuction is among the cosmetic surgery procedures
with the highest rate of patient satisfaction. Many patients
experience an immediate improvement in their self-esteem
and overall confidence.
There have been many advances in liposuction
procedures over the past few decades, and particularly the
past few years, making it one of the most predictable and
popular body contouring surgeries in the world.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove deposits
of subcutaneous fat from specific areas of the body such as
the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, knees, upper arms,
neck and chin.
The basic liposuction procedure involves the insertion of
a small tube-like instrument, called a cannula, into the layer
of subcutaneous fat via tiny incisions made by the surgeon.
The cannula is commonly connected to a clear plastic
hose which leads to a suction source that breaks up and
vacuums away the targeted fat deposits beneath the skin.
There are two main layers of subcutaneous fat:
superficial and deep. Liposuction is primarily focused on the
deeper layer of fat, since suctioning is thought to be safer
and easier there. Suctioning in the superficial layer allows
the surgeon to achieve subtle benefits in the procedure
but, because of its proximity to blood vessels and nerve
endings, it can increase the risk of contour irregularities
and injury to the skin. Some surgeons believe superficial
liposuction enhances skin retraction.
Although the cannula is designed to slide through fat
tissue and cause minimum damage to blood vessels and
nerves, some may be injured during the procedure. In some
cases, liposuction is performed alone, in other cases it is
used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift,
breast reduction or a tummy tuck.
Liposuction and weight loss
Liposuction is not a way of losing weight. However, it may
be a viable option for men and women who want to reduce
bulges of fat that have resisted dieting and exercise. The
ideal liposuction candidate is at or near their ideal weight,
with good skin elasticity, and is seeking reduction of dietresistant
localised pockets of fat. Common sites include the
hips, outer thighs, abdomen, lower back, knees and neck.
Overweight individuals can benefit if they are in the
process of exercising and losing weight. However,
liposuction is not a cure for obesity. Candidates must have
realistic expectations of what liposuction can and cannot
do for them.
If a person has loose skin, liposuction can actually make
it worse. If this is the case, a body lift procedure may be
required to remove excess skin and help the skin conform
to the body’s new contours.
Liposuction surgery has
one of the highest patient
satisfaction rates
It should also be noted that liposuction does not improve
cellulite (the dimpled appearance of the skin of commonly
seen on the buttocks and thighs) or stretch marks (caused
by pregnancy or rapid weight gain) as these appearance
concerns are not related to fat accumulation beneath
the skin.
Both men and women can achieve an improved and
more contoured body shape through liposuction. The most
commonly treated areas in women are the outer thighs and
abdomen, and the most commonly treated areas in men
are the abdomen and the flanks, or ‘love handles’. Some
men have excess fatty tissue in and around the breast, or
gynaecomastia, which can also be removed. A specific
area treated by liposuction is less likely to increase to its
former size because it has fewer fat cells.
The liposuction procedure
Various types of anaesthesia can be used for liposuction,
depending on the surgeon’s and patient’s preference and
the extent of the procedure. If only a small amount of fat
and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction
can be performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs
only the affected areas. Local anaesthetic is usually used
in conjunction with intravenous sedation to help relax the
patient during the procedure. Some surgeons will only use
general anaesthesia, particularly if a large volume of fat is
being removed.
Generally, the surgeon makes tiny incisions in the areas
to be suctioned and a cannula is inserted. Using the
cannula, the surgeon moves in a specific pattern through
the fat layer to break up fat cells, which are then vacuumed
or suctioned out. The overlying skin remains attached to
the connective tissue and underlying muscles of the skin
during the operation. A thin blanket of fat is left under the
skin to help prevent rippling or bumpy skin occurring after
the liposuction is over.
www.cosbeauty.com.au 113