Though
liposuction is considered the easiest and safest fat removal procedure, experts
say it is not as simple as the general notion
A large
number of women have started opting for liposuction after mistaking it as a
shortcut to weight loss surgery, but they are wrong. Liposuction is a body
contouring procedure and not a weight loss surgery. If not done by a certified
and well-skilled surgeon, it leads to excessive loss of blood and fluid, shock,
fat and blood clot and ultimately, death.
It is important
to understand that liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that removes fat from
sites like abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck and back of arms. When the fat is
removed, the body gets a good shape.
Bariatric surgery vs liposuction
Bariatric
surgery is aimed at weight loss. Liposuction is aimed at body contouring by
removal of excess pockets of stubborn fat not responding to dieting, exercises
or any other weight loss process. Liposuction helps shape up the body and there
is a limit which should not be transgressed. Dr V.K. Sri Nagesh, senior
consultant, plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, explains,
“Liposuction is done by qualified and well-trained plastic surgeons, and not by
dieticians, gym trainers or even doctors who are into counselling of weight
loss and fat loss methods. A number of beauticians use the word ‘non-surgical
liposuction’ which is wrong because there is no such procedure.”
Unfortunately,
in India, a lot of people get procedures done from unqualified people which
result in mishaps. Dr Nagesh explains, “Liposuction is a procedure where
surgery is the only method to deal with stubborn fat which is not being lost
despite alternate methods.”
Multiple
sittings required
In one
sitting, only 4 to 5 litres of fat can be sucked out depending on the areas of
stubborn fat and elasticity of the skin.
Liposuction
carried under general anaesthesia carries more risk than local anaesthesia. Dr
B. Sugunakar Reddy, senior plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals,
explains, “As only 4 to 5 litres of fat is suctioned safely in one sitting, the
loss is not more than 5 kg. There are many more sittings required and only
after that can the limit of 10 to 20 kg be met. A large weight loss in one
sitting is done only through bariatric surgery.”
Liposuction
is suggested for patients who have disharmonious obesity. A young girl having
bulging fat near the buttocks, bulging tummy while other parts of the body are
thin and a man with enlarged breast are examples of disproportionate fat.
Loins, arms, fat under the chin, enlarged breasts, buttocks and thighs are
areas which can be improved in shape when they accumulate more fat.
Dr Reddy
says, “Post liposuction, pressure garments are prescribed to reduce the
accumulation of blood in the operated part and to improve the retraction of
skin. It must be religiously used for 4 to 6 weeks. The final results are
usually seen six weeks after reduction of the operative oedema and elastic
retraction of the skin.”
Safest fat removal procedure
Liposuction
is a surgical procedure where excess fat under the skin is removed through tiny
cuts or punctures which are not very obvious. This procedure was started around
1920 and was popularised by a French plastic surgeon Dr Vyes-Gerard Illouz in
1982. Since then, liposuction is the most performed safest procedure when done
by properly trained plastic surgeons. Death is a very rare occurrence.
Things to remember
1. Before
opting for liposuction the doctors have to evaluate the patient accordingly
Health of
the patient — there must be no underlying disease or co-morbid condition.
Volume of
fat, skin folds.
Areas
involved and requirement to shape them properly.
2.
Patients must choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for this procedure.
3. Age of
the patient does not matter but it must be understood that a candidate for
liposuction is not a candidate for bariatric surgery.
4. The
patient’s BMI must be less than 35 and it must be seen whether body contouring
will help.
Dos and don’ts after operation
1. Use
elastic stockings prescribed by the doctor.
2.
Avoiding aspirin-related drugs (they may promote bleeding) and early ambulation
will reduce complications.
3. Follow
the diet chart, ensure timely food intake and avoid high calorie and junk food.
4. Go for
a light walk, but no running. Light activity at home can be done. Too much
strenuous activity can lead to blood accumulation. This must be strictly
followed for two weeks.
5. Use
elastic garments as prescribed to get the best results.
Kaniza Garari
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