Liposuction - What is it?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty (which means “fat modeling”), is a liposuction procedure which involves having unwanted excess fat removed from the body, thus “sculpting” the body to a desired “shape”. Many parts of the body can be affected and liposuction can be done on places such as thighs, abdomen, thighs, etc. Of course the best way of removing unwanted fat is a healthy diet and good exercise, but it is possible that some areas do not respond to this. This is when many people turn to liposuction. This does not mean liposuction is easy or risk free and you should know all the details before going ahead with the procedure.

The risk involved in liposuction procedure depends highly on the amount of fat removed. The usual amount is around 10 pounds/5kg. More than is risky, and stories of people having large amounts of fat removed are exaggerated. If too much fat is removed it can even have negative results such as “bumpiness” on the skin which may look like a terrible case of cellulite. Obviously if you are attempting to sculpt your body you would not want this as a result.

If you have decided to go ahead with this process, remember to be sure of all your facts. You should have clear communication with your doctor about everything that he is about to do to you (as per your requests) as well as your health matters. As with any other cosmetic surgery, your diet will have to be altered and things like smoking will have to be given up. Your doctor should be aware of habits such as smoking as it will affect your surgery.

Discuss your needs to your doctor, and your expectations. Be realistic about these as the doctor cannot perform miracles. Your doctor will also put your health first and cannot be expected to perform a surgery that may be harmful to you. Decide which procedure will be best for you and prepare yourself for it. To qualify for liposuction you should be generally healthy and at normal weight, but with some excess pockets of fat. Liposuction cannot be performed on obese people as this is a health risk. If you are obese and wish to undergo liposuction your surgeon will tell you to loose as much weight as possible first, before going ahead with the procedure. Once you are at a desirable weight your doctor will help sculpt your body to create a satisfying result.

Also see our page on Neck Liposuction and the liposuction procedure.