Liposuction Surgery in Delhi, India

Liposuction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It is performed under general anaesthesia and involves the use of a cannula (a hollow tube) to suction out fat. It is commonly performed on the abdomen, arms, hips, and thighs, but it can be done on any area of the body where fat is resistant to diet and exercise.

Types of Liposuction Surgery

Some different types of liposuction include:

• Tumescent Liposuction: Is the most common type. In this procedure, the area to be treated is infused with a solution of saline, painkillers, and epinephrine to help reduce bleeding and swelling.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): It uses ultrasound energy to break up fat, making it easier to suction out.
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a motorised cannula to help the surgeon remove fat more efficiently.

Why Do You Need Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction surgery can help:

• To remove stubborn fat deposits that won't respond to diet and exercise.
• To contour the body and achieve a slimmer, more toned appearance.
• To improve the appearance of cellulite.
• To remove excess skin and improve skin tone after significant weight loss.
• To correct asymmetrical or disproportionate body areas.

What are the Benefits of Liposuction Surgery?

Benefits of liposuction include:

• Allows for quick and effective removal of fat from targeted areas, which is hard to remove even after diet & exercise.
• Helps contour the body and achieve a slimmer, more toned appearance.
• The incisions are small and well-hidden, minimising scarring.
• A short recovery period, with most patients returning to work within a few days.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction Surgery?

Candidates for liposuction surgery are:

• Healthy Adults: The surgery is typically performed on healthy adults.
• Those with Stable Body Weight: The ideal candidate should have a stable body weight and be at or near their ideal body weight.
• Non-smokers: Smoking can affect healing after surgery, so it is important to quit smoking before and after undergoing the surgery.
• Those with Good Skin Elasticity: Good skin elasticity is important for a successful treatment outcome as it helps the skin to reshape around the newly contoured area.
• Those with Realistic Expectations: It is necessary to have realistic expectations about the results and understand that it is not a weight loss solution.

How to Prepare for Liposuction Surgery?

Here are some steps you can take to prepare for liposuction surgery:

• Stop smoking: If you smoke, you need to quit for at least two weeks before the procedure and for two weeks after the procedure. Smoking slows healing and increases the chances of complications, which is why quitting is essential.
• Avoid certain medications: You may be advised to avoid medications like aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements, as they increase the chances of bleeding during the procedure.
• Get medical clearance: Your surgeon will perform a medical evaluation to ensure candidature. If you have any underlying medical conditions, your surgeon may advise you to take certain precautions or delay the procedure.
• Discuss goals and expectations: Before the procedure, you should clearly understand what you want to achieve with the surgery and what the procedure entails. Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more information about the procedure and help you set realistic expectations.

How is the Liposuction Procedure Performed?

Here are the main steps involved in a typical liposuction surgery:

• Anaesthesia: The first step is to administer the anaesthesia, which makes individuals feel relaxed and drowsy.
• Making incisions: The surgeon will make small incisions, usually less than 1 cm long, in the areas where fat is to be removed.
• Inserting the cannula: The surgeon inserts the cannula, through the incisions and into the fat layers. The cannula then suctions out the excess fat.
• Removing the fat: The fat is suctioned through the cannula using a high-pressure vacuum. This process is repeated several times until the desired amount of fat has been removed.
• Closing the incisions: Once the fat is removed, the incisions are closed using sutures, surgical tape and skin adhesives.
• Wrapping the area: The surgeon may wrap the treated area in a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support the skin as it heals.

The entire surgery usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. 

What are the Risks or Complications of Liposuction Surgery?

Some common complications of liposuction include:

• Infection: One of the most common risks of surgery is infection. This can occur if the incisions become infected or bacteria enter the body during the procedure.
• Hematoma: It is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels and can occur after the procedure. This can lead to swelling, pain, and an increased risk of infection.
• There may be residual contour deformity.
• Scarring: Scarring is a common complication, especially if the incisions are not cared for properly after the procedure.
• Fluid accumulation: Fluid accumulation, also known as seroma, can occur after liposuction cosmetic surgery. This is a result of fluid buildup in the area where fat has been removed.
• Skin necrosis: Skin necrosis is a rare but serious complication in which the skin dies due to poor blood flow.

What is the Recovery Process for Liposuction Surgery?

The recovery process varies from person to person but typically takes about two to three weeks. During this time, follow the surgeon's instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Some of the steps involved in the recovery process include

• Pain management: After the procedure, patients may experience pain and discomfort in the affected area. Medications are prescribed to help manage discomfort.
• Swelling and bruising: These are common and can last for several weeks. Swelling can be reduced by elevating the affected area and wearing a compression garment.
• Wound care: It is important to care for the incisions properly after the surgery to minimise the risk of infection and scarring. The surgeon will provide instructions for proper wound care.
• Rest: You will need to take it easy for several days after the procedure, as the body needs time to heal. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least two weeks after the procedure.
• Follow-up appointments: The surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor progress and ensure recovery is progressing as expected.

Results

The result can vary depending on the individual and the amount of fat removed. Generally, most patients see a noticeable improvement in the contour of the affected area, with a smoother and more sculpted appearance. The results are typically long-lasting, as long as one maintains a healthy diet and exercise routine.

It is important to keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss solution and is only intended to remove small amounts of fat. If you have significant amounts of excess weight, it is best to discuss alternative weight loss options with your surgeon.

FAQ

How painful is liposuction cosmetic surgery?

Pain during and after the surgery varies for each individual, but the procedure itself is typically performed under general anaesthesia, reducing pain during the surgery. After the procedure, there may be discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but these side effects usually subside within a few days.

Is liposuction covered By Health Insurance?

It is considered a cosmetic procedure and is generally not covered by health insurance. Please check with your insurance provider.

Is liposuction serious surgery?

Yes, liposuction is considered a serious surgery. It is a major procedure that involves removing fat from the body using suction, and it requires anaesthesia, incisions, and recovery time.

How much weight can one expect to lose with liposuction treatment?

The amount of weight loss achieved through liposuction varies, but typically, people can expect to lose a few pounds. The procedure targets specific areas of the body, and it is not intended for significant weight loss. For significant weight loss, it's better to see a bariatric surgeon. This is not a weight loss regime but a contour effect on the stubborn fat that has been hard to remove despite conservative treatments like diet and exercise.

Does the fat come back after liposuction?

There is a possibility that some fat can come back if the individual does not maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. It is not a solution for obesity or long-term weight loss; maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the procedure is necessary to keep results looking their best.

What are the negative side effects of liposuction surgery?

Negative side effects may include swelling, bruising, discomfort, infection, asymmetry, scarring, and changes in skin sensation. It is important to discuss potential side effects and risks with a qualified plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

Is liposuction safer than a tummy tuck?

Liposuction and tummy tucks both have their own risks and benefits. The best option depends on the needs and goals of the individual. Liposuction is considered less invasive than a tummy tuck, but a tummy tuck is often recommended for individuals with loose skin or a significant amount of excess skin.

Can you have a baby after liposuction?

There is no evidence that liposuction affects a person's ability to have a baby. Still, it is important to wait until the body has fully recovered from the procedure before attempting to become pregnant.

What is the cost of liposuction treatment?

The cost varies depending on several factors, like the extent of the procedure, the location of the clinic, the surgeon's experience, and the type of liposuction used.

Review 

Reviewed By Dr Soumya Khanna- Senior Consultant Aesthetic And Reconstructive Surgery on 01 Aug 2024.