Liposuction might possibly be the most popular of all cosmetic procedures people seek out. There is, however, quite a bit of confusion over what exactly the process entails and what are the most realistic expectations to have about the surgery Liposuction can and will change your appearance. It would be very difficult for it not to, since fat is being directly removed from an area of the body. However, there are limitations to what liposuction can do.
What is Liposuction?
Understanding the pros and cons of liposuction starts with clearly understanding what the procedure entails. Liposuction can be best described as suction assisted form or fat removal. More accurately, liposuction is a means of reducing fat. There are quite a number of different liposuction methods available. Generally, the process follows the same basic approach. An incision is made in an area of the body and a suction device is used to suck out fat from the area around the incision.
The Effects on Appearance
Those wondering whether or not the surgery is right for them, will not only have questions about how the procedure is performed, they will wonder what the results will be. After all, the most common reason for the procedure is appearance.
The positive effects on appearance:
- Stubborn fat can be removed from very specific areas of the body. The human metabolism can work differently for different people. That means fat does not always disappear from the body in an even manner. Fat in the stomach may burn away from dieting, but large deposits may remain in the buttocks. Liposuction can target these stubborn areas and help sculpt a more symmetrical and even look.
- The results from liposuction are immediate. Once the fat is suctioned out, it is gone. Up to five pounds of fat can be removed in one liposuction session. This can dramatically change a person’s look overnight.
The negative effects on the appearance might not always be avoidable and include:
A lumpy, uneven look to the skin this would be the result of the fat underneath the skin being removed and the skin has not been able to shrink back gradually as would commonly be the case with dieting and exercise.
Discoloration and the outright death of the tissue could lead to changes in the look of the skin. Problems such as these might be the after-effects of an infection that sets in after the surgery.
Burn marks might manifest on the skin. This can be the case if laser or electrical liposuction procedures were performed.
Potential Health Issues
As is the case with any surgical procedure, there is always a chance for infections. Infections, if severe enough, can be life threatening. Most infections can be treated safely with antibiotics. Any questions about complications resulting from infections should be discussed in detail with the performing physician. The risk of infection often comes from the open incisions left for fluid to drain out.
The most common side effects and complications a person can suffer from would be swelling, numbness, and soreness. Usually, these problems go away after two weeks or less. It is common for the person who undergoes the procedure to wear special tight fitting garments. These garments contribute to the ease of healing.
Serious side effects could include bleeding or even toxic shock.
The best way to deal with or minimize the effects of complications would be to have the procedure performed by a reputable physician who is able to immediately respond to any complications the minute they manifest. Also, it is best to avoid combining liposuction with other procedures as the expectations of complications increase immensely when doing so.
Effectiveness of the Procedure
Upon undergoing liposuction, the look of the body can be radically changed. Depending on the current body fat level of a person, the end result could make a person quite leaner or even highly defined to the point a great deal of muscular definition is visible.
There are limitations to the effectiveness of this procedure. Namely, it is categorically not a way to achieve weight loss. Liposuction does not teach good eating habits or contribute to lifestyle changes. As a result, those who do not develop good eating habits or start a decent exercise program after having the procedure performed may gain the suctioned weight back.
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