Liposuction is the second-most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States. Over 265,000 people get these surgery done every year.
Have you ever considered liposuction?
If so, read on to learn more about how it can affect your health and wellbeing. You’ll also discover the different types of liposuction so you can choose the right kind for your needs.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure. It removes fat from and contours specific areas of the body with the help of suction, ultrasound, or lasers.
The abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck are some of the most popular areas that people have worked on.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction isn’t recommended as a long-term weight-loss tactic. However, there are still plenty of benefits to getting this surgery, including the following:
Safe Fat Removal
For most people, liposuction is a very safe procedure with minimal side effects. The majority of patients are back on their feet and able to resume normal activities within a few days of having their surgery done.
Naturally, all surgeries come with some risks. However, liposuction is regarded as a safe option that yields great results. That’s why it’s one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the country.
Permanent Fat Cell Removal
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from specific areas of your body. This makes it harder for you to regain fat in that location.
Of course, you do still have the potential to gain fat in other areas, so you will need to continue to eat well and exercise. However, liposuction can produce longer-lasting results than some other procedures.
Get Closer to Your Ideal Weight
If you’re close to your goal weight but have a few stubborn pounds that just won’t go away, liposuction may be the answer.
Liposuction can help you shed some extra pounds and reach your ideal weight. This is especially true if you’re just a short way away from it and need a little push in the right direction.
Improved Appearance
Liposuction doesn’t just remove fat from problem areas. It also sculpts and contours them so that they look more defined. This results in a more toned appearance.
Improved Self-Esteem
When you look good, you feel good. If you could use a little boost in confidence and self-esteem, liposuction might be what you need.
It doesn’t matter if you’re getting ready to go on a beach vacation or just want your clothes to fit a little better. Liposuction can help.
Types of Liposuction Surgery
There are a few different types of liposuction surgery you might want to consider. The following are some of the most popular options:
Suction-Assisted Liposuction
Suction-assisted liposuction is the oldest and most well-known type of liposuction.
This type of liposuction involves making a series of small incisions over a specific area of the body. Then, a hollow needle (known as a cannula) gets inserted into the incisions to suck out the fat cells.
Suction-assisted liposuction is popular because it is the least expensive option. However, it also causes more bleeding and bruising than other types, and it takes longer for patients to see final results (3-6 months).
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is similar to suction-assisted liposuction. The main difference is that two substances, lidocaine and epinephrine, are also used to swell the fat. This makes it easier for the surgeon to identify and remove it.
Tumescent liposuction does not cause as much bleeding and bruising as suction-assisted liposuction. It also is not as expensive as some of the other options included on this list.
Like suction-assisted liposuction, though, this procedure also takes about 3-6 months before you see final results.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses high-frequency sound waves to large high amounts of energy in the tissues. This dissolves fat cells and makes it easier for the surgeon to remove them using suction.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is often recommended for areas with tougher fat. This includes male chests, the back, and the hip or saddlebag region.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is a good choice because it removes fibrous, stubborn fat more easily and quickly than other treatments. It can remove a larger volume of fat in a shorter period, too, and is less likely to cause bruising and bleeding.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Laser-assisted liposuction uses lasers to break down fat. It involves inserting a laser probe through the suction cannula. Anesthetic and epinephrine then get injected into the area to help control pain and bleeding.
Lasers are effective for liposuction because they break down fat very efficiently. This allows the surgeon to remove the fat as a liquid oil through the cannula. The body will also absorb any remaining liquified fat.
Laser-assisted liposuction is very precise and leaves the least amount of scarring. However, some people require painkillers longer after receiving this type of surgery compared to others.
How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon
No matter what kind of liposuction you choose, it’s important to find a surgeon you trust to perform the procedure. If you’re not sure how to find a credible plastic surgeon, be sure to look for the following:
- Board-certification
- Relevant experience
- Promising before and after photos
- Accredited operating center
- Positive reviews from past patients
Consider the surgeon’s demeanor, too. Pay attention to how they communicate and how they make you feel during your initial consultation.
Do they put you at ease and answer your questions in a respectful way, or are they brusque and difficult to work with? You deserve to feel comfortable during all stages of your procedure, so trust your gut if something seems off.
Is Liposuction Right for You?
Do you think liposuction will help you achieve your optimal health and wellness goals? If so, keep the information discussed above in mind so you can choose between different types of liposuction surgery and find the right plastic surgeon for you.
To learn more about body rejuvenation and weight loss, check out some of the other health and fitness-related articles on our site today. We’ve got lots of resources that can help you accomplish your goals and feel your best.
