Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical technique employed to eliminate excess and undesirable fat deposits, enhancing the overall appearance of the body and achieving smoother, more proportionate contours. This procedure is particularly effective in eliminating fat accumulations that remain unresponsive to dietary changes and physical activity.

Liposuction is alternatively referred to as lipoplasty or simply "lipo" and it is sometimes termed body contouring. It is a versatile procedure, suitable for contouring various body areas including the Chin, Neck, Cheeks, Upper Arms, Breasts, Abdomen, Buttocks, Hips, Thighs, Knees, Calves, and Ankles.

Its essential to acknowledge that liposuction is a surgical intervention accompanied by inherent risks and a potentially painful recovery period. Serious or exceptionally rare fatal complications can arise from this procedure, underscoring the importance of thoughtful consideration when contemplating this surgical option.

Why is Liposuction needed?

Liposuction can be treatment of choice for various purposes, including:

• Enhancing ones appearance for cosmetic reasons, such as addressing love handles, fat bulges, or irregular chin contours
• Improving sexual function by reducing excess fat deposits on the inner thighs, which can facilitate easier access to the vagina
• Body contouring for individuals who are concerned about fatty protrusions or irregularities that remain resistant to changes in diet and exercise
• Permanent body modification
• Sometimes, to reduce extra breast tissue in men (gynecomastia)

Before your Liposuction procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. Discuss thoroughly with your surgeon about expectations you have from the surgery. During this meeting, you can expect following:

• Evaluation of your skin type
• Determination of the most suitable liposuction option for your needs
• Discussion of the procedure's effectiveness and safety
• Setting realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure
• Review of the associated costs
• Thorough assessment of your complete medical history, including allergies and current medications
• Addressing any additional questions or concerns you may have

Your surgeon will advise you to discontinue the use of specific medications, such as blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for a minimum of one week before the surgery. Additionally, you may be required to undergo specific laboratory tests in preparation for the procedure including blood tests and urinalysis. These measures enable the healthcare provider to assess and mitigate any potential complications.

The choice of Liposuction technique depends on treatment goals, targeted body area, and past Liposuction history. Following are the steps involved in the procedure:

1. Before your procedure, the surgeon may delineate circles and lines on the targeted areas of your body for treatment. Additionally, photographs may be taken to enable a comparison of before-and-after images.
2. Some liposuction techniques employ local or regional anesthetics to numb specific body regions. In such cases, you may also receive a medication, typically administered via intravenous (IV) injection, to promote relaxation and calmness. Alternatively, certain procedures utilize general anesthetics to induce a state of anesthesia resembling sleep.
3. Throughout the procedure, the surgical team closely monitors your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.
4. If you experience pain during the procedure while under local anesthesia, its important to communicate this to your surgeon so that necessary adjustments can be made.
5. A suction apparatus, connected to a small stainless steel tool known as a cannula, will be introduced into the fatty regions located between your skin and muscle. Your surgeon will maneuver the cannula within your body to disintegrate or transform the fat into a liquid state.
6. Subsequently, any surplus fat will be extracted using a suction tube or a sizeable syringe.
7. Once the procedure is finished, your surgeon will seal the incision site using either dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches.
8. The duration of the procedure can vary and may extend to several hours, contingent upon the volume of fat to be removed.
9. Following the use of general anesthesia, you will regain consciousness in a recovery area.
10. Typically, you will spend a minimum of a few hours in the hospital or clinic for post-operative observation by the medical team.
11. In cases where a substantial amount of fluid has been extracted, an overnight stay may be necessary to ensure you are not dehydrated or experiencing shock due to fluid loss.

Just like any surgical procedure, Liposuction carries inherent risks. The risk of complications tends to increase when the surgeon works on larger body areas or performs multiple procedures in a single operation. It is advisable to have a discussion with the surgeon to understand how these risks may apply specifically to your situation. Risks specific to this procedure are:

• Contour Irregularities: The removal of fat may result in uneven skin texture, causing it to appear bumpy, wavy, or withered. These alterations can be attributed to irregular fat removal, reduced skin elasticity, and scarring, and they may become permanent.
• Fluid Buildup: Temporary fluid accumulations, referred to as seromas, may form beneath the skins surface, potentially necessitating drainage through a needle.
• Numbness: Temporary or persistent numbness in treated areas may occur, with possible irritation of nerves in the region.
• Infection: Although skin infections are infrequent, they are a possibility, and severe cases can be life-threatening.
• Internal Puncture: In rare instances, the slender tube used in surgery may penetrate too deeply, leading to the puncture of an internal organ, which may necessitate emergency surgical intervention to repair.
• Fat Embolism: Fragments of fat may dislodge and become trapped in blood vessels, potentially accumulating in the lungs or traveling to the brain. A fat embolism constitutes a medical emergency.
• Kidney and Heart Issues: Large-scale liposuction procedures can induce fluid shifts, which may result in potentially life-threatening kidney, heart, and lung complications.
• Lidocaine Toxicity: Lidocaine, a pain management medication often administered during liposuction, is generally safe but may, on rare occasions, lead to serious heart and central nervous system issues.

The need for a hospital stay after Liposuction depends on the procedure's location and extent. Liposuction can be performed in various settings, including an office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center, or a hospital.

Following the surgery, bandages and a compression garment are applied to exert pressure on the treated area, control any bleeding, and assist in maintaining the desired shape. These bandages should remain in place for a minimum of two weeks, and the compression garment may need to be worn for several weeks as well. It is essential to adhere to your surgeon's guidance regarding the duration of garment use.

In the post-operative period, you can expect swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort, all of which can be managed with medications. Stitches typically are removed within 5 to 10 days, and antibiotics may be prescribed as a preventive measure against infection.

Sensations like numbness, tingling, and pain may persist for several weeks following the surgery. To reduce the risk of blood clots in your legs, it's advisable to begin walking as soon as possible after the procedure. Engaging in more strenuous exercise should be avoided for approximately one month post-surgery.

You should begin to experience improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, and it's possible to return to work within a few days of the surgery. While bruising and swelling typically subside within 3 weeks, some residual swelling may persist for several months.

Your surgeon will likely maintain periodic contact to monitor your healing progress, and a follow-up appointment with the surgeon will be necessary.

The majority of individuals are satisfied with liposuction outcomes. For those who underwent an outpatient procedure, it's probable that you can resume work within a few days. You should anticipate feeling fully recovered and back to your usual self around two weeks post-surgery. However, it might take as long as six weeks before you can engage in your regular physical activities, such as exercising.

You will start noticing changes in your body shape within the initial few weeks, with more noticeable improvements occurring between 4 to 6 weeks post-surgery. By incorporating consistent exercise and a balanced diet, you can sustain your newly achieved physique.

As individuals age, their skin tends to experience a reduction in firmness. However, the effects of liposuction typically endure for an extended period, provided you manage your weight. If you happen to gain weight following the procedure, it can impact your fat distribution, potentially leading to an accumulation of fat around your abdomen, irrespective of the initially treated areas.

To achieve a lasting and successful improvement in body contour, it's crucial for patients to maintain realistic expectations from liposuction. There are four essential components for achieving long-term success in enhancing body shape, with the patient playing a role in the first three: engaging in regular exercise, adopting a healthy diet, making positive lifestyle adjustments, and undergoing effective body contouring.

A survey was conducted on a group of 600 patients who had undergone liposuction surgery between 1999 and 2003. The survey population was divided into two groups: weight-gainers and non-weight-gainers. The findings are quite positive! It turns out that whether patients gained weight or not, most of them were really happy with their procedure.

About 30% of those who gained weight and 48% of those who didn't gain weight were extremely pleased, while 43% of weight-gainers and 34% of non-weight-gainers were still quite satisfied.

Whats even more encouraging is that among those who gained weight, a significant 72% said they would go through the procedure again, and for those who didn't gain weight, a remarkable 82% would do it again. When asked if they would recommend the procedure to their family or friends, a whopping 90% of those who didn't gain weight said they would, and even among those who gained weight, a solid 74% would still recommend it.

The cost of Liposuction in India are quite affordable than in the Western nations, while still maintaining world-class quality. The approximate price of this surgery in India is $ 1,72,373($2,140). 

Following are the factors affecting cost of Liposuction in India:

• Out of pocket expense
• Health insurance coverage
• Consultation fees
• Pre-Surgical expenses
• Fat weight to be reduced
• Surgery cost
• Hospital fees
• Doctor fees
• Patients age
• Type of procedure
• Overall health status of the patients
• Complications involved after the surgery
• City where hospital is located

The cost for diagnostic tests and evaluations linked to liposuction can fluctuate due to several factors. These factors include the particular tests needed, your choice of healthcare facility or clinic, and your geographical location. These diagnostic evaluations may include pre-operative assessments, photographs, allergy tests, blood tests, urine tests, and other evaluations aimed at confirming your suitability for the procedure. The approximate cost of diagnostics for such treatments is INR 500-1000.

MedFlick, your trusted healthcare companion, is dedicated to ensuring that your medical journey goes as smoothly and successfully as possible.

• Individualized Guidance: Personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a broad network of prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: A full breakdown of treatment costs that eliminates surprises and offers you cost-effective solutions.
• MedFlick provides everything from travel arrangements to hotel and visa help to lodging.
• Multilingual Support: Breaking down language barriers to allow patients and medical professionals to communicate more effectively.
• The road to a successful liposuction is challenging, full of hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. With MedFlick as your guide, navigating this life-changing adventure becomes simple and liberating.