Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is a surgical technique that removes deposits of unwanted fat in specific areas of the body. Liposuction is not a substitute for losing weight, but it is a method to remove localized fat deposits that do not respond to the diet or exercise.

What does liposuction involve?

The aim of the liposuction is to improve the body outline by extracting the excess of localized fat, achieving a more aesthetic shape of the body. Due to the improvement of techniques and materials brought in recent years, liposuction provides excellent results. These are determined by factors such as the state of the skin, the state of circulation, cellulite, volumes to be eliminated, the basic bone structure, the hormonal influences and the age of the patient.

How is it carried out?

It is carried out through the introduction of a special small cannula, connected to an aspirator to remove and suck the fat. It is commonly conducted with a syringe, if the volume to extract is not much.

What kind of anesthesia is it necessary?

It will depend on the volume to extract and the extension of the body regions to be treated, allowing us to carry it out with local anesthesia, local plus sedation, epidural and in some cases, though less frequent, general anesthesia.

Does it leave scars?

There is a small scar left on the skin, where the incision has been done. Its length is approximately 3 mm, therefore with the passage of time it is almost imperceptible.

How long does the operation take and how long do you need to be hospitalized?

It will depend on the areas to be treated, the amount of liters of fat extracted and the anesthesia chosen. In small areas operation may be ambulatory.

Which are the body regions where it can be done?

Liposuction can be performed to decrease and shape the abdomen, the thighs, the waist and in the neck to reduce the “double chin”, or in any part of the body where there are fat deposits.

What are the risks?

Liposuction is a surgical operation and as any surgery it has risks.
That is why all the patients must perform a medical history, and a complete preoperative screening before.

Does this operation cause discomfort?

A swelling may appear for some time after the operation, bruises are solved within a few days, variations of localized sensitivity and a degree of subcutaneous hardening in the areas aspirated may be felt. A feeling of stiffness and a degree of mild pain are solved with painkillers. It's recommended to rest the next 24 hours, generally if the treated area is not a very big one can return to working and social life within three or four days.

What post-operative instructions should one follow?

One must wear a special bandage throughout the day for about a month. The aim is to limit the swelling and to help the skin to retract. It is also useful to make a few sessions of lymphatic drainage. Within a few days the stitches are removed. The result starts to be noticeable after two or three weeks. However, the swelling and the retraction of the skin will continue to heal over a period of three to six months. Each person is different, and the result is achieved quicker in some patients than in others.

Does one gain weight again? Are the results permanent?

The effect of the liposuction is forever, because what has been extracted with the fat are the cells where fat is installed, i.e. the adipocytes (cytes=cell; adipos=fat). All of us are born with some deposits that are like small balloons. When we put on weight, what we are doing is to fill these balloons with more or less fat. If we lose weight, we empty them. But these cells are always the same, they do not reproduce. Liposuction eliminates them. But, if one starts a caloric diet again, the left adipocytes will be filled with more or less fat; one will put on more or less weight, but it is impossible that the extracted adipocytes grow again. That is to say, the ability of fattening in the treated areas with liposuction is eliminated.
However, one must take into account that it is advisable to maintain the result with a proper diet and the practice of some kind of exercise.

Does liposuction eliminate cellulitis?

It improves the look of the skin, but it does not eliminate cellulitis.

Liposuction is one of the most practiced surgeries and the best technique to improve the figure.