The number of fat cells in the body are established by the time a person reaches puberty. After these period these cells act like balloons, so when we gain weight these cells augment their size, because they’re storing more fat. Also when we loose weight these cells tend to “shrink” because the fat inside diminishes.
Today, Liposuction is the most commonly requested cosmetic surgery in the world and can be performed at virtually any age and on any part of the body. Patients commonly request this procedure to be performed on their neck, cheeks, jowls, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, knees, ankles, calves and arms. Liposuction is also used to correct enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with virtually any other plastic surgery procedure.
With Liposuction the area to be treated is injected with a special fluid/anesthesia combination prior to suctioning. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless, while minimizing the pain. It also provides anesthesia during and after surgery.
When the procedure is to be started a thin, hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through one or more tiny incisions near the designated area. It is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum. The cannula is strategically manipulated to contour and sculpt the body. No actual pain is felt during the procedure, although you may feel an occasional stinging sensation.
Multiple areas of the body may be treated at the same time. Depending on the areas to be treated liposuction can take from 1 – 2½ hours. After the procedure is finished fine sutures are placed in the incisions, and tight fitting garments are worn.
Depending on the areas treated you may return to work the next day, although some patients prefer to wait two to three days before returning. It is important to begin normal activity as soon as possible. We also recommended beginning a medical massage therapy the day after the operation.
A support garment should be worn for four to six weeks to reduce the possibility of swelling, unevenness or waviness. Your results will likely be visible almost immediately after surgery, but the full effect may not be evident until after four to six weeks when most of the swelling has subsided.