Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction surgery has become increasingly popular in the past few years. This is due to its high success rate and the cost of liposuction abroad and at home becoming more affordable. Common areas are on the face, hips, abdomen, thighs, or buttocks to improve their contours. Liposuction may be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as facelifts or tummy tucks. But, what is liposuction? And how does it work? We answer all your questions below.

What Are The Different Types of Liposuction Surgeries?

There are lots of different types of liposuction surgery. The different types include tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, laser-assisted, and water-jet assisted. If you’re not sure which liposuction procedure is best for you, that’s where Qunomedical comes in. Our Patient Managers will discuss the different options with you and advise you on the best doctors and specialists to help you with your decision.

Tumescent

The most common type of liposuction is tumescent. In this procedure, the surgeon injects a solution of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine in the area from which fat deposits will be suctioned out. The use of this sterile injection makes it easier to suction the fat and decreases pain and blood loss.

Ultrasound-Assisted

In this treatment style, also known as vaser liposuction, the surgeon uses ultrasound technology to target and remove the unwanted fat.

Laser-Assisted

In laser-assisted liposuction, known medically as laser lipolysis, the surgeon uses a laser to rupture the fat cells and liquefy the fat. Once the fat is liquefied, it is then removed.

Water-Jet Assisted

Water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL) relies on pressurized saline. The saline stream is used to loosen the fat cells instead of rupturing them so that the removal process might be gentler.

Liposuction - Simplified

Liposuction surgery or ‘lipo’ is simply the removal of fat from different areas of the body. Liposuction is a relatively simple procedure and normally doesn’t require general anesthesia. It can be performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia and sedation. The surgery itself can last two to three hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed. If you decide to have liposuction abroad, you’ll often need to stay at the clinic or hospital for one night.

1. Anaesthesia

To perform tumescent liposuction, which is the most common type of liposuction surgery, general anesthesia is normally not needed. You may instead receive a local anesthetic made of lidocaine along with a mild sedative for the removal of fat in targeted locations. The surgeon may use general anesthesia if large amounts of fat will be removed from multiple locations.

2. Placement of the Incision

After administering the anesthetic agent, the surgeon will then start the liposuction procedure by making small, discrete incisions at predetermined locations on the body. In most cases, the incision's size will range from 1/4 to 1/3 inch (or 6 to 8 mm). The surgeon will make the incisions in concealed areas or in natural creases so that scarring will be minimal. Surgeons who perform liposuction normally do not make large incisions unless the surgery is completed in combination with other surgeries such as a tummy tuck.

3. Reduction of the Fat Tissue

After the incisions are made, the surgeon inserts a thin cannula through the incision. This is used to remove unwanted fat from the deeper tissue layers. The doctor will move the cannula back and forth to manipulate and dislodge the fat tissue. After disrupting the fat cells, it’s easier to suction and remove them by using a pump or syringe that is attached to the cannula's other end.

4. Assisted Techniques

Depending on the type of liposuction surgery that you choose, your doctor might use a variety of techniques. These include heat-based techniques such as ultrasound or laser-assisted techniques, or they may use water jet-assisted techniques for a less invasive and more precise treatment. In these techniques, the controlled heat or pressurized saline stream is used to liquefy the fat cells. These techniques don’t require as much physical manipulation of the fat by the surgeon. Before and after the procedure, the patients will be given intravenous fluids to compensate for losses of bodily fluids and blood.

5. Closure of the Incisions

Following the removal of the targeted fat deposits, the surgeon will use sutures to close the incisions. Temporary drain tubes may be placed beneath the skin in the incisions to drain excess fluid and to minimize the risk of infection. The sutures and drain tubes will be removed approximately one week to 10 days after the procedure. If the sutures used are absorbable, then you won’t have to return to the clinic to have them removed.

6. Post-Operative and Recovery Phases

After your liposuction surgery, the doctor will give you post-operative instructions. You should expect to rest for a couple of days and to wear compression garments for a few weeks. You may also be given prescriptions for medications to reduce swelling and pain, as well as antibiotics to prevent infections.

What Should I Expect From Liposuction?

For the first few weeks after having liposuction, you should expect to experience some post-operative swelling. Most patients will see approximately 90% of the results from their liposuction procedures within about four weeks. Since the fat cells are permanently removed, fat should not return to the treated areas. However, if you gain weight after lipo, the new fat might be deposited elsewhere in the body.

Why Choose Qunomedical?

At Qunomedical, we always puts the needs of patients first. Founded by doctors in 2015, we passionately believe that healthcare should be easily and readily accessible to all, regardless of background. Whether you’re just looking for some information about liposuction surgery, or you’re ready to book the treatment, Qunomedical is here to help!

We offer a 100% free, non-binding assessment. Our team of Patient Managers are ready to listen to your needs, priorities and concerns. Should you be interested in moving to the next step, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan for you, and help you to find your ideal clinic. All of our physicians are professionally and thoroughly vetted, allowing you to choose from the best liposuction doctors, at home or abroad.