Liposuction: What You Need to Know

Plastic surgery is one of the fastest developing and growing fields of medicine.

Behind this is people’s desire to be happy with themselves and their appearance, although it is not considered as important as major health problems.

Liposuction also occupies a large place in these surgical operations. Because one way to get rid of the resistant fats in their bodies and have a healthier life, what is required for liposuction to become permanent is adopting a regular and healthy life.

Turkey is the center of liposuction and aesthetic surgery with its world-renowned specialist surgeons, clinics and hospitals equipped with the latest technology, as well as very reasonable prices. Turkey ranks second in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of the number of plastic surgeons. This number will definitely tell something about the operations performed.

I have prepared this article about those who are curious about liposuction, in line with the information I received from the experts. This article includes about liposuction, different techniques, application and healing processes, as well as what needs to be considered.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the most applied aesthetic operations for many years. But what makes liposuction so popular?

Liposuction is a surgical method applied to remove the excess fat tissue and give a better shape to the body in people whose weight problems are not caused by obesity but cannot be eliminated by weight loss methods. But in these processes, fat cells are taken, not fat. Therefore, fat formation is prevented in the areas where the remove the excess fat tissue is performed. This application is especially applied to areas where stubborn lubrication is seen, such as hips, hips, abdomen, waist and knees.

It is generally applied by vacuuming the fat tissues, which are made more fluid by various methods, through 1-2 mm incisions, using thin and long cannulas with a diameter of 2-3 mm.

Popular Liposuction Types

Liposuction is a form of plastic surgery that has been used for a long time.

Therefore, it has undergone many changes and transformations over the years. With the development of technology, new techniques have emerged and much more advanced methods have been developed. In Turkey, these techniques are generally used in hospitals and clinics where the latest technology is available. The most popular techniques are:

In the classical technique, which is the most applied one, a mixture of liquid is injected into the area where the fat will be removed before the operation. The application can be performed under full anesthesia as well as under local anesthesia. The oil extraction process is performed by entering with cannulas of diameter. This classical method also has different subtypes that vary according to the people and the regions where the structures will be taken.

The second technique is Laser Liposuction. Here, fats are broken down not by liquid but by laser beam; liquid oil pieces are taken from the area they are in with the help of cannulas. The fact that these cannulas are thinner than those used in the classical technique eliminates the problem of postoperative scarring.

The third type is Vaser or Ultrasonic Liposuction, which draws on the technology the most. In this method, the area to be operated is reached with the help of small tubes used during the surgery, and the fat cells are softened by applying ultrasonic vibrations. Thus, the softened fat cells are more easily absorbed.

Another method is Laser Lipolysis. This process is one of the later ones among the methods. The difference from the above-mentioned methods is this: In liposuction, the fat tissues are completely removed, while in lipolysis, the fat tissues are melted, but they are left inside the body, and they are excreted in the urine. As the name suggests, the melting of adipose tissue is carried out with a laser. Since the fats are left inside the body, this method is applied in areas where there is little fat, such as the jowl. Let me also say that this method prevents sagging and tightens the skin.

Who are Suitable for Liposuction?

Like any surgical operation, it should be the priority to talk to a doctor first.

Liposuction is not a weight loss method. This process is a method that provides regional thinning and body lines to become smoother. In case of having a weight problem other than regional lubrication, experts recommend that applying a controlled diet and sports program first. It is best to apply to liposuction for resistant fats that can’t get rid of as a result of these.

It can be applied to anyone over the age of 18 who does not have a systemic health problem like heart disease, diabetes, etc., is not pregnant or has just given birth. Before giving an indication for application to people with systemic health problems, tests are definitely applied and necessary precautions are taken. If compelling situations arise in these tests, liposuction cannot be performed on those people.

Although age is not an obstacle, some elderly patients cannot undergo liposuction due to loss of skin elasticity.

Liposuction Surgery Process

The procedure takes an average of 1 to 3 hours.

The amount of fat that is considered medically appropriate to be removed in an operation is between 2.5 and 4.5 liters.

Before the application, the area to be shaped and fat removed is marked by the surgeon. Afterwards, general or local anesthesia is applied according to preference. In order to alleviate the pain in the area where the application will be made, the mixture liquid solution is injected into the area. This liquid not only numbs that area but also hardens it so that the application can be made more comfortable.

Afterwards, 1-2 mm incisions are made on the skin and cannulas are placed on the oily area from there. The vacuum machine to which the cannulas are attached sucks the relatively liquefied oil. The vacuum pipe is moved on that surface in order to break up the oil. After the surgery, the incisions are left open for a short time in order to prevent the fluid from flowing out and the formation of edema. Afterwards, the cuts are stitched and the area is tightly bandaged.

In Vaser Liposuction, the fat in the area where the operation is performed is softened by ultrasonic vibrations and thus they are easily absorbed. The remaining processes of the procedure are the same as the classical liposuction method we described above.

In Laser Liposuction, laser beams are sent to the excess fat cells in the area to be operated with 2-3 mm fiber cannulas and these cells are liquefied. Then, the absorption process is performed with thin cannulas that are transmitted under the skin through the millimetrically opened incisions. The fact that these cannulas are thinner than those used in the classical technique eliminates the problem of postoperative scarring.

Healing Process after Liposuction Surgery

Local or general anesthesia can be applied for this surgery.

General anesthesia is preferred in laser liposuction, and the person stays in the hospital for one night after the operation. In other methods, patients do not need to be hospitalized if there are no complications in the surgery. Patients under local anesthesia can go home after a few hours of rest.

Post-operative pain can last for 3–4 days. During this time, the doctor will give pain relievers. Patients who can return to work in 3–7 days, remove their dressings after two days, have their stitches removed one week later, and use a corset in three weeks.

People start walking 2 weeks after the surgery. For heavy sports exercises, it is necessary to wait at least 6 weeks. Although the swelling and stiffness that occurs after the surgery usually disappears within 2 months, the desired results are generally seen 6–9 months after the surgery.

What You Should Be Careful About in Liposuction

Doctors state that lymph drainage massage performed before and after surgery makes patients feel better.

Recovery and post-operative care after liposuction surgery may vary depending on the area treated and the amount of fat removed.

It is of great importance that you follow the doctor’s instructions for the healing process to be successful and short-lived. Doctor may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers during this time to prevent the risk of infection.

It is very important to get up early and move a lot to speed up the recovery period.

The positive results of this surgery usually last longer if you maintain your weight and can be permanent. The thing to remember here is that this process does not prevent weight gain. It is up to the patient whether to regain these weights. For this reason, following a healthy diet that includes lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat milk after surgery will accelerate the healing process and increase the success and permanence of the operation.