This article will focus on one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available: liposuction. There are those who state that liposuction is the preserve of the lazy, because it involves the removal of fat from the body surgically while posing liposuction risks. While a gym membership is cheaper, liposuction is far quicker and more effective in removing fat. Also, liposuction is useful for removing the stubborn, last few pounds of fat that no amount of treadmill bashing can accomplish. Of course, it is up to you to ensure that this fat stays off; perhaps a gym membership wouldn’t be a bad idea after all! For safety reasons, the surgeon will limit the amount of fat that can be removed in one session to minimize liposuction risks. The fitter the patient is when the time comes for the procedure, the safer it will be.
When you go under the knife, the fat gets removed via a hollow tube called a cannula, and a suction device called an aspirator. There are various types of fluid injection, ranging from wet liposuction (where a small amount of fluid is injected into the area of fat removal, with its purpose being to stop the bleeding which is one of the liposuction risks) to laser assisted liposuction. In the lead up to the procedure, you will be required to fast for over twelve hours beforehand if general anaesthetic is used, though this is unnecessary otherwise. Also, do not smoke for up to two months before, as the nicotine cigarettes contain add to the liposuction risks and affects circulation, and could result in loss of tissue.
On the day of surgery, you will need to sign a consent form, and consume an antibiotic to prevent liposuction complications. The procedure itself results in a pretty quick recovery time. Oftentimes, patients are allowed go home on the same day, though driving is not recommended! Any bruising swells up very quickly afterwards. Liposuction swelling is normal and not to be worried about; it will subside. Complications during this surgery are very rare indeed, far from what the scaremongers would have you believe about the dangers of liposuction.
Cost is a big issue when deciding to have liposuction, though you should never compromise on quality. Generally, liposuction in the abdomen and breast area is the most expensive with an average price of around $5,000, though beware, all prices vary wildly. Shop around, whilst still ensuring that the procedure is performed by a professional. Hips and waist usually cost around $3,000 with arms and back priced in a similar vein. Remember, liposuction is not necessary a lot of the time, but if you do decide to proceed, minimize liposuction risks to make it is a safe passage from operating table to home.
Patrick Lynch
