We all know the struggle—you maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, yet there’s still a long way to go before you achieve your dream figure. You may find yourself wondering what you’re doing wrong or what more you need to do to finally lose weight. But have you ever considered that not having a magazine-perfect body might not be due to a lack of willpower or insufficient exercise?
Some things are simply beyond our control, no matter how hard we try. One of these factors is the distribution of fat in your body. Fat distribution is influenced by four main factors: genetics, gender, age, and hormones. Studies have shown that genetics determine 50% of fat distribution in our bodies. Women naturally have a higher percentage of body fat than men, typically between 20–30% in adult women, and metabolism slows down with age.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the procedures in aesthetic surgery. It is a procedure in which a doctor removes excess fat from problematic areas of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for overall weight loss; its goal is to contour the body and remove fat that cannot be reduced through diet and exercise.
Liposuction is classified as an invasive method. During the procedure, the doctor makes small incisions in the skin, through which a cannula or catheter is inserted under the skin. Using these tools, excess fat is then suctioned out.
Types of Liposuction
There are several types of liposuction, differing in how fat is removed from the body.
1. Traditional Liposuction
In traditional liposuction, the doctor inserts a thin metal cannula into the area from which fat is to be removed. By moving the cannula, fat cells are broken down and separated, allowing the fat to be suctioned out of the body. This traditional form of liposuction has been largely replaced by more modern techniques and is now rarely used.
2. Power-Assisted Liposuction
As the name suggests, this procedure involves breaking down fat cells using a vibrating cannula that oscillates on its own. This significantly reduces the force required for the procedure compared to other types of liposuction, minimizing the risk of damage to surrounding tissues. The cannula used in this method is thinner than in traditional liposuction, and the vibrations ensure the fat is evenly removed from the entire treated area.
3. Water-Assisted Liposuction (Body-Jet Method)
Body-Jet liposuction is performed using a pulsating jet of water that loosens fat cells and gently separates them from surrounding tissues. The device then suctions the fat out of the body, and the extracted fat can be used for fat grafting in other body areas. The main advantage of this invasive method is its gentleness on surrounding tissues, which remain almost intact. As a result, there is less swelling and bruising after the procedure.
4. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Ultrasound liposuction does not use traditional cannulas but instead employs an ultrasound probe that emits sound waves. The ultrasound energy breaks down fat cells, which can then be easily suctioned out of the body.
5. Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Laser liposuction operates on the same principle as ultrasound liposuction, with the key difference being that a laser is used to disrupt fat cells. One advantage of laser liposuction over ultrasound liposuction is that the laser can also shrink blood vessels, potentially reducing the risk of bleeding and bruising in the treated area.
6. Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a large volume of a specialized solution into the treatment area. This tumescent solution helps loosen fat, making it easier to suction out.
The tumescent liposuction technique is usually combined with one of the previously mentioned liposuction methods.
7. Non-Invasive Liposuction (Lipolysis)
This method does not involve breaking the skin, which is one of its main advantages. Since lipolysis is completely non-invasive, there is no need for a lengthy recovery period, and the procedure is entirely painless.
On the other hand, the results of lipolysis are not as dramatic as those achieved with invasive liposuction. Therefore, it is best suited for removing small amounts of fat.
Tip: Read our article on liposuction, lipolysis, and fat grafting to learn about the different types of lipolysis.
How is Liposuction Performed?
There are several types of liposuction, and the procedure varies accordingly. However, all types of liposuction involve the following steps.
1. Consultation with a Doctor
Before any aesthetic medicine procedure, it is recommended to have a personal consultation with a doctor. During the consultation, the doctor will assess your overall health and determine whether liposuction is a suitable option for you.
You will also discuss your expectations, and the doctor will evaluate whether your desired results are achievable. They will provide information about the procedure, potential risks and complications, and post-operative recovery.
Choosing the right doctor and clinic is crucial. Ensure that the doctor you select has sufficient experience and expertise. Not sure how to choose? Read our guide on how to find the best plastic surgeon.
2. AAnesthesia
Since liposuction is an invasive procedure, it is performed under either general or local anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia is made in consultation with the doctor and depends on several factors:
Extent of the procedure: Larger, more time-consuming procedures may require general anesthesia, while smaller treatments on limited areas of the body may be performed under local anesthesia.
Type of liposuction: Different liposuction techniques may require specific types of anesthesia.
Patient preference and health status: Some patients prefer local anesthesia so they can remain conscious and minimize recovery time, while others may opt for general anesthesia due to fear or anxiety.
Tip: Are you afraid of liposuction, plastic surgery, or another surgical procedure? Read our article on how to manage and overcome fear.
3. The Procedure
The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on its extent. Thanks to anesthesia, you will not feel anything during the surgery. Before starting, the doctor makes small incisions in the skin, through which a metal cannula or catheter with a vacuum system is inserted under the skin. By moving the cannula, excess fat is suctioned out of the tissue. The vacuum system then removes the collected fat from the body.
After fat removal, the doctor takes out the cannula and treats the small skin incisions. Compression garments are applied to the treated area to minimize swelling and speed up the healing process. Expect the operated area to be sensitive and potentially painful after the procedure.
4. Post-Operative Care and Recovery
The recovery period depends on the extent of the procedure and the type of liposuction performed. Recovery from traditional liposuction typically takes about four weeks. For faster healing, it is recommended to wear compression garments, which your doctor will apply immediately after the procedure. You can remove them for the first time after 24 hours. Doctors generally advise wearing compression garments continuously or for most of the time during the first few weeks after surger
For the first five days after liposuction, it is best to avoid physically demanding activities such as sports or household chores. Instead, focus on resting and allowing your body to recover. Minor swelling and bruising may appear in the treated area.
After a few days, you can gradually resume physical activity, but it is important to listen to your body and how it responds. There is no strict timeline for when you can resume specific activities—it is highly individual and depends on the extent and type of liposuction, as well as the treated area.
What Areas of the Body Are Suitable for Liposuction?
Most people think of abdominal or buttock liposuction, but there are many more options. Liposuction can be performed on almost any body area with excess fat, including calves, thighs, arms, the chin, and even ankles.
Do You Want to Get Rid of Excess Fat?
Whether you struggle with fat accumulation in your thighs, abdomen, arms, or chin, liposuction can provide a permanent solution. Schedule a no-obligation consultation at ABClinic aesthetic medicine clinic. Our doctors will explain everything, answer your questions, and recommend the most effective procedures for achieving your desired results.