What is Liposuction Surgery?

Written by Chelsea Kim. Posted in Body Sculpting

Love Handles, Man-cans, Saddle Bags, Muffin Tops… These are colloquial terms frequently used to describe the extra bits of fat that hangs and bulges from the sides, waist, hip and abdominal area.

What is liposuction surgery?

Liposuction surgery is a cosmetic procedure used to remove unwanted and excess fatty tissues in multiple areas such as the abdomen, hip, buttocks, thighs, knees, back, ankles, arms, chin, lower cheeks and neck. It can be performed consecutively on many different areas of the body in one surgery.

Who can undergo liposuction?

Individuals that have normal weight or overweight by up to 20kg and ideally those with a healthy elastic skin are the best candidates for a liposuction procedure. Those with a weakened immune system and with heart or artery problems are advised against liposuction.

Why liposuction?

We all tend to have a predisposition to store fats around areas that are stubborn and unresponsive to diet and regular exercise. In general, women tend to accumulate fat in the neck, lower abdomen, hips and thighs while men generally store excess fat around the flanks and abdomen.

There are a myriad of reasons that lead individuals to consider liposuction. For many the unresponsiveness to slimming exercises, dieting and weight loss programs is frustrating; and so liposuction may be the solution.

To those that are overweight, liposuction maybe the kick-start they need. For some, liposuction can regain the neck’s angular shape. Some may just want to get rid of the resistant fat that is concentrated in the stomach, flanks, chin, neck, ankles, hips, buttocks and thighs.

And for men and women concerned with overly large breasts, liposuction is a procedure to consider for breast reduction.

How is liposuction done?

The basic liposuction technique uses a hollow metal tube (called a cannula) that is passed through the fatty tissues, suctioning fat with the aid of a vacuum-suction device.

The cannula is introduced into the fatty tissues through small incisions in the skin (2-4 mm). It is then pushed into the targeted areas and moved about. The process of agitation breaks down the fats for ease of suction.

Liposuction is usually a day surgery. However if the procedure involves large volumes of liposuction then an overnight stay in hospital may be required.

Are liposuction results permanent?

The healing process is gradual therefore it is expected to wait several months to get an accurate picture of the results of the surgery. The results of liposuction are usually long lasting but they may be affected by weight gain, lifestyle changes, pregnancy and aging. Therefore it is crucial to have a healthy lifestyle plan to maintain results.

Where to go for the best liposuction?

There are numerous credible cosmetic surgery clinics that perform liposuction.  In Asia, the beauty belt in Korea is renowned for its comprehensive cosmetic procedures. Here, cosmetic surgery and beauty are upheld as an improvement to the self, rather than a sign of vanity.

Generally Koreans believe cosmetic surgery is a worthwhile and understandable investment in the body because it can maximize an individual’s chance of success in key areas such as marriage, education and career.

Tags: liposuction, liposuction surgery, the beauty belt in Korea