The New Nation - Internet Edition

Liposuction:Liposuction means removal of fat by suctioning. In liposuction, the surgeon loosens and removes the fat from an area by using thin metal tubes connected to a suction machine or syringe. The suction tubes are blunt and have holes near the tip. The suction machines used for this purpose create powerful negative pressures, which sucks the fat into the tubings. Liposuction was started in France in late 70's and since 1981 is extensively in practice in the United States, the U.K and other parts of the world.

The Classical Mayo technique is still in use in most of the centres around the world including India. But the new Tulip liposuction, which was introduced in the USA in the late 1980's in being used more frequently now. The Tumescent Tulip liposuction technique is a newer and safer technique. Here, instead of large noisy suction machine a hand operated syringe device is used. The newer technique uses thinner cannulas and is. more accurate. It also causes less tissue injury. We have been using this latest Tulip liposuction in all of our patients- with very good results.

Uses of liposuction: Liposuction is mainly used for cosmetic purpose, improving the shape and appearance of the abdomen, buttocks and thighs by removing fat collections from these areas. The arm, back, face, neck, leg, and knee may also be benefited from liposuction. It may also be used while doing other cosmetic procedures such as abdominoplasty, face-lift of breast reduction surgery. Liposuction may be easily carried out during other non-cosmetic operation e.g. operations on the appendix, gall bladder or uterus.

Can one's weight be reduced by this operation?: It is a procedure for body reshaping rather than weight reduction so a person's appearance improves by flattening of the bulges; but of significant weight reduction, he/she is also advised to take care of the diet, and also to do some sort of exercise daily. 45 minutes walking at any time of the day or night is good enough. But the main trick is to do it regularly.

Does the skill become slack after liposuction? : When large amounts of fat are taken out, the overlying skin initially may feel a bit slack. But since healthy skin is elastic in nature, it gradually shrinks to a tighter state within a few weeks. So, after liposuction the skin does not become slack.

For pendulous abdomen where there is extreme sagging due to laxity of the abdominal wall, liposuction alone will not be beneficial. For these type of patients Abdominoplasty operation is the answer. Here a portion of the skin and fat from the lower abdomen is removed and abdominal muscles are tightened to give the patient a 'flat' abdomen. The umbilicus (belly button) also needs to be reconstructed or relocated in abdominoplasty operation.

Can fat recollect after liposuction? : The fat cells that are suctioned are removed forever and do not come back. Most of the fat cells are situated under the skin. The total number of fat cells present in a person's body does not increase in number. When a person gain weight, the size of fat cells increase as more fat is deposited in it. When one loose weight, the fat is mobilised out of the fat cells and so these become smaller in size. Fat cells cannot regenerate of multiply. And so, the fat cells that are removed are removed forever. The result of liposuction is therefore permanent. Fat does not recollect in the treated areas even if one overeats. But it is advised to stick to healthy dietary habit after liposuction. Daily exercise such as walking for 45 minutes is also advised.

Apart from cosmetic uses, liposuction has other uses also. Lipoma (fatty tumor) can efficiently be extracted through a small hole be this technique. Gynaecomastia (enlargement of male breasts) may also be treated by liposuction. Under both the above circumstances, an open operation and a scar can be avoided.

HDL (the protective fat in the body) level was found to increase in patients undergoing liposuction. This increase in HDL level decreased the risks of cardiovascular diseases. It, therefore, implies that people undergoing liposuction will by at a lower risk of getting heart attack. myocardial infraction and paralysis from strokes. The relationship of liposuction and management of diabetes mellitus is also interesting. Glucose tolerance and insulin requirement in diabetes patient has also been shown to improve in some studies. Of course, in potential diabetes if liposuction is carried out in particular time to his/her life the individual may not develop diabetes at all. Liposuction does not produce any change in sex hormone level. It does not interfere with subsequent pregnancy.

Surgical procedure: Saline containing special medicine is injected into the fat minutes before liposuction is carried out. This medicated saline loosens the fat and facilitates the procedure. A small incision less than 5 mm is made, and the suction cannula inserted. The cuts are so small that stitches are usually not required and there is no visible scar. 3000 to 3500 grams of the fat can be removed in one sitting. This procedure can be done under general, local or spinal anesthesia.

After the surgery: After the surgery, tight dressing is applied few days to few weeks. It promotes shrinkage of the skin and minimises the swelling. Localised areas of firmness can be felt in the suctioned areas for 3 to 6 weeks after the procedure. Pain medication and antibiotic is given by mouth for a few days. Discoloration of the treated area may occur but it disappears completely with time.

Patients undergoing the procedure do not need overnight hospitalisation.

Even after multiple area liposuction, one should be able to be up and around in 1 to 2 days.