Liposuction, << LY poh suhk shuhn or LIHP oh suhk shuhn, >> also called lipoplasty, is a kind of surgery to remove unwanted body fat and improve or enhance body shape. Liposuction is a kind of cosmetic surgery because it is used to improve a person’s appearance but does not improve health. Liposuction removes fat deposits that cannot be reduced through traditional exercise and diet methods. Surgeons most often perform liposuction to remove fat from the face, upper arms, hips, thighs, and abdomen. The procedure does not produce an overall weight reduction, however. Physicians and other medical experts stress that people should not use it as a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise program.
There are several methods of liposuction. In most procedures, a surgeon makes a small incision in the skin near excess fat tissue. A narrow, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted into the incision. The surgeon moves the cannula back and forth forcefully under the skin to detach fat cells from the surrounding tissue. A vacuum attached to the cannula sucks out the loose fat cells, along with other body fluids. To replace fluids lost in the operation, the patient must receive fluids intravenously (by injection) during and after the procedure. The surgeon may inject fluid into the incision to help break up the fat. Another method uses ultrasound (high frequency sound waves) to loosen and detach fat cells.
Many patients have liposuction surgery in a doctor’s office, but a hospital stay may be necessary if a large amount of fat is removed. Bruising and minor pain are common side effects of the operation. Liposuction is generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, but complications can occur. Complications include excessive blood loss, severe drops in blood pressure and heart rate, excess fluid buildup, blood clots, and, occasionally, death. Patients should choose a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform liposuction.
