What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, medically known as lipoplasty, or “fat removal”, is one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery. This method aims to achieve a smoother and tighter appearance by targeting unwanted fat deposits in the body. 1970’lerde geliştirilen liposuction, özellikle karın, basen, bacak, boyun-gıdı, kol ve sırt gibi bölgelerde etkili bir şekillendirme yöntemi haline gelmiştir. This procedure, commonly known as “fat removal”, is preferred to remove stubborn fat accumulations that do not decrease with diet and exercise. Modern liposuction techniques can be applied effectively and safely to both men and women, and this method offers an ideal solution for those who want to improve body contour and achieve a more aesthetic appearance.
How is Classic Liposuction Surgery Done?
Liposuction surgery is performed using different techniques according to the surgeon’s preference and the patient’s needs. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, although in some cases local anesthesia may be sufficient. The main steps of the process are:
Making Small Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions, 2-3 mm long, in the area where the fat will be absorbed. These cuts are hidden in the folds of the body or in the underwear area. For example, for abdominal and waist liposuction, a total of two 2 mm skin incisions in both groin areas will be sufficient.
Solution injection: A liquid called “Tumescence solution”, which prevents bleeding and accelerates the dissolution of fat, is injected through the skin incisions into the area where the fat will be removed.
Fat Removal: Using thin cannulas (3 or 4 mm), excess fatty tissue is sucked out of the body. In this process, the patient’s body contours are reshaped.
Closure and Healing: The incisions are closed and the healing process begins. Patients are usually followed in the hospital for 1 night and discharged the next day. Patients can return home immediately after minor liposuction, such as chin liposuction, which can be performed under local anesthesia.
Nowadays, energy-assisted modern devices and technologies combined with the classical liposuction techniques mentioned above are also used. These include methods such as ultrasonic liposuction (UAL), laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) and others. Each has some differences in the way the fat melts and its application. Modern approaches contribute to effective melting of fat and tightening of the skin. These methods also speed up the healing process.
Recovery Process After Liposuction Surgery
The recovery process after liposuction surgery varies depending on the scope of the operation, the patient’s general health condition and the liposuction technique applied. However, in general, the expected recovery process consists of the following steps:
First Few Days: This is the period when edema occurs in the liposuction areas. During this process, patients may generally experience mild tenderness, swelling and occasional bruising. Surgeons prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications to manage these symptoms. Additionally, it is necessary to wear a tight corset or bandage to reduce swelling and support the body contour.
First Week and After: Patients can usually return to their normal daily activities one week after surgery. However, it is important to avoid heavy physical activity and exercise. During this period, healing continues and swelling and bruising begin to decrease.
Full Recovery: Full recovery time varies from person to person, but most patients experience significant healing within a few weeks. It can often take several months to see final results. During this process, the body adapts to its new shape and skin tightening occurs in the areas where fat tissue has been removed.
Long-Term Care: It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results obtained after liposuction. A balanced diet and regular exercise help maintain the shape achieved after liposuction.
Patients’ expectations regarding the postoperative recovery process and results should be realistic, and the surgeon’s recommendations should be followed carefully. If any complications occur, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Can You Lose Weight With Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure performed for fat reduction purposes and is not a general weight loss method. This procedure specifically targets stubborn fat deposits that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise. Liposuction is ideal for correcting body contours and providing a more defined, firm appearance. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle after liposuction is critical for the results to be permanent.
Can Combined Abdominoplasty be Performed with Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction can be combined with other aesthetic procedures such as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). This combination is ideal for removing sagging skin and fat deposits, especially those that occur postpartum or after significant weight loss. While tummy tuck surgery involves removing excess skin and tissue, liposuction allows for the removal of fat and a better body contour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
- Is Liposuction Safe?
Liposuction is a safe procedure when performed under appropriate conditions and by an experienced surgeon. However, like any surgical procedure, it involves certain risks. Infection, bleeding, anesthesia-related complications and irregularities in the healing process are among these risks.
- How Long is the Post-Operation Recovery Time?
The recovery process varies from person to person and depends on the extent of the operation. Usually, patients can return to daily activities within a few days. Tam iyileşme ve sonuçların görülmesi birkaç hafta ile birkaç ay arasında değişebilir.
- Does Fat Return After Liposuction?
Fat cells are permanently removed by liposuction. However, if a healthy lifestyle is not maintained, remaining fat cells may grow and new fat deposits may re-form in the body. It should not be forgotten that weight regain will be difficult throughout life in areas where effective liposuction has been applied.
- In Which Regions Can Liposuction Be Applied?
Liposuction is effective in various body areas such as abdomen, hips, legs, back, inner knees, buttocks, neck and arms. Each region requires the application of different liposuction techniques.
- When Are Results Seen After Liposuction?
The change in the patient’s body is noticeable immediately after the surgery. However, edema begins to occur within hours. Usually, the results begin to be more clearly visible within a few weeks. However, it takes several months for the final results to appear. Results may vary depending on the patient’s body type and the extent of the procedure.
- Is a Special Diet Required After Liposuction?
After liposuction, a healthy diet and balanced diet will help maintain the results achieved. In addition, regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps to maintain contours after liposuction.
- When Is It Possible to Do Sports After Liposuction?
Patients can usually start light exercises a few weeks after the operation. Heavy sports activities should be started after 1 month. Of course, the surgeon’s recommendations to his patients should be adhered to.
- Is Liposuction a Permanent Solution?
Fat cells removed with liposuction do not occur again. However, if body weight is not maintained, remaining fat cells may grow and fat deposits may re-form.
What are the Liposuction Surgery Prices?
The cost of liposuction surgery varies greatly depending on the extent of the procedure and the techniques used. Please contact us for a personal evaluation and further information.