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Liposuction
Liposuction:
- Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed using liposuction instruments to remove fat deposits from various areas of the body, particularly in more discreet locations such as the groin area or around the belly button. In some cases, techniques such as water-assisted liposuction or ultrasound-assisted liposuction may be used to aid the procedure.
- Prior to liposuction, a mixture of saline solution, vasoconstrictors, and anesthesia is infused into the targeted fatty tissue. This causes the fat cells to swell, allowing the surgeon to insert the instruments through small incisions and suction out the fat. Liposuction can be performed on different areas of the body where fat accumulates, including the lower abdomen, waist, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, inner knees, and upper arms.
- Liposuction can also be used as an adjunctive treatment for non-cosmetic purposes, such as the removal of large lipomas, in cases of gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts), or when the flaps used in reconstructive surgery are excessively thick.
- It's important to note that liposuction is not intended as a surgical treatment for obesity. Individuals with excessive body weight should pursue weight loss before considering various body contouring procedures.
Water-assisted liposuction:
- Traditional liposuction methods using suction cannulas can potentially damage subcutaneous nerves, blood vessels, and fibrous connective tissue. The water-assisted liposuction system, also known as microcannula water jet-assisted liposuction, differs from traditional liposuction techniques. It allows the surgeon to adjust the water pressure according to different areas, using a fan-shaped water jet to gently dislodge fat while preserving nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues. This technique typically results in shorter recovery times compared to traditional liposuction.
- Microcannula water jet-assisted liposuction also includes a specialized collection container that uses sedimentation without the need for centrifugation. This reduces damage to the fat and allows for filtration, enabling the use of the purified fat for fat grafting procedures.
Areas suitable for liposuction:
- Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, including the inner arms for excess fat causing "bat wings," fat deposits in the abdominal and thigh circumference, poor contour of the buttocks, waist, thighs, calves, back, abdomen, and gynecomastia in males.
Surgical considerations:
- Refrain from taking anticoagulant medications (such as aspirin) one week before the liposuction procedure. If you are taking any medications, inform your surgeon proactively. Avoid consuming nutritional supplements (e.g., lingzhi mushrooms, ginkgo biloba, vitamins, fish oil) and reduce intake of blood circulation-promoting foods like ginseng.
- Immediately after the surgery, wearing compression garments can help reduce postoperative swelling. Visible results can typically be seen after three months, with the surgery stabilizing. It is recommended to wear compression garments for three to six months to maintain optimal results. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are important to monitor the progress of the treated areas.
- Refrain from showering or wetting the body within the first week after the surgery. If necessary, use waterproof tape to protect the incisions and change the dressing after showering to prevent wound infection and inflammation. Clean the treated area with saline solution and apply medication as instructed by your doctor.
- Bed rest: Liposuction of smaller areas may not interfere with work, but for larger areas, it may be necessary to rest for two to three days. Normal work activities can usually be resumed after one week, while vigorous exercise should be avoided for about four weeks.
- Sensory changes in the skin may occur after the surgery due to potential damage to sensory nerve endings. Sensation gradually recovers within three to six months.
- Avoid consuming alcohol, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke after the surgery to promote wound healing.
- Gentle massage of the treated areas can be started two weeks after the surgery to reduce swelling and improve the surface irregularities of the skin. Improvement is typically seen gradually within three months to six months.