Doctors for Liposuction Treatment

Also called lipo, lipoplasty, or body contouring surgery, liposuction is the standard fat removal treatment. It allows a surgeon to remove the stubborn body fat that doesn’t go away with diet and exercise.

Over the years, liposuction has become very popular for providing effective and long-lasting results. But, many people believe that it is a substitute for actual weight loss or bariatric surgery. However, liposuction is only a fat-removal method. It can only target subcutaneous fat and doesn’t work for visceral or intra-abdominal fat tissues.

So, if you want to get a slimmer figure or simply don’t like the fat deposits, have a detailed consultation with our expert plastic or cosmetic surgeon and find out if liposuction surgery is a valid fat removal option for you.

You can get liposuction surgery anywhere on the body where you have fat deposits. Some of the common areas that can be treated in both men and women include the following:

• Abdomen, stomach, belly, or waist
• Hips, flanks, or love handles
• Back
• Breast or chest (in case of man-boobs)
• Face, chin, neck, and cheeks
• Buttocks
• Inner knee, calves, or ankles
• Thighs (inner and outer)
• Arms (inner and outer) and underarm (in case of axillary fat)

Liposuction can help you get rid of fat from all these areas and help you achieve a well-defined body contour that looks young and healthy.

Liposuction is the most successful method of fat removal for people who have eliminated diet and exercise as a fat-loss method. Most people choose to get the treatment for the following reasons:

• Targeted Treatment: Liposuction allows the surgeon to specifically target any or all body parts that are resistant to diet and exercise. Thus, you can choose to enhance or improve either a specific part of your body or the entire body as desired.
• Improved Body Shape and Contours: If you feel that some areas of your body are not proportional to others, liposuction can help to enhance the shape of those areas and contour them well enough to provide a desired physique.
• Boost Self-Confidence: Most people feel hesitation, shy, or embarrassed due to some specific body parts being fatter than others. Getting liposuction in those areas can help to improve their confidence and address their self-image issues.
• Improve Muscle Definition: By removing the body fat, the underlying muscles become more defined and give a more chiseled, toned, and sculpted body shape.

For most people, undergoing liposuction is a personal decision. Thus, the doctor tries to understand their reasons for choosing fat removal surgery before proceeding.

If you think that anyone can undergo liposuction surgery, that’s not true. Plastic and cosmetic surgeons have a standard criterion that they follow to determine whether an individual is a suitable candidate for liposuction. The criteria include the following:

• The candidate should have firm and elastic skin that can retract after the fat tissues are removed.
• The candidate should be within 30% of his/her ideal weight.
• The candidate should be in good overall health and not have any underlying condition that can increase the risk of complication or compromise the surgery’s outcome.
• The candidate must have realistic expectations from the surgery.

Some things that can disqualify an individual from undergoing liposuction are:

• If the individual has excessively loose skin with almost negligible elasticity.
• If the individual is a chain smoker or has a habit of drug abuse.
• If the individual has an underlying chronic health condition, such as heart disease or hypertension.
• If the individual is pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
• If the individual is obese and has more cellulite.

In these scenarios, the doctor may recommend the patient to improve his/her health or recommend other fat removal options.

There are several types of liposuction surgery or techniques, and each one has its own perks and quirks. The right technique is chosen after discussing the patient's needs and requirements and other factors, such as the extent of fat, skin elasticity, etc. The various types of liposuction commonly used are mentioned below:

• Power-assisted Liposuction: Commonly referred to as PAL, this liposuction technique involves using a specialized liposuction cannula that vibrates or oscillates at a high frequency to break down the fat tissues. This technique is specially designed to target larger fat pockets without damaging the surrounding tissues. Besides this, as the fat tissues are not destroyed during the procedure, this technique allows the surgeon to reuse or insert the purified fat into other areas for better body contouring.
• Laser-assisted Liposuction: It is an advanced and minimally invasive liposuction technique that involves using laser energy to melt and liquefy the fat. The liquefaction makes it easier to suction out the fat tissues. This method is suitable for nearly all body parts, even the smaller ones, such as the face, neck, chin, etc., where the fat is more fibrous. The biggest benefit of this technique is that it promotes collagen production and improves skin texture, making it tighter and firmer for more pleasing aesthetics. But this technique also has its limitations, which prevent the removal of more than 500 ml of fat in one session.
• Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction: This method, nowadays referred to as VASER, is the latest liposuction technique, which involves using targeted ultrasound technology to remove large volumes of fat from multiple areas while defining the muscles. Being a minimally invasive technique, it causes minimal bruising, swelling, and trauma to the skin and surrounding tissues.
• Tumescent Liposuction: This is one of the oldest and most commonly used liposuction techniques. It involves using a tumescent solution that contains lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline solution, which reduces discomfort, minimizes bleeding, and saturates the fat tissues, respectively. Then, the surgeon inserts the liposuction cannula to break up the tissue and suction it away.

Liposuction is a minimally invasive method, but the extent of tissue trauma is still different in each technique, which impacts the recovery and efficiency of the results.

Detailed evaluations are usually not required for cosmetic procedures, such as liposuction surgery. The doctor will do a thorough evaluation of the patient’s overall health and take a detailed medical history to identify the potential risks and complications that may arise during or after the surgery.

Besides that, the patient’s skin texture and elasticity are also checked to see if it will retract as expected after fat removal. On the day of surgery, some routine tests, such as liver function test, ECG/EKG, blood test, etc., may also be performed before proceeding.

The liposuction procedure is carried out on an outpatient basis and takes around 1-3 hours, depending on the extent of fat removal. The step-by-step procedure is explained below:

• First, the patient is prepped for the surgery, and an IV line is inserted into his/her arm to administer bodily fluids and medicines.
• The patient is then taken to the operating room, where markings are done in the areas which are being treated. These markings are used to guide the procedure.
• Depending on the area that is being treated, the patient may be sedated or receive general or local anesthesia. The anesthesia will numb the target area and make the procedure comfortable for the patient.
• Tiny incisions are made around the treated area to insert the liposuction cannula. The incision location is chosen smartly to ensure they are well hidden within the body’s natural crease and don’t affect the individual’s aesthetics.
• Then, the liposuction cannula is inserted, and the fat tissues are broken down. The process may vary depending on the technique being used to break down the fat.
• Vacuum suction is used to extract the fat tissues, and the same steps are repeated until all areas are treated.
• After finishing the removal procedure, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures or left open if they are very small. The wound is also covered with gauze.

Once the surgery is complete, the patient is taken to the recovery room and kept under observation until the effects of anesthesia wear off. When the patient wakes up, he/she is transferred to their respective room and given post-surgery care instructions and a follow-up schedule.

Before getting liposuction, the patient needs to take certain measures to optimize their overall health and reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery.

One week before the surgery, the doctor will most likely give you the following instructions to follow:

• Do not shave or wax the area that needs to be treated. This can increase the risk of infection.
• Do not drink alcohol, as it acts as a blood thinner and prolongs the healing process. Refrain from drinking entirely one week before and after the surgery.
• Stop smoking for a brief period or quit entirely, if possible. Smoking impairs nerve health and weakens the blood vessels, which can increase the chance of post-op complications and delay the healing process.
• Do not take any drugs or herbal supplements that can potentially interfere with the body’s normal blood clotting ability. This includes avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
• Also, ask a friend or family member to accompany you during and after the surgery, as you won’t be able to drive. Besides, you will also need help in basic activities until the body starts to heal.

For the day/night before surgery, the doctor will give the following instructions:

• Take a proper bath, as you won’t be able to take a shower for a few days after the surgery. Also, prefer using an antibacterial soap.
• Don’t eat or drink anything 6-8 hours prior to the surgery. If the stomach is not empty, this can increase the risk of aspiration (food or water can enter the lungs) due to the effects of general anesthesia.
• Brush your teeth normally, but don’t swallow water.
• Don’t wear any jewelry, makeup, accessories, moisturizer, contact lenses, etc.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothes, preferably a buttoned shirt that can be removed easily without rubbing against the treated area.

It’s important that you follow these instructions strictly, otherwise, your surgery may get postponed indefinitely.

Some additional tips that may be helpful to prepare you for the recovery period are also given below:

• Get an antibacterial soap that you can use for baths during the recovery period to keep the incisions clean and reduce the risk of infection.
• Pick up a tool that can help you pick things from the floor without bending over.
• Keep laxatives and stool softeners handy, as you’ll need them in the initial days of recovery. The anesthesia side effects include constipation that may last for several days.
• Put aside some things for your entertainment, such as books, magazines, or movies, to keep yourself occupied when you rest.
• Buy snacks or food items that have low sodium content. During the initial days of recovery, you will be asked to cut down the salt intake as it can increase the risk of fluid retention and swelling in the body.

Liposuction is the second most common cosmetic surgery in India and has both medical and cosmetic benefits. Medically, liposuction is not a weight loss method, but it cannot help to lose weight. In some cases, fat removal does help people lose a small amount of weight, around 2-3 kg at most, but it won’t help you lose significant weight.

Some key benefits of liposuction include the following:

• Safest & Most Effective Method of Fat Removal: Liposuction is a safe procedure, when performed by an experienced and skilled surgeon, and allows targeted fat removal effectively from all body parts. It can target dense and fibrous tissues precisely.
• Improve Body Shape and Contour: By removing the fat cells from specific areas, liposuction improves the body shape and gives a more sculpted appearance that looks beautiful.
• Boost Confidence and Self-Esteem: Removal of unwanted fat pockets not only improves the body contour but boosts the individual confidence by giving them a sense of satisfaction in their own body.
• Improve Overall Health: Many people give up diet and exercise when the stubborn body fat doesn’t go away, believing that their efforts were in vain. However, after getting liposuction, they also feel encouraged to adopt a healthy and active lifestyle that can help them retain the results for a long time.
• Long-lasting Results: Liposuction effectively removes the fat cells from the body, and they are extracted safely. And the body cannot grow new fat cells. Thus, as long as the individual maintains a healthy lifestyle, they can enjoy the results.
• Minimally Invasive: Liposuction doesn’t involve making large incisions, regardless of the technique, making it a minimally invasive procedure. Only 2-3 tiny incisions are required to insert the cannula, which reduces skin trauma and downtime after the surgery.
• Minimal Scarring: As the incisions are small, the scarring after liposuction is almost negligible. Fat can be removed from a large area through 1-3 incisions only, and even those incisions are made in inconspicuous areas to ensure they don’t affect the individual’s appearance. Over time, those incisions heal and become almost invisible.
• Quick Results: With liposuction, you will get to see a visible difference in your body shape within 2-3 months that cannot be achieved with diet and exercise alone.

The healing after liposuction surgery takes around 2 to 4 weeks. Immediately after liposuction, you will feel slight discomfort, nausea, and numbness due to the side effects of anesthesia. You will start to feel better the next day, but the swelling will be more prominent. The doctor will advise you to wear compression garments for 2-3 weeks constantly to reduce swelling and provide support to the underlying muscles.

In the second week, you will start to feel better as the swelling, bruising, and pain starts to subside. You will also be able to perform regular activities more comfortably. In the upcoming weeks, the healing will continue, but you will be advised to take several precautions until the recovery is complete. After 1 month, the doctor will recommend exercises and other habits in your routine to further cut down the fat and enhance the body’s shape and contours.

The recovery period is very crucial for patients, regardless of whether they have cosmetic surgery or a medically necessary procedure. You should understand that how you take care of yourself will affect the final outcome of your surgery. To achieve the full extent of results, it’s extremely important that you follow the doctor’s instructions. Some recovery tips after lipo that you should follow strictly are given below:

• First and foremost, keep the incision area clean and dry and change the bandages frequently to prevent infection.
• Don’t use contaminated water to clean the wound; prefer using warm water and a clean and soft washcloth to gently wipe out the oozing pus and blood.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes that can rub against the skin and irritate the wound.
• Do your best to drink as much water as possible to prevent dehydration during the recovery period. Prefer drinking 8 glasses of water a day, and if possible, you can also increase it.
• Take a liquid diet for 1-2 days after liposuction and slowly switch to solid foods. Also, take a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
• Avoid soaking in the bathtub, hot tub, or any other water body until the wound closes entirely.
• Try to eliminate caffeine, and don’t take any medication without consulting your doctor.
• Reduce the salt intake as salt triggers water retention in the body, which can worsen swelling.
• Take a protein-rich diet, as it will improve collagen production in the body and improve the overall skin texture.
• Also, try to avoid sugary substances or at least reduce sugar intake as it can suppress the immune system and impair healing after liposuction.
• Do lymphatic massages from the day after surgery to stimulate proper drainage of bodily fluids and prevent contour irregularities.
• Gradually include exercises in your routine after the first month to improve overall physical health and further reduce fat.
• Keep an eye out for the signs of infection, including fever, persistent pain, swelling, discomfort, pus drainage from the incision, etc.

These above-mentioned tips will help you recover faster and avoid potential complications. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to talk to the doctor right away.

Though liposuction is not a major procedure, there are chances of developing some risks and complications that can compromise the surgery’s outcome. Some potential risks and complications can include the following:

• Swelling, Bruising, and Numbness: These are normal side effects that happen when tissues experience trauma, even if it’s surgery. The trauma triggers the body’s natural inflammatory response that causes swelling in the treated area. Similarly, while making the incisions, capillaries and nerves also experience trauma due to which bruising occurs, and the area may also feel numb. These side effects are only temporary and often resolve on their own after some time.
• Infection: Normally, infection is rare after liposuction. But during or after the surgery, the bacteria and contaminants present outside the body may enter through the incision site, which can lead to infection and cause symptoms like redness, swelling, tenderness, warmth, fever, pus or fluid discharge, etc. If left untreated, the infection can get worse and may cause other serious health implications.
• Skin Necrosis: Patients who are chronic smokers have a higher chance of developing skin necrosis as it damages and weakens the blood vessels. Due to this, some tissues in the treated area may die off due to a lack of blood supply. That’s why patients are advised to quit smoking entirely at least a month before getting liposuction treatment.
• Saggy Skin: When large pockets of fat are removed from a single area, the skin may not contract completely and may become saggy or loose. The risk of sagging increases with age, skin type, and surgical technique.
• Seroma or Hematoma: Fluid or blood may accumulate in the treated region, which may need to be drained.
• Fat Embolism: In some cases, the broken fat tissues can get trapped in a blood vessel and travel to the lungs, which can disrupt lung function and may even cause life-threatening complications.

Scarring: Typically, small incisions are made into the skin, but in some cases, the incision wound may not heal properly, or the scar formation may be abnormal (keloid or hypertrophic). This can impact the aesthetic outcome of liposuction surgery.

Generally, these potential risks and complications are identified by the surgeon before the surgery, and they recommend several measures to prevent them from arising in the first place. Along with this, it is also up to the patient to follow the doctor’s instructions for post-op care to reduce the risk of complications.

Liposuction surgery costs in India range from Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 2,00,000 or more. The surgery encompasses removing fat tissues from multiple body parts, due to which the cost can further increase up to 3,00,000 or more depending on individual requirements.

Some key factors that affect the cost of liposuction surgery include the following:

• The areas that need to be treated
• The volume of fat
• The technique used for liposuction
• Surgeon’s fee
• Choice of hospital
• Hospitalization expenses (admission, discharge, room rent, OT, etc.)
• Pre and post-surgery medications
• Support devices like a compression garment
• Follow-up consultations

You can get a specific cost estimate for liposuction by having a detailed consultation with our experts.

*Note: Liposuction is a cosmetic elective surgery, and it is not covered under health insurance in any circumstance.

Many people believe liposuction is a miraculous treatment that can resolve all the issues associated with body fat. Though liposuction does provide miraculous results, it also has some limitations. It is important for you to understand that there are some things that liposuction cannot do and to keep realistic expectations from the procedure.

Here is a list of some things that liposuction cannot do for you, regardless of popular misbeliefs.

• Liposuction won’t remove stretch marks or scars present on the skin.
• Liposuction cannot eliminate cellulite.
• Liposuction won’t treat obesity or reduce weight.
• Liposuction doesn’t replace weight-loss surgery and is not a substitute as well.
• Liposuction is not a substitute for healthy diet and exercise.

You should keep in mind that liposuction is a body contouring procedure, and its main goal is to refine the body shape by removing fat deposits.

There are several non-surgical fat reduction procedures that are effective in fat removal. These procedures include the following:

• CoolSculpting: This is an FDA-approved method of fat removal that utilizes cryolipolysis technology. This method involves freezing the fat cells that they crystallize and burst on their own. Then, the body processes these fat tissues and flushes them out. It is a non-invasive procedure that takes around 1-2 hours. This method is suitable for people who are close to their ideal and healthy body weight. The results usually appear within a month after the treatment, and often, multiple sessions of CoolSculpting are required to get significant results.
• Injection Lipolysis: This method of fat removal involves injecting a specialized solution that targets fat deposits. When injected, the components of the solution start breaking the fat cells, which are ultimately eliminated from the body naturally. It is approved by the FDA, and the commonly used injection is Kybella. However, this method is not suitable for candidates with loose skin.
• LipoSonix: This non-invasive alternative to liposuction is gaining popularity nowadays. It uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy and eliminate fat cells from the body. The treatment takes almost an hour, and the final results become visible within 8 to 12 weeks.
• UltraShape: This is another non-invasive treatment that is considered a good alternative to liposuction surgery. It involves using pulsed ultrasound waves that target fat tissues located underneath the skin. Typically, 2-4 sessions of UltraShape are required to get visible results.

Besides these, there are other methods, such as Vanquish, which uses radiofrequency, and others are also available. However, these methods are not as effective as liposuction surgery. In most cases, liposuction provides a dramatic improvement in the body shape and contours, whereas these techniques often require multiple sessions.