Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body to improve body contours and proportions. It is not a weight loss solution, but a body shaping technique for people with stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
How does liposuction work?
Liposuction involves making small incisions in the skin and passing a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) through it. The cannula is attached to a vacuum device or syringe that sucks out the fat cells.
What are the types of liposuction?
Traditional Liposuction (Vacuum Assisted Liposuction – SAL):
A small cannula is used to manually break up and suction out fat deposits. It is one of the ideal methods for removing large volumes of fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs and back. It is cost-effective and versatile.
Tumescent Liposuction:
A solution of salt water, lidocaine (local anesthetic) and epinephrine (to reduce bleeding) is injected into the treatment area to swell and tighten the fatty tissues, making it easier to remove the fat. It is safer and more gentle than traditional liposuction. The procedure time is slightly longer due to the infiltration process.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL):
Ultrasound energy is used to liquefy the fat before it is suctioned, making it easier to remove the fat. It is the ideal choice for the back, male breasts (gynecomastia) or areas that have previously undergone liposuction. Effective for hard fat. Reduces the risk of tissue damage. Requires additional equipment.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL): Method: Laser energy is used to melt fat and then the fat is removed by suction. This method also stimulates collagen production and tightens the skin. It can be ideal for small areas such as the face, neck, arms and knees. It minimizes bruising and increases skin elasticity. Limited to smaller fat volumes. The procedure time can be long.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL):
A vibrating cannula helps break down fat, making it easier to remove. It can be preferred for large areas of the body and patients requiring high precision. It provides faster processing and more precise fat removal with less manual effort. It can be more costly due to special equipment.
VASER Liposuction:
A type of ultrasound-assisted liposuction that uses ultrasonic energy to target and break down fat cells while protecting surrounding tissues. It is especially ideal for shaping muscles. It is less invasive, minimizes damage to blood vessels, and offers smoother results.
Water-Assisted Liposuction (WAL):
Water-assisted liposuction uses water jets to remove fat from the body. It is gentle on the tissues, reduces trauma, and prolongs recovery time. It is not as common and may cost more.
BodyTite Liposuction (Radio Frequency-Assisted Liposuction – RFAL):
It uses radiofrequency energy to melt fat and tighten the skin at the same time. It can be preferred in patients who want both fat removal and skin tightening. It minimizes skin sagging after the procedure. It requires special equipment and can be more expensive.
J-Plasma Liposuction
J-Plasma is an advanced medical technology used in aesthetic procedures. It combines cold atmospheric plasma, helium gas, and radiofrequency energy to provide precise and controlled tissue tightening and skin rejuvenation. It is a popular method used especially in liposuction and facial rejuvenation. The technology minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, resulting in shorter recovery times and better results. It is usually applied to the abdomen, arms, thighs and face to tighten loose skin or reduce wrinkles and scars.
Argon Plasma Liposuction
Often patients may have some skin laxity after liposuction, and one way to deal with this is with post-operative radiofrequency skin tightening treatments. However, now the argon plasma-focused radiofrequency device allows us to achieve skin and tissue retraction during the operation.
The device uses pressurized argon gas to deliver radiofrequency energy to a hollow cannula. The cannula is moved in a similar way to the liposuction cannula and rapidly heats the subcutaneous collagen to 85°C. This heat causes the collagen to contract strongly, causing a 40-50% reduction in fiber length. Skin tone continues to improve for up to a year as new collagen develops within the tissue. Studies show that treatment can achieve up to 36% of measured skin surface area contraction.
How is liposuction performed?
Although it varies depending on the type of liposuction to be applied, the general application of the operation is as follows:
Pre-Operative Preparation:Your surgeon evaluates your general health, skin elasticity, fat distribution and your goal. He/she determines the specific areas to be treated and discusses the expected results, risks and recovery process with you. Before the procedure, he/she marks the targeted areas on the body for more precise work.
Operation:Your surgeon makes small incisions (usually 2-5 mm) near the marked areas. These incisions are strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. If tumescent liposuction is applied, a saltwater solution mixed with lidocaine and epinephrine is injected into the fat layers. This numbs the area, reduces bleeding and makes it easier to remove the fat.
During the fat removal phase, the cannula that enters the incisions is moved back and forth to loosen the fat cells and then the fat is suctioned using a vacuum or syringe.
Depending on the type of liposuction, laser, ultrasound, or power tools may be used. These technologies break down fat cells more effectively and reduce trauma to surrounding tissues.
In most cases, the incisions are small enough to heal without stitches, but larger incisions can be closed with stitches.
When do results appear?
As swelling subsides over weeks or months, the treated areas become more visible. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle helps maintain results.
For whom is liposuction an ideal method?
Liposuction, can be performed on many people, but the best results are most often achieved by the following candidates:
- Those with good skin elasticity and muscle tone
- Those without underlying health problems and non-smokers
- Those with localized fat deposits that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods
How is the recovery after the operation?
Recovery times vary depending on the type of procedure and the area treated. The patient will rest in the recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. Depending on the type of liposuction, the patient may go home the same day or stay overnight for observation.
Swelling and bruising are common and usually subside within a few weeks. Patients are fitted with compression garments to reduce swelling, speed healing, and help the skin adjust to its new contours. The final results become more noticeable as the body heals, usually within 3-6 months.
Liposuction can effectively improve body contours, but maintaining results requires a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction
Which areas are liposuction applied to?
Liposuction can target the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, back, chest, chin and neck. The area chosen depends on the person’s needs.
What are the benefits of liposuction?
Liposuction improves body contours and proportions by removing stubborn fat deposits. It can also be used to treat certain medical conditions such as lipomas and gynecomastia.
Are there any complications of liposuction?
Possible complications include infection, irregular skin contour, numbness, fluid retention, lidocaine toxicity and organ damage if large areas are treated. Liposuction increases the risks because more fat is removed than necessary.
Can liposuction be combined with other aesthetic surgeries?
Yes, if the patient’s health condition is suitable, liposuction can be combined with procedures such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), breast reduction or facelift. However, combining the surgeries can increase the risks.
Which liposuction method should I choose?
When evaluating techniques for liposuction, it is important to remember that good results can be achieved by a specialist. Therefore, patients who want to have a liposuction procedure should focus on the hospital and surgeon they will choose.
What is essential for post-procedure care in liposuction?
It is very important to wear compression garments after the procedure, avoid strenuous activities for a certain period of time, maintain fluid intake and follow your doctor’s specific recommendations for optimum recovery.