Liposuction: Is It For You?

(BlackDoctor.org) — Liposuction, sometimes also referred to as lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the body’s contours by removing fatty deposits that may occur despite weight or physical condition.

One of the most popular methods that is widely used by surgeons is to make small skin incisions surrounding the area to be liposuctioned. A sterile solution designed to help break up the fat molecules is then injected into the slits; a cannula with a vacuum attached to one end is inserted into one of the slits. Using a back-and-forth motion, the surgeon removes excess fat cells until the desired contours are achieved, then goes to the next slit and repeats the process until the area has been completely liposuctioned. The smaller the cannula, the smoother the skin will be when the surgery is finished.

Why Lipo?

With society’s emphasis on looking young, people of all ages, races and genders are getting liposuction; it is highly likely that liposuction will become more and more popular as a technique to reshape one’s body, particularly because of dramatic technique improvements and an almost-as-dramatic drop in overall liposuction cost. Liposuction is being used to reshape hips, thighs, abdomens, ankles and virtually any other part of the body. The effects of liposuction are permanent, barring substantial weight gain.

Lipo Versus Weight Loss

Liposuction is not suitable for those who simply wish to lose weight. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved, so using liposuction in lieu of a diet isn’t recommended. Complications from liposuction surgery are rare, but they do occur. Liposuction will not remove excess skin; that is a procedure for plastic surgery.

Lipo: What To Expect?

Liposuction post op recovery time varies because each patient is unique. Many times patients feel no more soreness than they would feel from a strenuous workout. However, rest is recommended for several days after surgery. Also, expect some bruising and swelling, which may last two weeks or longer. Many people resume their regular activities within ten days to two weeks and stitches will usually be removed within a week. During the period of your liposuction post op, it is very important to remain very well hydrated. Also make sure to take all prescribed medications.

Depending on the surgical procedure performed, a liposuction post op compression garment may be required. The compression garment should be worn for as long as the doctor advises, so that the area will heal properly. Do not apply heat or ice to the area, and do not soak in a Jacuzzi or bathtub, or swim as this may cause an infection to develop.

Before The Procedure…

There are things the surgeon may recommend in preparation for surgery, including:

• Stop smoking as far in advance as possible, since smoking can hinder the healing process
• Stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and NSAIDs
• Stop drinking red wine, which is a blood thinner
• Stop taking some vitamins and herbal preparations that may impair blood clotting

Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis and patients are usually able to go home the same day, but will need someone to drive them.

How Much?

An estimated starting fee is about two thousand dollars for a simple procedure such as outer thighs, and three to four thousand dollars for a more complex procedure such as breasts and abdomen. The final liposuction cost will be affected by several factors that only a consultation can provide. These factors include:

• The procedure(s) being performed; more procedures will cost more money
• The size of the patient; a larger area to be liposuctioned will cost more money
• The skill and experience of the surgeon
• The fee for anesthesia
• The area of the country in which the surgeon is located
• Tests and medications needed
• The facility fee

Are Blacks Good Candidates For Plastic Surgery?

In general, good candidates for plastic surgery are:

• People in good health
• People who take care of themselves
• People with realistic expectations
• People with good skin elasticity
• People who do not expect liposuction to take the place of dieting

There has been a marked increase in the number of ethnic liposuction surgeries in the past year, up 65% in 2010 over 2009 with over half of those being performed on African Americans. These numbers are expected to continue to increase due to an increased number of wealthier ethnic individuals and the rising popularity of liposuction.

Since darker skin heals differently than Caucasian skin, new methods are being researched and developed to minimize scarring and hyper pigmentation of the scars after surgery.

In general, liposuction as a means to a more attractive body is now within the reach of virtually all of us.