Liposuction is understood as a procedure, the main purpose of which is the destruction and subsequent removal of adipose tissue directly from the body. For the first time such an operation on the knee was performed in 1921 by Dr. Dujarier. Unfortunately, the intervention was unsuccessful, and the patient as a result lost her leg.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a complete surgical operation, the purpose of which is visual correction of the figure. This method is distinguished by its radicalism, however, is characterized by high efficiency. With its help, you can visually improve the contours of the body by removing excess adipose tissue.
The term “liposuction” itself literally translates as “pumping out fat”, which explains the mechanism of the procedure. Excess tissue can be removed in certain problem areas. Most often this is the area of the abdomen, hips, buttocks. This method is actively used today in facial plastic surgery, including liposuction of the cheeks and chin.
Such an operation does not cure or eliminate fat deposits permanently. Even experienced surgeons cannot eliminate the cause of obesity. Liposuction solves this problem locally and pursues primarily aesthetic goals.
A bit of history
The first attempts to correct the figure were made in the 20th century. The operation implied an extensive excision of skin-fat flaps. However, due to the high morbidity and a large number of scars, such surgical intervention has not received recognition among specialists.
In 1974, Dr. Fisher used a vacuum aspirator to correct his wife's figure. The operation was successful. From this moment, liposuction has become widespread. Today it is actively used in several versions. Modern plastic surgery offers several options for this procedure. Below we consider each of them in more detail.
Tumecent Liposuction
This type of surgical intervention differs somewhat from the classical version in that the surgeon makes the smallest incisions on the skin and uses ultra-thin cannulas. Adipocytes are gradually destroyed by the action of a solution of sodium chloride, adrenaline and lidocaine. Thanks to the latter, it is possible to conduct surgery using a local version of anesthesia. Below we list the main advantages of this type of liposuction:
- The duration of the rehabilitation period is only 3-4 days.
- The volume of blood loss decreases.
- Small incisions guarantee a very quick healing of wounds and an almost complete absence of bruises.
Vibrolipomodeling
Plastic surgery, as you know, is constantly evolving. To make the procedure less traumatic, specialists from Belgium invented a completely new operation called vibro-liposuction.
During direct surgical intervention, a special vibration device is used, which delivers compressed air through thin cannulas , which instantly destroys adipocytes. The resulting emulsion is removed by means of a vacuum installation.
This method of lipomodeling makes it possible to remove excess body fat from very sensitive areas (face, chin, chest).
Laser liposuction
Italians have always been considered true connoisseurs of female beauty. Perhaps that is why they own the invention of a well-known lipomodelling method called laser liposuction.
This is an operation that involves a complex effect on both adipose and connective tissue, as well as vascular coagulation. Through the microcannula, the laser is fed directly into the fat ball. Subsequent destruction of lipocytes is possible through mechanical and thermal effects. Due to the use of high temperature, cauterization of blood vessels occurs in the area of fat removal, which minimizes the likelihood of hematomas and bruises.
Radiofrequency liposuction
The price of the procedure for getting rid of body fat is very high due to the complexity of its implementation. In the presence of obvious contraindications to the classical technique, experts often offer an alternative option - radio-frequency liposuction. This procedure is based on the effect of high frequency current directly on fat cells. Liposuction is carried out by means of two electrodes: internal (introduced into the subcutaneous tissue) and external (directs radiation through the skin and serves as a kind of temperature sensor). The procedure itself is carried out under constant temperature control in the intervention zone. This is possible thanks to the use of special computers. As soon as it reaches a critical point, the impulse immediately stops. In this case, the probability of burns is almost zero.
Radio-frequency liposuction is a procedure that is performed using a local version of anesthesia. Its main advantages: minimal recovery period, almost complete absence of traces of the operation, as well as the lifting effect visible to the naked eye.
Ultrasound liposuction
Surely many are familiar with the procedure for the destruction of stones in the gallbladder and kidneys through ultrasound. In exactly the same way, doctors are proposing today to deal with excess body fat. The procedure itself is painless and highly effective. The surgeon in a certain area makes a small incision, through it introduces an ultrasound probe into the very thickness of the fatty plaque. Constantly delivered ultrasound destroys existing fat cells forever, which guarantees a lasting and lasting result.
Liposuction in this way can be done even by overly obese people. According to experts, in a single session you can remove a fairly impressive amount of fat (up to about 6-8 liters). The skin after the procedure becomes smooth and even, that is, without a visible relief.
Waterjet Liposuction
Scientists have proven relatively long ago that fat cells are not only a storehouse of fat itself, but also some harmful elements (heavy metals, microdoses of various drugs). The consequent destruction of lipocytes during surgery entails a massive release of these substances into the body, which leads to its immediate intoxication. To avoid such negative consequences, scientists have invented a completely new method of body modeling - water-jet liposuction.
This method is based on the mechanical separation of fat cells from the base, which consists mainly of connective tissue, by means of a stream of water and direct aspiration of the resulting fluid. Liposuction of fat in this case involves the use of a special solution, which can have the following effects:
- The narrowing of the capillaries.
- Department of adipocytes.
- Anesthesia of the area where surgery is performed.
To supply such a solution, a special device is used on which the doctor first sets the number of injections and their strength. The operation itself is performed using a local version of anesthesia. Among its main advantages are minor injuries, a quick recovery period and an almost complete absence of pain discomfort.
Preparation before surgery
First of all, patients have to choose which clinic is suitable for these purposes. Liposuction is a fairly serious procedure that requires an exclusively qualified approach. It is very important to choose the right medical institution so that the end results meet all expectations.
Preparation for liposuction usually begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The doctor examines the patient, determines the amount of intervention and offers the most appropriate options. Then a preliminary examination is prescribed.
As a rule, before liposuction, a blood test is required, an ECG is performed, it is imperative to consult a therapist and an endocrinologist. Representatives of the fair sex additionally need to visit a gynecologist. Based on the test results, the surgeon at the consultation determines a specific version of the procedure, gives recommendations for preparation, talks about possible complications and the rehabilitation period. In addition, the doctor can show in a special program on a computer how the patient will look after this procedure. You can notice with naked eye how liposuction is changing people. Before and after surgery, a person often looks completely different.
Operation stages
Initially, a surgeon using one of the methods (using Klein's solution, high-frequency exposure, laser, etc.) prepares fat deposits.
In the second stage, liposuction itself occurs directly. The doctor performs several microscopic cuts on the skin through which cannulas will subsequently be inserted. Vacuum suction is attached to them, and aspiration of the adipose tissue previously changed to the state of emulsion is carried out.
The complexity of the procedure depends on the amount of fat removed. As a rule, it lasts about two hours. For aspiration of not more than 3 kg, standard mechanical techniques are used. If it is supposed to remove sufficiently large volumes, it is mandatory to pre-treat with ultrasound or a laser.
Rehabilitation period
The postoperative period may be accompanied by pain discomfort, swelling, low-grade fever. The next day after liposuction, a change in dressings is indicated. You can take a shower only on the seventh day and only according to the doctor’s testimony.
An important condition for a successful recovery is the wearing of special compression underwear (4-6 weeks). The final result of liposuction can be assessed only after two months.
If necessary, the patient is assigned a whole range of rehabilitation measures, which includes mesotherapy, massage and ozone therapy.
If liposuction of the body is carried out efficiently and professionally, the likelihood of developing complications is minimal. Careful preparation for the operation, strict adherence to all the recommendations of the doctor, the use of modern equipment - all this provides the desired result.
Liposuction involves imposing restrictions on physical activity. In addition, you should refrain from visiting the sauna, pool and solarium.
Contraindications and possible complications
It should be noted that deciding on such a radical way to get rid of existing body fat is better only when other non-surgical options are ineffective. Liposuction, like any other operation, has its contraindications:
- Diabetes.
- Pathology in the work of the cardiovascular system.
- Age (up to 18 years).
- Pregnancy.
- Oncology.
- Diseases of a chronic nature.
Liposuction is a fairly serious surgical intervention. Before deciding on it, it is recommended to compare all the pros and cons.
Even if the operation is performed on a completely healthy patient, complications during the rehabilitation period are also possible. These include the following:
- Subcutaneous hemorrhage.
- The appearance of seroma.
- Severe pain.
- Inflammation and suppuration at the incision site of the skin.
- Fat embolism.
- The formation of gross scars and defects.
How much is?
So, we found out what liposuction is. The price of this operation primarily depends on the volume, which in turn is calculated by zones (for example, buttock, thigh, knee). On average, one procedure costs about 15 thousand rubles.
The final cost depends on a number of factors. These include the following: the prestige of the clinic, the qualification of a doctor, the availability of additional services, anesthesia, postoperative observation in a hospital. As a rule, the final price can vary from 50 and up to about 100 thousand rubles.
In the West, the cost of this kind of service is slightly higher (from 1,500 to 8,000 dollars).
Conclusion
In this article, we have described in as much detail as possible what a procedure called liposuction is. In Moscow, such surgical interventions are carried out in many medical institutions. However, to obtain the desired result, it is very important to choose the right clinic and the plastic surgeon himself. Only in this case can the desired effect be achieved at an affordable price.