How well do you know liposuction? Myths and truths
Liposuction is a high caliber surgical procedure used by specialists in plastic surgery. Today, many say they know the term, but few understand its definition.
As a result of it, a series of controversies have been listed that have not yet been fully clarified. Therefore, it is helpful to understand what is true and what is not regarding liposuction.
First of all, what is liposuction as such?
Like several of the medical words, liposuction is a neologism typical of the Spanish Anglo-Saxon. It combines "lipo" which means fat with "suction", which symbolizes exactly what it proclaims. In short, it is the surgical technique for the suction and removal of fat.
Fat is understood as all that excess adipose tissue that lies under the skin. That same one that is obtained by gaining weight improperly, an unbalanced diet and bad life habits in general.
Unlike other procedures such as abdominoplasty, it is performed in a unique way. It means that nothing else is dedicated to the field of fat extraction. Muscle and posterior skin management are in charge of the abdominal plasty as such.
Myths and truths about liposuction
Debunking the myths and truths about liposuction will be crucial to instill certified knowledge. In this way, those false beliefs or unsupported comments will be left behind, once and for all.
Liposuction is not synonymous with “express” slimming
It is well known that liposuction is the card to use to produce a dreamy appearance. When excess fat is dispensed with, the person's figure becomes slimmer.
Unfortunately, it is not synonymous with express or immediate weight loss. If it is not complemented with exercise, changes in lifestyle and balanced food, the operation will be wasted. In turn, there is the high probability of varied health complications.
Skin is not repaired
Overweight and obesity are multifactorial chronic diseases with diverse consequences for the organism. Parts of it are affected internally and externally, being, in the latter case, the skin as mostly affected.
With indiscriminate accumulation of fat under the dermis, it tends to expand deliberately. Over time, it breaks down and suffers from the so-called "cellulite".
With liposuction it is not possible to repair the skin, since it is dedicated to the extraction of fat in its entirety. In order to hide the imperfections in the epidermis, it will be necessary to use other plastic procedures that hit the target.
Liposuction is always complicated
Recalling what was said in previous paragraphs, liposuction is surrounded by misinformation. A large percentage of it is due to illicit practices carried out by those who claim to be professionals in plastic surgery.
The reality is that liposuction does not refer to a greater degree of complexity for the patient. As long as the surgeon is graduated in such a specialty, the probability of success is almost 100%. Added to a good rehabilitation therapy and better habits, nothing will happen.
The scars of the operation will not be able to hide
Malpractice triggers remote scenarios in which the user is harmed. Another belief has spread in which the scars after the operation cannot be hidden. People believe that after reducing the fat with liposuction, they will have to deal with the marks afterward.
The reality is that the operative lines are normally carried out in folds and in declining body planes. In other words, they blend in with other areas of the body.
Even so, following the instructions of a validated specialist to the letter will be a good turning point. The better the postoperative period is overcome with timely measures, the horizon points to being fantastic.
Aesthetic doctor is equivalent to plastic surgeon
If an aesthetic doctor without a postgraduate degree in plastic surgery is the one who carries out the process, it is an illegal act. Regardless of the country, it is clear that these operations are processed in a specialized operating room led by a plastic surgeon.
Surgeons are the only ones who enjoy the knowledge to process liposuction. They are the architects of it and backed by years of experience both in the training and in practice.
Liposuction is for women
The taboos that still haunt the population about gender connotations continue to be problematic. With them, circumstances that have no logic are generated, such as the milestone of categorizing liposuction only for women.
Basically, men are not exempt from suffering from excessive accumulation of adipose tissue. Although hormonally they are able to better distribute fat, various body areas will not be able to absorb the excess.
These are the moments when, after medical evaluation, it is pertinent to indicate a liposuction to men. Therefore, beyond what they will say, the important thing is to feel good and go to a first appointment with the doctor to schedule.
Key points where liposuction can be applied
Liposuction is a relatively simple surgical act for those with experience. It is considered a minimally invasive surgery, since it only opens small incisions in the skin.
Through them, a tool known as a cannula, similar to a hose, is inserted. At its tip is a "vacuum" nozzle that will literally suck out the fat.
Establishing such a scenario as a starting point, it is worth emphasizing the key body points suitable for liposuction. Among them, they commonly include:
Abdomen.
Extremities (arms, thighs, legs).
Buttocks.
Hips.
All this without leaving behind some less common ones such as the repair of gynecomastia in men, chest, back, chin and neck. Except for gynecomastia, the rest of the procedures can be applied to both men and women.
What real risks associated with liposuction?
Being a surgical act under anesthesia and with manipulation of medical clothing, the risks exist. However, the percentage of these risks will depend on the patient.
Liposuction goes through the risks or complexities seen in other operations. Some of them as surgical site infections, wound hematoma or skin abnormalities.
The healthiest and most logical thing is to seek advice on the whole subject of liposuction with your family doctor. Without a doubt, he will be the one who will most specifically handle the complications and risks of liposuction.