Liposuction

Liposuction in the Thigh Area

Complete thigh liposuction (circumferential liposuction) is not recommended because it can increase swelling and prolong the recovery period. Instead, thigh liposuction should be performed as a series of procedures spaced a month apart. Thigh liposuction can be done alongside a thigh lift operation.

Liposuction in the Abdominal Area

Liposuction is highly effective in contouring the abdominal area in both women and men. The lower abdomen, in particular, tends to resist diet and exercise, causing even the fittest and most active individuals to feel dissatisfied with their appearance and seek liposuction. Pregnancy and cesarean deliveries can lead to deformations in the lower abdomen that diet and exercise cannot correct. Since most abdominal fat lies just beneath the skin, it can be easily removed through liposuction. However, liposuction cannot remove fat located deep within the abdomen (around the intestines) as it poses a serious complication risk. Abdominal liposuction can also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck.

Liposuction in the Flanks

In men, fat accumulation in the flanks occurs just above the beltline on the sides and back. Liposuction can significantly improve the appearance of these areas and reduce the amount of fat bulging over the belt. In women, fat located below the bra line on the sides and back is targeted.

Flank liposuction is performed under local anaesthesia to allow the patient to turn during the surgery and enable the surgeon to access the back. Turning a patient under general anaesthesia is dangerous as it can affect the position of the breathing tube. Flank liposuction can be done alongside a body lift.

Liposuction for Male Breasts

Liposuction can also be used as a breast reduction procedure for men, but certain factors need to be considered first. The surgeon must determine whether the excess tissue in the breast is fat or glandular tissue. If the breast is primarily composed of fat, liposuction is an excellent method to reduce the size of the breasts and improve the appearance of the chest.

If the enlargement is due to glandular tissue, liposuction is not an option, and hormonal or medical treatments should be considered. If the breasts are asymmetrical or deformed, the patient should first be checked for tumours. Mammography is the most effective method for detecting tumours and breast cancer.

Less common areas for liposuction include the wrists, inner hips, and upper back. The most suitable area for each patient varies, as everyone responds differently to diet and exercise. Expert plastic surgeons can inform patients about the expected results of liposuction before the procedure.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is highly effective in contouring and removing abdominal fat in both women and men. The lower abdominal area often resists diet and exercise, causing even the fittest and most active individuals to be dissatisfied with their appearance.

Processes such as pregnancy and caesarean births can lead to deformations in the lower abdomen that may not be corrected by exercise and diet. Since most abdominal fat lies just beneath the skin, it can be easily removed through liposuction. However, fat located deep within the abdomen (around the intestines) cannot be removed via liposuction due to the risk of serious complications. Liposuction on the abdomen can also be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck.

How is liposuction performed?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting a tool called a cannula into fat pockets. This cannula is connected to a suction device or syringe to remove excess fat. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and patients can usually return home the same day.

Areas for Liposuction

Some common areas where liposuction is performed include:

Face, Neck, and Chin Liposuction Liposuction on the chin, neck, and jawline is used to remove fat in these areas, giving the patient a younger appearance. This procedure is both effective and safe. Facial liposuction typically uses micro-cannulas and can sometimes be more effective than other surgical techniques for the face.

Arm Liposuction Liposuction on the arms has a high satisfaction rate. The slimness achieved through this operation can give the overall body a more sculpted appearance. Arm liposuction can be performed alongside an arm lift surgery.

Breast Liposuction for Women Very large breasts can cause back and neck pain, headaches, and low self-esteem in women. Compared to other breast surgery operations, liposuction is less invasive and more effective. Removing excess fat through liposuction naturally lifts the breasts, as it reduces the weight pulling them downward.

Lady being marked before liposuction operation

Liposuction in the Buttocks Area

When targeting the buttocks, shaping is more important than reducing volume. Excessive fat removal from the buttocks can cause an asymmetrical, lumpy, and saggy appearance. The buttocks are crucial for the overall aesthetic look of the body. Therefore, liposuction in this area must be performed with great precision.

Liposuction in the Hip Area

Hip liposuction is usually successful in creating more defined contours. This procedure is typically performed on women, as men are less likely to have fat problems in this area. Patients who undergo hip liposuction to improve their appearance may need additional procedures to achieve the desired contours. Hip liposuction is usually done under general anaesthesia and can be combined with an extended tummy tuck surgery.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Although liposuction is not a weight-loss method, it is highly successful in improving body shape and enhancing overall appearance. The commonly targeted areas are the hips, thighs, arms, chest, abdomen, buttocks, chin, neck, and waist.

Liposuction is an effective procedure for many areas and, if maintained properly, the results can be long-lasting.

Patients often worry about gaining weight after liposuction. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise can definitely help preserve the results.

Who Is Liposuction Suitable For?

The ideal candidates for this operation are healthy individuals with an average or slightly above average weight, who have localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not effective for patients with cellulite or loose, saggy skin.

Liposuction is a surgical operation and, like any surgery, carries risks. Therefore, you need to be in good health to undergo liposuction. It is not recommended for individuals with heart disease, diabetes, or immune system problems.

What Should You Do Before the Procedure?

Despite being a common procedure, it should be remembered that liposuction is a surgical operation. It is important for those considering liposuction to obtain detailed information about the procedure and thoroughly discuss expectations with their doctor.

It is recommended to stop taking medications and vitamins that prevent blood clotting, such as aspirin, two weeks before liposuction. As with any surgery, smoking should be stopped at least two weeks prior. On the day of the operation, wear comfortable clothing and get a good night’s sleep the night before.

If the procedure will be performed under general anaesthesia, you should not consume anything at least six hours before the operation.

How Long Does Liposuction Take?

The exact duration of the operation depends on the type of liposuction and the size of the area being treated, but it generally takes between 1-4 hours. Procedures on larger areas, such as the back and abdomen, may take longer than those on other areas.

How Long Does Liposuction Take to Heal?

Full recovery from liposuction takes 4-6 weeks. However, patients can usually resume light walking and even return to work within 2 to 4 days.

When Can You Start Exercising After Liposuction?

Consult your surgeon before starting exercise. Most plastic surgeons recommend beginning a light walking routine within 2-4 days after liposuction. Light exercise helps prevent blood clots in the legs and other post-surgery complications.

Patients can typically start increasing their activity levels within 2 weeks after liposuction. However, to allow sufficient time for healing, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise for at least one month.

Does Liposuction Leave Scars?

Liposuction does leave scars, but they are very small. Additionally, your doctor will take care to make all incisions in natural body creases to keep them hidden. Most patients are not bothered by these barely noticeable scars.

When Can I Return to Work?

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but you can generally return to work 2-4 days after the operation. The necessary time off depends on the area treated and your body’s natural healing process. If your job involves significant physical effort, you may need a longer recovery period.

Is Liposuction Safe?

Liposuction is a very safe cosmetic procedure that effectively and quickly removes unwanted fat. However, like any surgical operation, there can be risks of bleeding and infection.

What Should You Be Careful About After Liposuction?

Liposuction is an effective method to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. However, weight gain and new fat deposits can occur after the procedure. Patients who have undergone liposuction should pay close attention to their exercise and nutrition routines. Otherwise, they may develop fat deposits in areas where they previously did not have a weight problem.

Lifestyle

Each patient’s nutritional and lifestyle needs are different. The regimen to be followed after liposuction may vary from person to person. Many patients see liposuction as a starting point for a healthier lifestyle.

Nutrition

After liposuction, patients should consume plenty of lean protein sources, calcium-rich dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. For more personalized nutritional advice, it is recommended to consult a nutritionist.

Exercise

Regular exercise is highly beneficial for overall health as it reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and depression. Patients do not need to suddenly start an intense exercise routine after liposuction.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is important because it prevents weight gain and helps tone muscles. It is recommended that patients engage in physical activity at least 5 days a week. Activities such as brisk walking, running, cycling, yoga, swimming, dance classes, and similar exercises can be preferred.

Common Misconceptions About Liposuction

Liposuction is for older people. The belief that liposuction is only for older people is a myth. The truth is that it is a completely healthy and safe procedure for patients of all ages. The procedure is safely performed on any healthy individual to remove specific fat deposits.

It helps you lose weight. One of the biggest reasons people pursue this procedure is the belief that it will help them lose a significant amount of weight. However, most patients lose only 3 to 5 kilograms of fat after the procedure. Therefore, most candidates for liposuction are within 30% of their healthy weight range. The procedure is aimed at removing specific fat areas that cannot be eliminated through the entire weight loss process.

It gets rid of stubborn belly fat. There are two types of fat in the body, and liposuction only helps with one. Subcutaneous fat, also known as skin fat, is located under the skin and above the muscle. Visceral fat, also known as intra-abdominal fat, is found beneath the muscles. Most belly fat is visceral and therefore cannot be removed with this procedure. The fat removed during liposuction is subcutaneous fat.

It is not a permanent solution for fat loss. The fat removed during the procedure never comes back. This fat is permanently removed from your body. As long as you stick to a healthy diet and exercise, the remaining fat in your body will not become unsightly or lumpy.

It eliminates cellulite. Unfortunately, liposuction does not eliminate cellulite. This is because cellulite is caused by a combination of factors, such as issues with connective tissue in the skin or the expansion of subcutaneous fat growth. Liposuction does not change the appearance of these tissues; it only reduces the volume of fat cells. There are other procedures that may better treat cellulite, so opting for liposuction solely for cellulite is pointless.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction

Can You Gain Weight After Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction is one of the procedures that help achieve an ideal appearance. Such surgeries should not be considered a method of weight loss. After the procedure, a certain amount of fat loss occurs, but if attention is not paid to diet and lifestyle, weight gain can occur due to the reformation of fat.

What is Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction aims to tighten loose and sagging skin while also improving the contours of certain areas by melting fat deposits. This procedure can be performed under local or sedation anaesthesia. However, laser liposuction should also be performed by experienced specialist doctors.

Is Liposuction a Permanent Solution for Fat Loss?

If diet and lifestyle are not maintained after liposuction, fat formation can occur again. The achieved appearance can be maintained if you adhere to a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Be Done Together?

Liposuction and tummy tuck can be a good combination for many patients. According to a 2012 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 98% of patients who had the two procedures combined would choose to do so again, and 99% would recommend this combination to others. Satisfaction rates for this combination are over 99%, much higher than the satisfaction rates for either procedure alone. Combining these two procedures also shortens the overall recovery time.

Does Liposuction Help with Weight Loss?

A common misconception about liposuction is that it is seen as a weight loss method. After liposuction, most patients lose only 3 to 5 kilograms of fat. Therefore, most candidates for liposuction are within 30% of their healthy weight range. This procedure is intended to remove fat that cannot be eliminated during the weight loss process.

Is It Possible to Remove Belly Fat?

It is more difficult to get rid of belly fat through exercise and diet compared to other areas. Therefore, removing belly fat can be considered to improve the appearance of this area. It is important to consult an experienced specialist to get rid of sagging and fat in the abdominal area.

How Is Lipomatic Fat Removal Done?

Both general and local anaesthesia can be used in this procedure. The type of anaesthesia depends on the size of the area where the fat removal will be performed. In Lipomatic fat removal, the area to be treated is determined during the examination. Small holes are then made in this area using vibrating cannulas. The necessary fat is then removed through these small holes.

What is Laser Liposuction?

Is Cheek Fat Removal (Buccal Fat Removal) a Liposuction Method?

Buccal fat removal and liposuction are different procedures. The removal of fat build-up in the cheeks by suction is called cheek fat removal (buccal fat removal).

Can Fat Return After Liposuction?

Unfortunately, fat can return after liposuction if the conditions are met. Generally, the more weight a patient gains after surgery, the less striking the results will be.

If the patient maintains their weight after liposuction, the fat will not return (and the ideal results will remain the same). For example, if a patient weighed 59 kilograms before liposuction and 3 kilograms were removed during the liposuction operation, if the patient stays at or below 56 kilograms, the fat will not return.

If the patient gains a small amount of weight, such as 2 kilograms, after the operation, the fat cells in the body will grow slightly. This slight weight gain may negatively affect the results, but generally, the body shape improved with liposuction will still be visible because there are fewer fat cells in the treated area compared to other areas (and therefore less expansion in this area).

Finally, in the case of significant weight gain (for example, up to 10% of body weight), new fat cells are formed in all parts of the body, including the treated areas. However, since new fat cell production generally occurs at an equal rate throughout the body, fat formation will be greater in untreated areas compared to the treated area. Thus, most patients who gain a significant amount of weight after surgery will still look better than they did before undergoing liposuction.

Does Liposuction Eliminate Cellulite?

Unfortunately, it does not eliminate cellulite. This is because cellulite is caused by a combination of factors. Liposuction cannot change the appearance of these tissues; it only reduces the volume of fat cells. There are other treatments that may better address cellulite, so it is pointless to opt for liposuction solely for cellulite.

When Does Swelling Subside After Liposuction?

Swelling and bruising are experienced after liposuction. Therefore, the effect of the fat removal may not be noticeable at first. Swelling typically begins to decrease within 15-20 days. During the healing process, body contours gradually become more defined.

How Many Sizes Does Liposuction Slim Down?

Firstly, it should be noted that liposuction is not a direct method of weight loss. However, it does lead to slimming. The amount of slimming varies from person to person. Liposuction can result in a reduction of 1-5 clothing sizes.

Does Fat Removal Leave Scars?

Scars do remain after the procedure, but they are very small. If you have chosen an experienced and skilled doctor, they will take care to create all incisions in a way that they remain hidden. Therefore, these scars are not bothersome.

Can Men Have Liposuction?

When we think of liposuction, we may imagine female profiles climbing the steps to achieve aesthetic goals. However, liposuction is also preferred by men. Ultimately, areas of stubborn fat that do not respond to diet and exercise can be a problem for both genders. The results of liposuction can be impressive for men as well. Liposuction is not designed as a method for weight loss, but it is quite successful in removing small fat deposits in specific areas of the body to improve body shape and overall appearance. When it comes to male patients, liposuction is often observed for the accumulation of fat around the abdomen and waist.

It is also a common tool for reducing male breast size. In this case, excess tissue – developed due to gynecomastia – is removed to achieve a more masculine physique. On the other hand, liposuction applied to the jawline is becoming increasingly popular for providing a more defined and masculine jawline. This procedure is highly beneficial for getting rid of the “double chin” appearance.

In conclusion, this procedure can be an excellent approach to shaping both the faces and bodies of both women and men. If you are considering this procedure, consulting with an experienced surgeon is important. Because this consultation will be the first step in ensuring that this method is the right approach to achieving your goals.

Can Obesity Be Treated with Liposuction?

No. A liposuction candidate should be at or near their ideal weight. The goal of liposuction should be to improve one’s appearance and achieve smoother contours. The purpose of liposuction is to remove localized fat that cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise. During the operation, the surgeon should not remove more than 4.5 kilograms or 5 litters of fat. Excessive fat removal can lead to fluid imbalance and serious complications.

How Long Should Compression Garments Be Worn?

This duration depends on the procedure applied specifically to you and the preferences of the doctor. In some cases, it may be necessary to wear compression garments for up to 6 weeks, while in other cases, especially if you opt for open tumescent liposuction surgery, wearing compression garments for just a few days may be sufficient.

Is Liposuction Harmful? / What Are the Side Effects of Liposuction?

Liposuction emerges as an effective method for removing fat from the body. However, like any procedure, it should be performed by experienced and skilled doctors. If applied disproportionately, it can be harmful. For example, if chin liposuction or abdominal fat removal is desired and too little or too much fat is removed from the patient’s body, damage can occur.

Feel free to contact us if you have any inquiries or any additional questions.

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