Worried you’ve left it too late to get in shape before the festivities begin? No fear, liposuction helps melt away the fat in no time!

It’s that time of the year. The festive period has begun and with that the pressure to look and feel good. The very mention of the coming festivals fills one with the urge to look their best. It’s the time of celebration, with numerous functions to attend to with friends and families.

So here’s all you need to do to shed those extra pounds before the festivities — yes, you need to get a liposuction done.

Read on to know everything that there is about this liposuction!

First and foremost: Liposuction is not an overall weight-loss method – it is not a treatment for obesity.

What is it?

Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, liposculpture suction, lipectomy, or lipo, is a type of cosmetic surgery that breaks up and “sucks” fat from the body. Most commonly it is used on the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, chin, upper and backs of the arms, calves, and back.

Are you the right candidate for it?

You need to be and realistic. For instance, if you’re modernly obese, have a lot of stretch marks or loose skin then you are NOT a good candidate for liposuction. The best liposuction candidates are those who have good skin tone and elasticity, where the skin moulds itself into new contours.

Procedure

During liposuction, small, thin, blunt-tipped tubes (cannula) are inserted through tiny cuts in the skin. Fat is suctioned out through these tubes as the doctor moves the tubes around under the skin to target specific fat deposits.

There are three techniques:

1. Tumescent liposuction: A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area of your body where the tube will be inserted. Next, a large amount of an anaesthetic solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine is injected into the fatty tissue before traditional liposuction is done. Tumescent liposuction may not require general anaesthesia (which makes you sleep through the procedure).

2. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: This technique uses ultrasound to liquefy the fat, which makes it easier to remove. This technique may be particularly helpful in removing fat from the neck, upper abdomen, sides, and back.

3. Laser-assisted liposuction: This technique uses low-energy waves to liquefy the fat, which is removed through a small cannula.

After the surgery:

After the procedure, the area of the body that was treated is firmly wrapped to help reduce swelling, bruising, and pain. Elastic bandages and tape, support hose, a special girdle, or another type of firm-fitting garment may be used, depending on which part of the body was treated. You may have to wear the compression garment or wrap for 3 to 4 weeks. Expect a lot of bruising and swelling for at least the first 7 to 10 days.

Facts:

• The operation is normally carried out under general anaesthetic
• Liposuction is not a weight-loss tool, it is purely cosmetic, and its effects are subtle
• Over 400,000 liposuction procedures are carried out yearly
• There are a number of associated risks including infection and scarring
• Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity

Liposuction has a number of possible risks, including infection, numbness, and scarring. If too much fat is removed, there may be lumpiness or dents in the skin. Experts say that the surgical risks are linked to the amount of fat removed.