Liposuction

Liposuction can be described as a surgical procedure that involves the removal of stubborn fat deposits from certain areas of the body using a vacuum technique. It is performed with the goal of improving the aesthetic appearance of body contours rather than for weight loss purposes.

During liposuction, stubborn fat accumulations that cannot be eliminated through regular diet and exercise are removed from the body, and the number of fat cells is also reduced. One of the advantages of this procedure is that once liposuction is performed in specific areas, fat does not reaccumulate as it did before because a portion of the fat cells in that area has been permanently removed.

After adolescence, the number of fat cells in the human body remains constant. However, the volume of existing fat cells can increase or decrease, which can be influenced by weight gain or weight loss. To get rid of excess weight, a regular diet and exercise program is necessary. While a person can lose weight through diet and exercise, stubborn fat accumulations in certain areas of the body (such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, etc.) may persist. Liposuction is a solution to eliminate these stubborn fat deposits.

Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting. The duration of the surgery varies depending on the area being treated, typically ranging from 1 to 2.5 hours. At the beginning of the procedure, special solutions are injected into the areas where fat will be removed. This minimizes blood loss during surgery and reduces postoperative pain. Incisions made on the skin for liposuction are usually 3-5 mm in length and are planned to be hidden in natural skin folds or within underwear. Patients are usually discharged on the same day or the following day.

No stitches are required after the surgery, and the scars become less noticeable after 1-2 months. The postoperative period is generally comfortable. Interestingly, modern liposuction techniques result in minimal pain. However, mild soreness may be experienced. To ensure proper healing and prevent swelling, a compression garment or stockings are worn to keep the skin adhered to the underlying tissues. The garment is typically worn for 2-3 weeks. Bruising in the treated areas usually disappears within 2 weeks. Patients can start getting up with the assistance of a caretaker immediately after the surgery. However, for the first 2-3 days, only light activities and easy tasks are allowed. Heavy exercises can be resumed after 2 weeks of liposuction.

Advancements in the cannulas and vacuum systems used during liposuction have made it possible to remove stubborn fat accumulations in almost every area of the body, including the chin and neck, upper arms, breasts, chest, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, and calves. It is also used as a complementary procedure in other aesthetic body contouring surgeries.