Getting Rid of Fat
There are all sorts of non surgical devices claiming to get rid of fat without surgery, and some of them work. However, there are limitations to the amount of fat these devices can remove, and they often require several treatments, spaced weeks apart. The cost of these treatments can add up as well. Liposuction is a well-proven method to get rid of fat and is still one of the most popular fat removal procedures. Dr Mark Vucak, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon based in North Queensland performs a large number of liposuction procedures every year we chatted to him about what’s involved in getting rid of fat with liposuction.
What exactly is liposuction and how does it work?
Dr Vucak explains the liposuction procedure for us. “The skin is firstly painted with antiseptic. Tumescent fluid, which consists of saline and a local anaesthetic is injected into the fatty areas to reduce bleeding and allow the fat to be removed more easily. A small incision just large enough to allow the suction cannula to fit through is made in the skin. This cannula is attached to a suction machine. The cannula is manipulated around under the skin and into the deep layers of fat, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. It is usual for several incisions to be made around the area so that an even suction can be obtained in that area.”
Liposuction can now be performed almost anywhere on the body to remove fat as long as you have enough fat to pinch together between your fingers. This includes your belly, arms, bum, neck and anywhere else!
Liposuction is not to be used as a weight loss tool
There is a limit to how much fat can be removed in one liposuction procedure and Dr Vicak advises that it is not recommended purely for weight loss. “Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but rather a body sculpting tool for removing fatty deposits in local areas that don’t respond to diet or exercise.”
Dr Vucak says liposuction is works best for patients of a relatively normal weight. “Liposuction works best for patients of relatively normal weight but who have forms of ‘lipodystrophy’ – or accumulation of fatty deposits in particular areas. If you are physically healthy, are a non-smoker and have firm, elastic skin you will more than likely get a better final contour. Liposuction is not recommended if you have poor blood circulation in the area of local fat accumulation, nor if you have heart or lung disease.
“You should also understand that Liposuction is not the answer to improving cellulite, although it may become less noticeable after the dimpled fatty deposits are removed. If you gain weight after suction, the fatty deposits are less likely to return to the area that has been suctioned, but they may accumulate in other areas that previously weren’t a problem.”
The liposuction procedure
Liposuction can either be a day procedure or overnight if the patient requires or requests to do so. Most liposuction procedures are performed under a general anesthetic.
Dr Vucak says it is important to follow after care instructions to get the best results from a liposuction procedure. “Regular gentle exercise after your Surgery will encourage skin retraction and improve body contour, as well as maintaining or even adding to weight loss if required. You should be able to return to work within two weeks, however, this depends on the type of work that you do. You should discuss this with your Surgeon preoperatively and then again postoperatively when your progress can be assessed.
“Liposuction is an extremely rewarding procedure performed with minimal intervention, producing an enhanced aesthetic appearance.”
If you’d like more information on liposuction or you’d like to arrange a consultation with Dr Mark Vucak, you can phone his clinic on (02) 9587 8071.