What is Liposuction and How Does It Work?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove fat from specific body areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, neck, and back. It involves the insertion of a small tube called a cannula, which is used to suction fat cells from targeted areas. This procedure reshapes the body’s contours, giving patients a more proportionate and balanced look and may even improve definition.
There are various types of liposuction, including traditional, power-assisted, and Vaser liposuction, each with unique advantages. Traditional liposuction involves mechanical suction by hand, whereas using power-assisted techniques allows more efficient mechanical breakdown of the fat. Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound waves to emulsify fat before removal by either traditional or power-assisted techniques, offering greater precision and less trauma to surrounding tissues.
While liposuction can provide dramatic results, it’s essential to understand that it is not a weight-loss solution. Instead, it is best suited for individuals close to their ideal body weight who want to target specific areas of fat that resist diet and exercise.
How Long Do the Results of Liposuction Last?
One of the most significant benefits of liposuction is that the fat cells removed during the procedure are permanently gone. Once these cells are removed, they do not grow back. However, this does not mean that new fat cannot accumulate in other areas. The long-term success of liposuction depends on maintaining a stable weight after the procedure.
If you gain weight after liposuction, the fat will not return to the same degree in the areas where it was removed; however, new fat deposits can form in untreated areas. Therefore, the permanence of liposuction results is closely tied to your lifestyle choices post-procedure.
If you maintain a healthy weight, the results of liposuction can last indefinitely. However, significant weight gain after a procedure can compromise the overall look of the treated areas, which is why lifestyle maintenance is vital.