Liposuction
Sometimes diet and exercise aren’t enough to get you the body that you desire. Even after all your hard work, you may still be left with stubborn pockets of fat. If you desire a smoother and sleeker figure and want to target pockets of fat from specific areas of your body, then liposuction may be an option for you.
How does liposuction work? Here, Dr. Donald Hause discusses the science behind this popular procedure.
Fat Cell Theory
Our bodies create adipocytes, or fat cells until puberty ends. We generally have a set number of fat cells at the onset of adulthood. The job of the fat cell is to store lipids, the body’s primary energy reserves. These cells shrink or expand based on diet and activity. Adult bodies can’t produce new fat cells.
The Science Behind Liposuction
The liposuction process removes fat cells from the body. As a result, there are visible contour changes to the body. The results tend to be permanent unless patients gain more weight — in which case, the remaining fat cells can grow larger. In some cases, diet and regular exercise after surgery can add to the longevity of liposuction results.
Plastic surgeons can only remove a certain amount of fat safely during each lipo procedure. Adipose cells are distributed like tissue, much like skin. Even the most superficial adipose tissue is interwoven with lymph and blood vessels, protein fibers, and nerves. Removal of too much tissue can cause issues with blood pressure, blood flow, and more.
The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction removes localized fat cells to improve body contours. Deposits of fat cells can be removed from various parts of the body, including the face, neck, abdomen, upper arms, hips, thighs, and buttocks.
During the traditional liposuction procedure, the surgeon creates small incisions so that blunt tubes, called cannulas, can be inserted under the skin. The tubes are then used to suck out a portion of the fat tissue, while major nerves and blood vessels remain intact.
Patients have options when it comes to liposuction procedures. Newer techniques include ultrasound-assisted lipectomy and the “tumescent technique.” These techniques can decrease blood loss, bruising, and post-operative pain. During ultrasonic liposuction, the surgeon utilizes ultrasonic energy to liquify the fat tissue. A cannula is then used to remove the fat tissue.
Liposuction Results
Results of the liposuction procedure vary by patient. However, the removal of fat deposits typically results in a more defined figure. Results may not appear right away. In some patients, final results can take up to four months to become apparent. Patients can improve their chances of obtaining their desired results by working with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hause. An experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Hause will utilize the safest techniques to minimize risks and improve results.
Contact Dr. Hause Today
The best way to find out if liposuction is right for you is to consult with Dr. Hause. To request a consultation with him, please call (916) 646-6869 or email us today.
