Ultrasonic Liposuction

Liposuction is the surgical removal of excess fat deposits in order to improve the shape of the body. With the help of a vacuum, fat deposits are extracted through small incisions in the skin.

The operation may be indicated for different conditions. These could include forms of adiposity (the most frequent cases are fat deposits on the inside surface of knee-joints, fat deposits in the hip area, front and side surfaces of the abdomen). Liposuction is also used when there is a concentration of fat tissue in the abdominal area and good skin elasticity. When the fat tissue is concentrated in the chin area, liposuction improves neck contours and can be done either along with wrinkle elimination in the face and neck area or as a separate operation. Liposuction is employed successfully to remove lipoma - benign tumors - from fat tissue.

Liposuction photos

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic Liposuction

However, the use of liposuction, like any other cosmetic surgery, has its limitations. After the extraction of fat from the «fat trap», the surrounding skin will appear loose. The ability of the skin to contract varies greatly from individual to individual. This ability decreases with age or after previous stretching (when, for example, a person loses weight). These «strechings» eventually diminish the skin's ability to contract.

The use of anaesthesia depends on the duration of the operation and the volume of fat removed. Local anaesthesia is used in operations of (from 1.5 to 2.5 liters) with local forms of fat deposits. General anaesthesia is needed when fat is going to be extracted in 3 or more areas and the amount is 2.5 liters or more.

The operation involves the suction of fat through small incisions in the skin 1 to 1.5 cm long. The first step calls for the injection of an isotonic solution of sodium chloride and adrenaline into the cell tissue. Adrenaline causes blood-vessel contractions and prevents development of hematomas during and after the operation. The fat suction is performed using cannulas (thin metallic tubes 2 to 4 mm in diameter and 10 to 30 cm long) that are inserted under the skin and attached to the vacuum source. During one procedure, the removal of 1.5 to 5 liters of fat (a small amount is 1.5-2.5 ltrs.,a medium amount - 2.5-5 ltrs., a large - more than 5 ltrs.) is possible. Stitches are used to close the opening after the operation is completed.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic Liposuction

The immediate results of liposuction can be seen in 1.5 months after the condition of tissues returns to normal. In this period, we see the recovery of deep tissues, the disappearance of swelling, skin retraction. The process differs from one person to another: for some the complete recovery requires more time than for others. The final result can be seen 4-5 months after the operation. In the majority of cases, liposuction helps to alter the shape of the body. The results depend mostly on the surgeon's experience and technique.

Liposuction complications are extremely rare.