subject: Is Liposuction Right For Me? [print this page] In the past several decades the number of people who have undergone cosmetic surgery has increased significantly. In 2007 alone, 11.7 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were done in the United States. In a society that so emphasizes physical appearance, men and women alike have turned to surgical methods for enhancements, reductions, etc. In what has become a worldwide trend, people from Paris to New York City have explored alternatives to improve their physical appearance.
Also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," liposuction is a growing field within cosmetic surgery. The procedure of liposuction, removes small pockets of excess fat from one or more target areas. Surgeons numb these target areas and make small incisions in the skin. A small tube, called a cannula, is then inserted into these incisions, and through the tube unwanted fat is removed. Liposuction is used most frequently to remove fatty deposits around the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, and neck.
When considering liposuction, it is important to be realistic about the surgery and about the results you wish to see. Despite commonly held beliefs, liposuction does not counteract obesity, and does not even eliminate cellulite. Rather, this surgery targets small localized areas. In fact, the best candidates for liposuction are those who are physically fit, who exercise regularly, and who are not more than twenty pounds overweight. Liposuction is for people who wish to remove localized fatty deposits that seem exercise-resistant.
Before deciding to proceed with a liposuction treatment, it is best to make an effort to eliminate these target areas through consistent exercise and a healthy diet. Liposuction is not designed for weight loss, therefore it is best to lose weight and then consider the surgery. Moreover, liposuction is not a means to completely change your shape, but to enhance it. The surgery should not be considered as an alternative to a healthy lifestyle.
After considering your own body type and understanding the actual results of liposuction, it is also important to be familiar with the possible risks associated with the surgery. Patients should consult a doctor before proceeding with the surgery and should be aware of any complications that could result from previous health-related problems: sub-par blood circulation, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, etc. Similarly, patients who have recently undergone surgery near the site where the liposuction will be performed should also use caution.
Finally, there are several factors to consider when deciding if liposuction is right for you. It is a surgery that can provide immediate and particularly pleasing results; however, it is important to be realistic about what the surgery can actually do for you and your body type. It is critical to speak to a doctor and discuss any questions or concerns before proceeding with a liposuction surgery. The more you understand, the more you will know if liposuction is right for you and it will give you the results you seek.
