Understanding Liposuction: Procedure, Benefits, and Considerations

Liposuction is a procedure that removes (by suctioning) excess fat from specific areas of the body to help individuals achieve a more contoured and proportional appearance. It is a popular procedure among medical tourists in the United Arab Emirates.

If you’re considering getting liposuction in Dubai, read on for a general overview of the procedure, including its benefits and limitations. Knowing what to expect will help you make informed decisions and set realistic expectations about liposuction outcomes.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat from specific body areas to enhance body contours and attain better body proportions. It’s particularly effective for targeting fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. While not a weight-loss solution, liposuction eliminates localised fat and refines the body’s shape.

The abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, arms, back, and neck are typical areas for liposuction. These regions tend to retain fat resistant to conventional weight-loss methods. Additionally, liposuction can be used on the face to minimise a double chin or contour the jawline.

While there are several liposuction techniques, it generally involves the following steps:

• The doctor makes an incision or several incisions.
• A cannula is inserted into the incision.
• The fat deposits are dislodged or liquefied.
• The dislodged or liquefied fats are suctioned out.
• The surgeon may or may not suture the incision/incisions.

Liposuction requires anaesthesia. Depending on the amount of fat to be removed during the procedure, the anaesthesia may be local, regional, or general.

There are several types of liposuction techniques. They are the following:

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the most common procedure. The surgeon injects a saline solution with medication into the target area before suctioning off the fat.

The saline solution makes the area swell (i.e., become tumescent), which makes it easier to target and remove fat deposits. The medication mixed with the normal saline fluid typically includes a vasoconstrictor to reduce blood loss (e.g., epinephrine) and a pain reliever to minimise discomfort during and after the procedure (e.g., lidocaine).

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction directs ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat and make it easier to remove. This method is particularly useful for more fibrous areas of the body.

Note: There’s a specific type of UAL called VASER, which stands for vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance. This procedure uses a special cannula with grooves to emit ultrasound waves that break up and emulsify fat cells.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

In power-assisted liposuction, the cannula is attached to an oscillating device. The vibrations break up the fat cells, making them easier to remove.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

In laser-assisted liposuction, the surgeon directs laser beams to target stubborn fat clusters. This liquefies the fat deposits, facilitating their easy removal.

The surgeon selects the liposuction technique based on the patient’s needs, the area being treated, and the desired outcomes. The approach is, thus, customised according to personal body contouring objectives.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is for those who are close to their target weight but struggle with localised pockets of fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise. The characteristics of the ideal liposuction candidate include:

• Stable weight: A stable and normal (or close-to-normal) weight is necessary. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure but a body contouring method.
• Good skin elasticity: Skin elasticity is critical in achieving better results and more satisfaction with liposuction outcomes. Candidates with firm, elastic skin are likelier to see even, natural-looking outcomes after liposuction.
• Non-smoker: Non-smokers generally heal better and are at a lower risk for complications.
• Has realistic expectations: Candidates should have a clear understanding of what liposuction can and cannot achieve, namely: contouring the body but not drastically changing body shape; significantly reducing weight, or resolving body image issues.
• Healthy: Good overall health is essential. It minimises the risk of complications during and after surgery. Liposuction cannot be performed on anyone with a medical condition that hinders healing.

Anyone who doesn’t fit the above criteria is not a good candidate for liposuction. Not to put too fine a point on it, individuals who fit the following criteria are not a good fit for liposuction:

• Are severely overweight or obese
• Have poor skin elasticity
• Have poor health or chronic health conditions
• Are active smokers
• Have body image issues and unrealistic expectations of what liposuction can accomplish

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction offers both physical and psychological benefits. The following are some of the positive physical effects of liposuction:

• Improved body contours: Liposuction is particularly effective in sculpting and contouring areas of the body. It can target the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
• Enhanced proportions: By removing pockets of fat, liposuction results in better body proportions.
• Targeted fat removal: Liposuction allows for precise fat removal, which can benefit those looking to refine only specific body areas.
• Quick results: This surgical procedure leads to instantly visible results.

Likewise, liposuction can provide the following psychological benefits:

• More self-confidence: An improved body shape can lead to more self-confidence. One can feel more comfortable in their skin and be likelier to engage in activities they previously avoided because they were self-conscious about their appearance.
• Better mental health: The positive changes in physical appearance can translate to a better mental state. Someone who feels good about how they look may become less anxious.
• Increased motivation for a healthier lifestyle: People can view liposuction as a fresh start and may be more motivated to keep their newfound, better shape by maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Liposuction: Improving Life, One Body Area at a Time

Liposuction removes pockets of fat from the body. It’s an option if you have normal or close to normal BMI but have stubborn fat deposits that won’t budge with diet or exercise.

Liposuction offers physical and psychological benefits that can lead to a better self-image and quality of life. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations and to view the procedure as a tool for enhancement rather than a way to achieve drastic changes.