Liposuction (also known as lipomodeling) is a cosmetic surgery, the purpose of which is to remove fat from different parts of the body that cannot be removed through diet and exercise.
A plastic surgeon usually performs liposuction procedures on your hips, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back, arms, chin, or face to improve and beautify their shape. But liposuction can also be performed in combination with other plastic surgeries, including facelifts, breast reductions, and abdominoplasty (tummy tucks).
Am I a good candidate?
In Armenia, as in the whole world, mostly middle-aged people who want to eliminate obvious body defects and emphasize their beauty apply for liposuction surgery.
First of all, you must be healthy to undergo liposuction. It means that you should at least.
be within your ideal weight range
have firm, elastic skin
If you are a non-smoker, please note that liposuction is a surgical procedure that naturally carries risks. Doctors will not recommend this procedure if you have circulatory problems or heart disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. So you need to be healthy before going for liposuction.
The main indications for liposuction are fat deposits in the face, abdomen, thighs, knees and other areas of the body.
Obviously, you will have realistic expectations, but it should also be noted that liposuction does not get rid of cellulite.
What should I know in advance?
The first step is to consult with a plastic surgeon of your choice. Talk about your goals, options, risks and benefits, and costs. Ask all the questions that concern you.
If you decide to perform liposuction, the plastic surgeon will give you instructions and advice on how to prepare for it. Preparations may include a certain diet and alcohol restrictions.
Tell your surgeon about any allergies and medications you are taking, if any. Your plastic surgeon will likely advise you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and certain pain medications, for a few weeks before surgery.
Your liposuction may take place in a surgical clinic or hospital. Make sure the place you apply to is accredited and known for its professional standards, safety and good results.
If you are discharged on the day of surgery, trust someone to drive you home. When you have a lot of fat removed, you need to have the surgery in a clinic or hospital where you can stay overnight.
Ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what your recovery will look like, including:
what medications should you take?
Will you wear a bandage or not?
will you have stitches and when will they be removed?
when can you train again
should you return for a follow-up visit?
what are the risks?
And how is the operation performed?
Before starting your liposuction, your doctor may use a special marker to mark the areas of your body that will be treated. The doctor may also take pictures for later comparisons.
Next, you will receive general anesthesia, which means you will not be awake during the operation, or you will receive local anesthesia, which means you will be awake but not feel any pain.
During liposuction, small incisions are made and a rod is placed under the skin to vacuum the fat. Usually, the actual surgical process lasts from 30 minutes to 2 or more hours, depending on the liposuction method and the volume of fat to be removed.
What are the types of liposuction?
According to the method of fat removal and destruction, liposuction is divided into several types: laser, ultrasonic, tumescent. But what these plastic surgery techniques have in common is the use of a thin tube, a rod called a cannula, which is connected to a vacuum to suck fat from the body.
Currently, the most innovative and best method worldwide is laser liposuction, in which a laser beam acts on fatty tissues, and instead of an incision, a small hole is made for fat removal. In laser liposuction, fat is liquefied with the help of a special laser by producing a burst of energy.
Tumescent liposuction is the most common technique. When using this surgical method, the surgeon injects a sterile solution into the part of the patient’s body where the fat is to be removed. The material consists of a saline solution, which is salt water, along with lidocaine and epinephrine. In tumescent liposuction, the liquid of the same name is injected into fat deposits, breaks them up and removes them. The solution facilitates fat absorption with less blood loss and pain.
In ultrasound liposuction, sound wave energy is used to tear the walls of fat cells under the skin. In this case, the fat cells are destroyed by ultrasonic vibrations, turning them into a fat emulsion. As a result, liquefied fat is easier to remove.
There are several potential risks associated with liposuction that you should consider, including:
bleeding
Complications caused by anesthesia
Shock (usually from not getting enough fluids during surgery)
fluid retention (pockets of fluid under the skin)
infections (staphylococcus, etc.)
fat embolism (when small pieces of fat break off and block blood flow)
burns from tools
uneven removal of fat
reactions to lidocaine
change in skin sensitivity; numbness
damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
Another risk is blood clots in your deep veins. Clots can be very dangerous if they travel to other parts of your body, such as your lungs.
You can help reduce the risks by first making sure the surgery is only performed by a specially trained, board-certified cosmetic surgeon.
How long is the recovery, postoperative course?
Generally, no long-term hospitalization or hospital care is required after liposuction, depending on the type of surgery. If the anesthesia was performed locally, the patient can be discharged the same day, 3-4 hours after the procedure. However, it should be understood that the postoperative process is also very important. For the first few days, the patient usually experiences swelling and pain. In order to alleviate the pain, the patient can use some painkillers as prescribed by the doctor.
In the postoperative period, the patient is recommended to spend 4-5 days at home. Your surgeon may require you to wear a compression garment for about 1-2 months to control swelling. During this time, it is recommended to lead a more passive lifestyle, not to engage in sports and refrain from lifting heavy objects.
You may also need to take some antibiotics to prevent infection. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days and return to normal activities within 2 weeks. But every person is different.
In the future, to avoid all complications, unpleasant consequences and to achieve the best result, you should follow all the doctor’s instructions.
Are the results permanent?
Fat cells are permanently removed during liposuction. However, you may gain weight again with new fat cells. To maintain your new shape after surgery, you need to eat right and exercise regularly.
How much does liposuction surgery cost?
The cost of surgery depends on the chosen liposuction method and the area of the body where it is performed. Compared to the region and many countries, the prices of liposuction in Armenia are very accessible to the general public and are quite affordable. start from 100,000 and reach up to 1-1.5 million AMD. Various discounts are available in a number of medical centers in Yerevan.
Is liposuction covered by health insurance?
Since liposuction is a cosmetic procedure, most health plans in Armenia and around the world do not cover it. Talk to your plastic surgeon
