How Does Lipo Work?

Liposuction is one of the most common and popular forms of cosmetic surgery. It involves the removal of subcutaneous fat through physical means in order to flatten stomachs, tighten butts or reduce breasts. It is often combined with Lipoplasty, in which the fat is reshaped or sculpted into a new or desired shape. It can be performed in many ways, but there are similarities to each approach.

The Techniques

Almost all forms of lipoplasty are performed through a straw-like device called a cannula. This device is inserted into the fatty regions of the patient, and uses suction to remove fat cells. The cannula is moved about in the fat layers, and through suction, the fat is sculpted and reshaped by the doctor. There are several advanced techniques that can make the process simpler as well. These include the use of heat or ultrasound to help liquefy that patient's fatty layer before it is removed with the cannula. Water can also be used to break down the structure of the fat cells. During this process, the patient may be under local or general anesthetic.

When the process is finished, the wounds left by the surgery may be left open or partially sutured depending upon the surgeon. This is to permit excess fluid from the surgery to drain, to avoid buildup beneath the skin.

The Effects

Though liposuction can remove a significant quantity of fat, is it not considered an approach to weight loss. Most of the benefit, in fact, comes from the aesthetic rearrangement of the patient's fat layers. A person may look significantly thinner or healthier because of the shaping, without having necessarily lost a great deal of weight. In a successful lipoplasty, the patient's elastic skin will fall back against the removed fat flayer and appear flat. It is possible, however, for cellulite or abnormalities to develop if too much fat has been removed. Care must be taken to remove fat in moderate quantities, especially if the patient is older.