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What do you know about liposuction recovery? Is liposuction for everyone? Is it safe? In this article, we have interviewed plastic surgeon, Dr. Ananda Dorai, to answer every question you have about liposuction.
GetDoc: In our previous interview, you had mentioned you do liposuction, body contouring etc. Could you tell us a bit in detail about these?
Dr. Ananda: While definitely not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise, modern-day liposuction surgery (sometimes referred to as liposculpturing) can safely and permanently address those hard-to-lose fatty deposits that simply don’t respond to diet and exercise, creating big improvements in body contour and shape.
For some of us, certain areas of the body are immune to exercise. No matter how many miles we run, sit-ups we do, weights we lift, or laps we swim, the fat remains, unless it is removed—with liposuction.
Liposuction is appropriate for large, disproportionate hips, buttocks, thighs, the abdomen and “love handles”, as well as fat deposits on arms, back, knees, sides, and under the chin. Very often, many different areas can be treated during a single operation.
GetDoc: Is Liposuction safe? Can you explain a little bit more about the Liposuction Surgery?
Dr. Ananda: Liposuction is a relatively safe surgery when performed within the safe limits. However, even large volume liposuctions have been performed safely without complications. Liposuction should be safely performed in a hospital setting by an experienced plastic surgeon.
Surgery begins with a tiny incision inconspicuously located in a natural skin fold or crease in an area to be treated. Next, a salt water/anaesthetic solution is injected through a micro cannula.
During surgery, the doctor moves the micro cannula back and forth under the skin. With the help of a high pressure suction machine, the unwanted fatty deposits are removed permanently and the desired shape is created.
GetDoc: Dr. Ananda, some patients will be concerned about the after surgery effect, especially the scar, can you walk us through what a patient can expect after a liposuction surgery?
Dr. Ananda: After surgery a tight-fitting garment must be worn over the area. This will help your skin shrink and conform smoothly to the new shape of your underlying tissue. You will be up and around in a day or two after surgery but strenuous activities should be restricted the first week or two. For several days after surgery you may experience mild discomfort and stiffness, which can usually be controlled by medication. Some patients experience numbness or discomfort for varying periods of time.
Your scars will be barely noticeable and will soon seem to disappear. If you had skin dimpling (cellulite) before surgery, you will still have it afterward, but it may be somewhat improved. Expect some swelling and bruising which will subside within a few months. Sometimes the skin may have an uneven or slightly rippled effect. The final body contour after liposuction may take between 3 to 6 months to be noticeable. This is due to the swelling in the tissues, and by wearing the garment continuously the final result will be apparent in the due course of time. Occasionally, permanent sagging of the skin happens when the amount of fat removed exceeds the ability of the skin to shrink. Overweight patients who have localized areas of fat removed must be willing to accept a greater chance of contour irregularities and less than ideal skin redraping in exchange for improving the way they look in clothing.
GetDoc: Who is a good candidate for a liposuction surgery?
Dr. Ananda: Anyone who is medically fit and healthy with slight excess of stubborn fat deposits in their body are suitable for liposuction.
Potential patients need to understand that liposuction is not meant to lose body weight and it is still important to lead a healthy lifestyle with healthy diet and exercise.
Image from: www.perfect-body-toning.com
GetDoc: Which areas of the body can be treated using liposuction?
Dr. Ananda: Common areas are the arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and neck.
GetDoc: What is the time for liposuction recovery for someone who has undergone the surgery?
Dr. Ananda: Generally the liposuction recovery time is around a few days to a week, but patients are requested to wear a tight compression garment for at least 2-3 months to have a better body contouring result.
GetDoc: What is the post-operative care needed for a liposuction surgery?
Dr. Ananda: It is important to wear a tight compression garment for at least 2-3 months to expedite the healing process and enable the body to take the suitable shape.
Not maintaining a healthy diet is detrimental to maintain the results of the liposuction surgery.
GetDoc: Will there be any visible scars after the surgery?
Dr. Ananda: Only key hole scars around 2 mm are used to do liposuction , so the scars are very inconspicuous and hidden in hard to see areas.
GetDoc: What is the difference between tummy tuck and abdominal liposuction?
Dr. Ananda: Tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat in the lower abdominal area and tightening the abdominal muscle layers. Liposuction only removes the deep fat layer in the abdominal area.
Image From: www.asiacosmeticthailand.com
GetDoc: What is abdominoplasty?
Dr. Ananda: An abdominoplasty (also known as a Tummy Tuck) is a popular form of cosmetic surgery for people wishing to regain a flatter abdomen.
Abdominoplasty is designed to flatten the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is an excellent procedure to correct excess abdominal skin and repair muscle laxity following childbirth, prior surgery, or as a result of significant fluctuations in weight.
GetDoc: How is abdominoplasty performed?
Dr. Ananda: A full abdominoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. The procedure takes 3 to 6 hours, depending on the individual patient.
The doctor will make a horizontal incision in the area immediately above the pubic bone. The length and shape of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Excess skin is removed and the weakened abdominal muscles are sutured together resulting in a smooth, tight abdominal wall. If necessary, liposuction may be used to achieve the desired correction. A small incision around the navel will be necessary to re-position the belly button.
GetDoc: Who is a good candidate for an abdominoplasty?
Dr. Ananda: You may be considered a good candidate for an abdominoplasty if you are physically healthy and your weight is stable. Patients considering abdominoplasty should have realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their surgery.
GetDoc: Can you describe the recovery process of abdominoplasty?
Dr. Ananda: After your surgery, the doctor will apply a dressing to your incision. You will wear a removable compression garment in order to minimize swelling while supporting your abdomen as you recover for the first few weeks. The doctor may also place a temporary drain tube under the skin to drain any excess fluids that would otherwise collect around your incision. Typically patients can return to work after about one to two weeks. However, strenuous activity must be avoided for four to six weeks. After this time, you should be standing tall and confident with your new slimmer profile. Your scars will take approximately three to twelve months to fade and flatten.
To know more about Dr Ananda Dorai, kindly check here
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by Qian
Qian's interest in healthcare industry came about after her father was diagnosed with bladder cancer. This experience has led her to become a strong believer in empowering individuals to take charge of their own health. View all articles by Qian.
