The medical world has developed many fabulous cosmetic procedures that are a major bonus to a great number of people. As we age, so our bodies change, and many of these changes are simply not to our liking! Ageing is a natural process that we cannot get away from, yet there are procedures that do give us an opportunity to rejuvenate certain features and look younger and fresher in the process.

Some of these procedures are surgical – such as a facelift or tummy tuck – and require serious consideration before we undertake them. People choose to undergo cosmetic surgery as certain unsightly features can lead to them becoming depressed and unable to handle social interactions. Poor mental health is not conducive to good physical health, so it is often the case that they seek cosmetic procedures.

There are others – Botox, for example – that are non-surgical but in this article, we want to look at a procedure that is helpful for many people in Fort Lauderdale. We’re talking about liposuction which is a surprisingly commonplace procedure for both men and women. What is liposuction, who chooses to undergo liposuction, and how is it carried out? All these questions will be answered below, and we will also be looking at the potential risks of the procedure. Let’s begin with a brief explanation of what liposuction is.

What is Liposuction?

First, we should say that liposuction is a safe and often-performed procedure, so you can rest assured the qualified physician who carries out your procedure will know what they are doing. So, what exactly is it?

Liposuction is a procedure for removing excess fat from the body. There are many types and methods of liposuction, such as non surgical liposuction and each aims to come to the same result. It is not a suitable procedure for everyone – we will talk about the ideal candidate and those who are not ideal in a moment – but it is a successful routine for those who are appropriate. The fat cells are removed by way of a cannula and there are laser methods that are among the more advanced. Let’s move forward and see who is, and is not, a candidate for a liposuction routine.

Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

It is perhaps most helpful to talk about who is not a good candidate for liposuction before we move on to those who are. Excess weight can be a medical problem, yet most people who carry extra weight do so because of lifestyle choices that are of their own choosing. For example, each of the following can be a cause of weight gain:

• Poor diet
• Excess alcohol
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise

Now we all know that we need to live as healthy a life possible to enable us to enjoy it. A person who wants to undergo liposuction will endure a lengthy consultation with a consultant who is an expert in the procedure. This will involve detailed questions about their medical past and lifestyle. Certain medical conditions preclude one having the liposuction treatment, and if a candidate is deemed suitable yet indulges in the above lifestyle choices, they will be expected to commit to a health regime before they undergo liposuction.

One extra point is this: liposuction is not a remedy for obesity. Obese persons will never be recommended this procedure. There are other routines and treatments for obesity that a consultant will talk you through.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction? Here are the general guidelines:

• Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring.

In other words, you need to be willing to accept that perfection is not going to be attained, but you will look and feel a great deal better once you have undergone the liposuction procedure.

Your next step – should you comply with each of the above – is to talk to your doctor. They will, if they believe it appropriate, refer you to a liposuction clinic in Fort Lauderdale where you will have that initial consultation. Now, how is liposuction performed?

How is Liposuction Performed?

There is plenty of information available regarding how the treatment is carried out so we will keep this simple and to the point. Here’s how a general liposuction procedure goes:

Step 1 – Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include local anaesthetic, intravenous sedation, and general anaesthetic. The surgeon will discuss the most appropriate method with the individual.

Step 2 – First, a diluted local anaesthetic is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through small incisions that are made in the body, to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

In the laser treatment, a laser is used as the loosening tool, and there are other methods.

Step 3 – The patient is in recovery and can see the results.

It really is that simple, and it is usually a daycare procedure given there are no complications. Let’s briefly look at the possible risks with liposuction.

What are the Risks of Liposuction?

Liposuction carries few risks as it is a commonplace procedure. The following are the most often seen, although are rare:

• Anaesthesia risks are present in any routine involving anaesthetic.
• Bruising caused by the incisions.
• Change in skin sensation that may persist.

Bleeding, swelling and soreness in the treated area may also be experienced after the procedure.

We hope that this article has helped you understand what is involved in the liposuction procedure, and should you believe you are a good candidate you should contact a doctor or a Fort Lauderdale liposuction clinic and arrange a consultation.