The liposuction procedure uses suction to remove excess fat from your body. It can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast augmentation, breast lift and others.

Liposuction is performed using specialised instruments that include a cannula, which is inserted into the skin under local anaesthesia. The cannula contains a hollow tube that allows suction to remove unwanted fat cells from beneath the skin. The surgeon may also use an ultrasonic scalpel to help break up fat deposits before removing them by liposuction.

Fat is usually removed from areas like the abdomen, thighs, back, hips and buttocks. Liposuction can also be used as a treatment for some other medical conditions like a lipoma. It may be indicated for obese people to reduce the risk of heart disease and other problems. When a person does not respond to diet and exercise therapy, liposuction can be recommended by a doctor.

Causes of obesity

Obesity is when excess body fat has been stored in the body to the extent that it may harm your overall health, leading to an increase in health problems and lower life expectancy.

Several factors can contribute to obesity, including genetics, age, gender, an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

1. Diet:

What you eat can make or break your efforts to maintain a healthy weight. A diet high in processed foods will lead to weight gain, while a diet rich in fruits, green vegetables and whole grains will help you maintain a healthy weight in the long run. When you consume more calories than you use in energy, the extra calories are stored as fat. If your body doesn’t need the energy from those calories, it will be converted into fat. This is called storing energy as fat cells. The more fat cells you have, the more you risk developing obesity-related complications such as heart disease and diabetes. An unhealthy diet coupled with habits of consuming alcohol and tobacco can even worsen health.

3. Genetics:

While it’s true that some people are born with genes that predispose them to obesity, other factors also come into play. Environment and lifestyle choices matter just as much as genetics when it comes to weight gain or loss. Obesity can also be caused by medical conditions such as thyroid disease or diabetes.

4. Lack of physical activity:

Your body needs physical activity to keep it strong and lean, but many people don’t get enough exercise each week even though physical activity is essential for all aspects of life.

4. Hormonal changes:

Hormonal changes can also contribute to obesity. People with large amounts of body fat tend to have higher levels of certain hormones, such as leptin and insulin, than those with low body fat levels. Leptin is a hormone produced by fat cells that regulate appetite by telling the brain when we’re full. Insulin tells the cells in the body how much glucose they should take up from the bloodstream after eating food containing carbohydrates (like bread).

5. Some medicines:

Some medicines can also lead to weight gain and re-distribution of body fats.

To the present moment, there are some options for pharmacotherapy for obesity; however, they are far from being a solution to the problem despite having shown satisfactory results in the improvement of cardiometabolic parameters.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Symptoms of obesity

Obesity develops when the body gets more calories than it needs to function properly. This can happen because you overeat or because you don’t exercise enough to burn off all the calories you consume.

There are many symptoms people with obesity can relate to. The most common ones include the following:

• A high level of body fat around the waist.
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating abnormally
• Snoring
• Not getting adequate sleep
• Moisture trapped in the folds of your skin causes skin problems.
• Loss of strength and agility due to the added weight.
• Fatigue can vary in intensity and occur at any time.
• Back and joint pain
• Psychological disorders such as low self-esteem, depression and poor social skills.

Liposuction results may be visible within 1-3 months of surgery; a slight post operative swelling is very common for the first couple of weeks after the surgery which usually subsides on its own.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Home remedies after liposuction

After you have liposuction, it’s essential to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Here are some home remedies that can effectively help you recover after your liposuction:

1. Eat a balanced diet

You should eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. This will help you recover faster from liposuction. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar as they can lead to weight gain, making your results less effective.

2. Keep moving

You should keep moving as much as possible. This will help you recover faster from liposuction. You can take a walk daily or do light exercises at home.

3. Stay hydrated

You should drink plenty of water. Water will help you recover faster from liposuction. You may also drink green tea or herbal teas, as they are good for your health.

4. Wear comfortable clothes

You should wear comfortable clothes while going through the recovery period. Make sure you don’t wear anything too tight, as it can restrict your breathing and cause pain in some areas of your body.

5. Avoid soaking in water

Avoid soaking in a bathtub until you fully recover, as it may increase your risk of infections. In place of bathing—which can cause stress to the injury—consider getting a massage to relieve the tension built up.

6. Lymphatic massage

Lymphatic massage can be beneficial in releasing toxins and restoring balance to the body. This massage technique can also help keep swelling in check by improving lymphatic circulation.

Trained professionals perform this massage, but you can also do it yourself. The technique involves pressing with your fingers to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and gently rolling over areas where fluid builds up.

Never miss your follow-up appointments

It’s important to attend your follow-up appointments with your doctor. This will allow them to assess your progress, check for any signs of infection or complications and make any changes if necessary.

When to seek professional help?

If you’ve tried various weight loss methods and have yet to see results, it’s time to seek professional help. Your doctor may suggest you see a dietician or nutritionist to develop a plan or surgical procedures (if necessary) that will work for you.

Conclusion

A liposuction is an excellent option for those who are severely obese and have tried other methods with no success. The procedure can help you shed pounds more quickly than other methods. If you think this surgery might be right for you, talk to your doctor about it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.