Liposuction
has become the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery
procedure world – wide. There is a rising trend towards
larger volume liposuction. Increasing number of “over
weight” people, rising awareness levels, peer pressure
to look good and increase in safety profile of liposuction
have contributed to the rise in number of surgeries
performed and larger volumes being aspirated.
Aspiration
of more than ten liters of fat in one sitting is termed
mega liposuction. The proportion of mega liposuctions
being performed is increasing world – wide as more and
more surgeons get convinced of its safety. Up to 20
liters can be aspirated in one sitting in well – selected
cases and in a hospital setting with good infrastructure.
Mega liposuction is probably better done under GA as
most of there cases require circumferential liposuction.
Benefits
from mega liposuction-
¡
Sudden
improvement in contour.
¡
Increased
motivation to stay in shape.
¡
Positive
sustained change in lifestyle more likely.
Liposuction
is not meant for weight loss, the primary aim is body
contouring. When large volumes of fat get aspirated,
amount of weight loss also happens. The more elastic
the skin, better the liposuction results
Liposuction
is not a substitute for a poor lifestyle – maintaining
the results requires regular exercises and calorie restricted
diet. Liposuction removes most of the fat cells on the
areas treated, hence the chance of putting on weight
in these areas get reduced.
Volume
reduction of the subcutaneous fat is followed by healing
and readjustment of the skin to the new contour. However,
if you have flabby skin as a result of pregnancy or
sudden weight loss, the skin will become more sagging
after liposuction. Such cases require a “lift\ tuck”
procedure in addition
Safety
aspects-
Mega
liposuction can be safely performed by an experienced
surgeon and anesthetist. Standard risks of anesthesia
exist when the procedure is done under General Anesthesia.
As liposuction removes fat under the skin only, without
damage to internal organs, there are no long term health
risks.
As
most of the mega liposuctions are performed under General
Anesthesia, monitored anesthesia is essential. General
Anesthesia offers maximum comfort to the patient as
circumferential contouring of back, front and sides
can be performed without subjecting patients to inconvenient
positions.
It
is important that such surgeries be performed at a good
surgical facility with all supportive measures and back
up facilities. This clearly is not a surgery to be undertaken
in small clinics or nursing homes.
Bruising,
swelling and soreness are to be expected post procedure.
These are temporary effects of surgery and are expected
to resolve in 3-4 weeks. Major risks include pulmonary
edema, hemorrhage, and toxicity from local anesthetic.
There are fortunately rare. Patients who are high –
risk for pulmonary embolism need appropriate preventive
measures.
Improved
results-
Small
diameter canulas have improved results in liposuction.
There is less chance of contour irregularities and of
damage to blood vessels and nerves.
Also
the size of access points can be reduced with finer
canula. Ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL) and power
assisted liposuction (PAL) have reduced surgeons work
effort. These new techniques are advantageous on scarred
areas and in secondary liposuctions.
Although
newer instruments have certain advantages to them, ultimately
the quality of result is dependent on the skills of
the surgeon.
