Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is the surgical removal of stubborn fat deposits in certain parts of the body.
These fat deposits, which are resistant to diet and exercise, can be effectively eliminated by liposuction.
Liposuction is an aesthetic operation aimed at shaping body contours and should not be considered as a slimming method.
This procedure can be applied in areas where fat deposits are common such as abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms and chin.

Liposuction is generally suitable for healthy individuals and helps the body gain an aesthetically more balanced and proportionate appearance.

Who is Liposuction Suitable for?

Liposuction is suitable for people who want to get rid of fat that has accumulated in certain areas of their body and cannot be melted by diet or exercise.
Liposuction may be a suitable option in the following cases:

• Regional fat deposits: Stubborn fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back or chin.
• Disproportionate body shape: An unbalanced appearance due to excess fat accumulation in some parts of the body.
• Skin elasticity: Liposuction is usually more successful in people who have not lost much skin elasticity.
• Realistic expectations: Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss method.
  Therefore, it is important for patients to have realistic expectations.

Liposuction is not a suitable treatment for people who are overweight.
This operation only aims to remove fat from certain parts of the body and is not performed for weight loss.
To be a candidate for liposuction, you must be in good general health and not smoke.

Before Liposuction Surgery

Before liposuction surgery, it is important to have a detailed interview with your surgeon and get information about how the surgery will be performed, which areas will be treated and the possible results of the surgery.
During this meeting, your surgeon will evaluate your general health status and create the surgery plan by taking your expectations into consideration.

Some of the preparations to be considered before surgery are as follows:

• Health assessment: Your general health status is reviewed before surgery.
  In particular, you should inform your surgeon about your chronic conditions, medications and previous surgeries.
• Surgery plan: The surgeon determines the areas of your body where fat will be removed and plans the surgery according to these areas.
  Liposuction can usually be applied to more than one area at the same time.
• Preoperative preparation: If you smoke, you should stop at least two weeks before surgery.
  It is also important to inform your surgeon if you are taking blood thinners.

How is Liposuction Surgery Performed?

Liposuction surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia.
The duration of the surgery can vary between 1 and 3 hours depending on the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat.
Liposuction surgery is performed in the following steps:

1. Anesthesia General anesthesia or local anesthesia is used to prevent discomfort during surgery.
   Which type of anesthesia will be used depends on your surgeon’s recommendation and the size of the area to be treated.

2. Tumescent fluid injection: Before liposuction, a special liquid is injected under the fat tissue so that the fat can be removed more easily.
   This fluid swells the fat cells and makes them easier to break down.
   It also reduces bleeding and bruising.

3. Making small incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions in the areas where fat will be removed.
   These incisions are usually a few millimeters in size and leave no obvious scars after healing.

4. Removal of fat with a cannula: A thin tube (cannula) is used to remove the fat.
   This cannula is inserted through the incisions and the fat is pulled out with the help of a vacuum.
   By moving the cannula back and forth, the surgeon removes excess fat and ensures that the body shape gains a smooth appearance.

5. Closing the incisions: After the fat removal is completed, the incisions are closed.
   Most of the time, these incisions are so small that they do not require stitches and heal spontaneously.

After the surgery is complete, a special corset is worn to apply pressure to the areas where liposuction has been performed.
This corset allows the skin to fit the body better and helps reduce swelling.

Postoperative Recovery Process

The recovery process after liposuction varies depending on the area treated and the amount of fat removed during the procedure.
Usually, patients can return to light activities after a few days of rest.
However, full recovery may take 4 to 6 weeks.
The main points to be considered after the surgery are as follows:

• Swelling and bruising: Mild swelling and bruising may occur in the liposuction area after surgery.
  This usually subsides within a few weeks.
• Use of a special corset: After liposuction, you may need to wear a special corset to maintain body shape and reduce swelling.
  This corset should be worn for about 4 to 6 weeks.
• Physical activities: Light walking can be done in the first week after surgery.
  However, heavy physical activities and sports should be avoided for a few weeks.
• Doctor check-ups: It is important that you attend regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon after surgery.
  These check-ups will monitor the healing process and check for any complications.

What are the Risks of Liposuction Surgery?

Although liposuction surgery is generally a safe procedure, like any surgical intervention, it carries some risks.
Possible risks of liposuction are as follows:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Fat embolism (fat particles entering the bloodstream)
• Asymmetry (unbalanced body fat gain)
• Fluctuations or irregularities under the skin
• Prolonged swelling or bruising

In order to minimize these risks, choosing an experienced surgeon and meticulous postoperative care are of great importance.
In addition, following your surgeon’s instructions in the postoperative period ensures that the healing process goes smoothly.

Expectations after Liposuction

After liposuction surgery, you can observe a significant improvement in your body contours.
However, it may take a few months before the final results are fully visible.
Once the swelling is completely gone, your body will look more shaped and balanced.

Liposuction results are usually permanent.
However, weight gain can cause fat accumulation again in the areas where liposuction was performed.
Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery ensures long-term preservation of the results.