Liposuction
Even with frequent exercise, weight control, and healthy eating, many people still feel uncomfortable with localized fat. This is because some body regions are prone to accumulating fat that is not consumed by the body. Throughout life, men tend to gain weight in the belly, while women tend to gain in the hips, saddlebags, and also somewhat in the abdomen, generating a disproportionate body contour due to excess. Therefore, Liposuction aims to reshape specific areas by removing fat deposits, whether in the armpits, arms, hips, thighs, buttocks, saddlebags, abdomen, calves, back, knees, dorsum, neck, and even the chin.
It is the plastic surgery that restores body proportion and harmony. The surgery must be performed in a hospital environment, and anesthesia can be local, local with sedation, block (spinal or epidural), or general. In the areas to be suctioned, a solution with anesthetics and vasoconstrictors is infiltrated to facilitate fat removal and reduce bleeding during surgery and postoperative pain. Cannulas connected to a syringe or suction device are used to remove excess fat. Liposuction, or liposculpture, is not responsible for weight loss but rather for reshaping and delineating body contour, enhancing the body silhouette.
Currently, different techniques can be used, such as vibro-liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, or traditional liposuction. There are specific indications for each case. Additionally, technologies can be combined, such as intraoperative radiofrequency.
Preoperative
Before the procedure, the patient undergoes an assessment of their lifestyle, health, and expectations. Depending on the consultation, the doctor may request laboratory tests, recommend or pause the use of certain medications (and may also adjust routine medication doses), and advises stopping smoking and alcohol consumption days before surgery - it is also important to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and natural remedies. On the day before surgery, the patient must fast for 8 hours (solid foods and liquids).
Postoperative
After the procedure, the doctor prescribes the necessary medications to aid healing and prevent infections. Lymphatic drainage, combined with ultrasound and radiofrequency, helps accelerate the recovery process. In parallel, wearing a compression garment is recommended, as it helps the body assume its new contour, also controlling edema and preventing fluid accumulation. For lasting results, a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and good nutrition can help. The patient can return to work within two weeks, and for more intense activities, in about two to four weeks.
