Improper nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, hormonal imbalance and debilitating diets, which, undoubtedly, lead to breakdowns after a while. All this leaves a significant mark on our figure. And even if with the help of massage, proper nutrition and sports, it was possible to get rid of a large amount of excess fat in most parts of the body, then there are areas in which the hated centimetres do not want to leave. Getting rid of extra pounds in the abdomen is not an easy task, but there is such an effective and efficient method in plastic surgery as liposuction.
Abdominal liposuction is a method in plastic surgery to remove excess fat in the anterior abdominal wall. Many people think that liposuction is a method for losing weight, and it will replace sports and proper nutrition, but it’s not! This surgical operation is aimed at improving and restoring the ideal proportions of the body, giving the contours greater expressiveness and definition.
Fat in the human body can be divided into 3 layers:
- Superficial (under the skin). The appearance of a person largely depends on its quantity and density. It is on this layer that is affected during liposuction.
- Deep. It is located under the muscle fascia. This layer has the property of decreasing only with general weight loss. It is not amenable to liposuction.
- Internal. Visceral fat. Located on the internal organs. It can never be removed by liposuction.
Indications for liposuction:
– Presence of subcutaneous fat, in the case of placement of adipose tissue under the muscles and deeper, alternative methods are used
– Body fat and sagging skin
– Cellulite
Contraindications:
– Pregnancy, breastfeeding
– Acute viral hepatitis
– Nonage
– Presence in the history of endocrine diseases that are accompanied by excess weight (Cushing’s syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, etc.), since in this case there is no point in performing liposuction, the result will be short-lived, and the weight will return after some time.
In aesthetic surgery, there are several ways to remove excess fat:
– Classic or vacuum
– Vibratory-rotational
– Chemical
– Ultrasonic
– Radiowave
Classical It is carried out using an apparatus pumping negative pressure and a special surgical tube-cannula. In the abdominal area, several small incisions that should not exceed 7 mm are made; cannulas connected to the apparatus are inserted through these incisions. The surgeon makes a reciprocating movement of the cannula, thereby destroying the connecting walls between the fat cells, often touching the peripheral nerves and blood vessels. Manipulation is very relevant to patients with a large amount of adipose tissue, since liposuction by this method removes from 3 to 6 litres of fat. Classical liposuction is characterised by the appearance in the period after surgery of multiple hematomas and swelling in the surgical field, which is due to the peculiarities of the course of the procedure.
Vibratory-rotational. The technique is very similar to classical liposuction, but with the addition of a vibrating element to the vacuum extractor (compressor, built-in engine).
Chemical. It is carried out using saline with the addition of lidocaine (aesthetic) and adrenaline (vasoconstrictor), which helps prevent massive bleeding. This solution dilutes fat cells and thus achieves the desired effect.
Ultrasonic It involves two stages. The first stage is a stream of solution under a pulsating flow, the second stage is the supply of ultrasonic waves to the problem area. Fat turns into an emulsified mass, its excretion improves. Liposuction is simplified, and its time is shortened.
Radiowave. It is based on the destruction of fat as a result of the supply of high-frequency waves through the internal and external electrodes. External electrode plays the role of a temperature sensor regulating the flow of current to the electrode. The internal electrode is installed in the subcutaneous fat and heated to 38-40 degrees. The removal of dissolved fat is carried out through a thin needle to avoid trauma to blood vessels.
How is the operation performed?
The maximum amount of fat removed should not exceed 7% of body weight.
Before the operation, the patient should consult with his doctor to select a methodology and pass a number of clinical tests to diagnose possible concomitant pathology, and the ensure awareness of doctors and anaesthetists during the operation. Markings are applied to the patient’s skin to further understand the location of the incisions. Liposuction takes place under general anaesthesia (the method of administration is selected individually). Small incisions are made in the intended places, the apparatus is inserted, and the doctor performs the bulk of the work. The skin is sutured, and scars after a period of rehabilitation are almost invisible.
What is the rehabilitation period like?
After liposuction and for 1.5 months, it is necessary to wear a tight bandage or compression tool in order to avoid multiple stretch marks, swelling and pain.
In the first month, give up sports and any physical activity.
In the first 7 days, get out of bed only with someone else’s help.
In the first 3-4 months it is forbidden to stay in the sun, visit the solarium, baths, saunas and pools.
What result should be expected?
Within a week, you can notice a positive trend: the skin is tightened, the parameters are reduced and the silhouette becomes more toned and slim. It is recommended to evaluate the final result after 1 month of rehabilitation. It is stable and long-term, in contrast to the usual methods of losing weight. Adipose tissue after removal is not restored, that is, the repeated deposition of fat in these places is impossible. However, it is worth observing the diet and playing sports so that the fat does not accumulate in other places.
