Countless men and women all over the world often find themselves staring into a mirror overcome with the wish that in an instant they could see something different. While there are various reasons and factors that come into play when it comes to losing and gaining unwanted fat, in this modern age one word has made the impossible seem possible. Liposuction. Also known as body contouring, this cosmetic procedure is able to accomplish what constant dieting and exercise cannot always take care of. Although this may seem like a magical fix-all, there are risks, requirements and recovery to consider when it comes to deciding whether lipo is right for you.
Types of Liposuction
There are a few common types of lipo that are available for ones to choose from.
- SAFELipo- This technique first loosens, emulsifies and separates out the unwanted fat cells, gently removes them, then equalizes the remaining thin fat layer without generating heat, keeping valuable blood vessels, skin and other tissues from being damaged or destroyed.
- Smart Lipo- This is a form of liposuction that uses laser technology to destroy fat cells. The energy from the laser liquefies the fat, and the surgeon suctions out this material through a small tube called a cannula.
- Laser Lipo- A technician will place pads equipped with laser diodes directly onto your skin. The laser energy penetrates down to the fat cells and creates tiny holes in their membranes. This causes the fat cells to release their stored fatty acids, glycerol, and water into the body and then shrink, potentially resulting in lost inches. The body then flushes out the expelled fat-cell contents via the lymphatic system or burns them for energy.
- Vaser Lipo- This is a surgical fat-reduction procedure that uses ultrasonic vibration, or “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance” (VASER), to break up fat and free it from the surrounding tissue before it’s sucked out through a hollow tube, called a cannula.
- Trisculpt Lipo- TriSculpt is a micro-laser liposuction procedure that physically removes fat cells from your body. Fat freeze technologies leave it up to your immune system to excrete the fat cells. This process can take weeks or even months.
- Traditional Lipo- This in reality is an abrasive surgical procedure that removes excess body fat and leaves a tell-tale scar. It uses a hollow suction tube inserted through an incision to remove fat from under the skin with a scraping motion that is quite violent and imprecise.
- Power Assisted Lipo- Unlike traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction relies on a cannula that vibrates as it is inserted into the area containing fatty tissue. The vibrations help reduce the layers of stubborn fat into smaller chunks, making them easier to remove.
- Coolsculpting- CoolSculpting uses a procedure known as cryolipolysis. It works by placing a roll of fat into two panels that cool the fat to a freezing temperature. This method is not technically considered a type of liposuction but can be a very effective fat sculpting treatment for some.
If you are someone looking to get lipo, many doctors will require that you be within 30% of your ideal weight and have firm elastic skin along with good muscle tone. Anyone who has a life threatening illness or a medical issue that would impair healing can be turned down as a candidate. Most doctors will also require the patient to be a nonsmoker. A gentle reminder that liposuction should not be considered a weight-loss tool, it is ideal for those trying to "reshape" their body and improve contours and proportion.
The Effects of Liposuction on the body
Although one might think they would want to hop up and dance after having stubborn fat simply sucked out of their body, it is quite the opposite. Many who undergo this procedure experience pain, swelling and bruising. Certain areas may require the doctor to leave the incision open for drainage purposes. Compression garments help with the initial swelling.
Results may also take time as recovery itself takes time. Most people will have to take a few days off work and a few weeks before they can resume their normal activities such as exercise. Patients can also expect some lumps and irregularities where they got the procedure done due to the remaining fat settling in.
Certain risks with this procedure include,
- Contour irregularities
- Fluid accumulation
- Numbness
- Infection
- Internal puncture
- Fat embolism
- Kidney and heart problems
- Lidocaine toxicity
Why Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Combination with Lipo?
When choosing to combine MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) with a liposuction procedure you are choosing a path with a faster and less painful healing process. Healing from a lipo procedure can normally take up to 6months to a year. MLD assisted lipo recovery can be sped up to 8-12 weeks. Careful consideration must be made when choosing a therapist, re-building severed lymph connections takes more then just a few hours training. MLD is gentle and light in pressure in order to prevent the tiny collector vessels from collapsing. It mimics the contract/release actions of the lymphatic valves, and it's slightly faster in pace then the natural actions of the lymphatic vessel system. The soothing pumping motion can be performed over the patient's compression garment and is extremely soothing and relaxing. To read more about how MLD assists lipo recovery click HERE.
At Amare Healing Arts our focus is a person recovery, not just during their MLD session but also at home and in everyday life. Consults are part of what we do, guidance into a healthy lifestyle that will support a persons recovery and lymph system can easily put into place without too many changes. Click HERE to call and set up a consultation to answer any questions you might have.
About Amare Healing Arts, The Author
Amare Healing Arts Plastic Surgery Recovery Center and Holistic Clinic was founded in 2017 and is located at 24 N 3rd Ave Highland Park, NJ and 433 N Broad st. Elizabeth, NJ. We specialize in the European Vodder style of Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) for everything from post-op surgery recovery to cancer, autoimmune, and many other medical conditions resulting in side effects of edema, inflammation, and swelling. Amare’s Plastic Surgery Recovery Center not only offers MLD treatment for all surgeries, but provides full support for our clients through their post-op journey. Our Holistic Clinic offers natural healing modalities like medical massage, yoga, and Ayurvedic life coaching.