| LIPOSUCTION…
Body sculpturing |
Liposuction,
also known as suction lipectomy, liposculpture, or microliposculpture,
is a surgical technique that consists in extracting unsightly,
unwanted fat deposits located in specific areas of the body, without
hardly leaving any scars.
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| A
LESSON IN ANATOMY… For a better
understanding of liposuction |
 Fatty
tissues, also called adipose tissues, form the deepest layer
of the skin or the hypodermis.
The hypodermis is made up of millions of fat cells called
adipocytes. These adipocytes cluster together to form little
vesicles called fat lobules which, in traditional liposuction,
are visible to the naked eye as little gelatinous, yellowish
globules.
The hypodermis contains blood and lymphatic capillaries,
nerves and vertical elastic fibres that provide the skin
with support (septa) (Figure 1).
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Most authors of medical literature dealing with genetics
found that each adult has a set number of fat cells that do not
regenerate themselves. During weight gain, the fat cells do not
multiply but rather increase in volume. Therefore, logically speaking,
if we remove a certain amount of fat cells, we must necessarily
get permanent results.
Still, some questions remain
to be answered. Why does excess fat accumulate in specific
areas of the body only? And why does excess fat not respond
to dieting or physical exercises? A number of studies mention
enzymatic deficiency as a plausible reason. However, the
one thing we definitely know is that we now have the means
to extract fat. |
Lipodystrophy is the medical term for abnormal fatty
tissue formation. In women, lipodystrophy is found on the lower
body half, such as thighs, knees and hips (Figure 2).
 Cellulite
is a result of tissue congestion in the hypodermis, mainly
caused by hypertrophic fat lobules, in other words fat lobules
that have increased in size. Constriction of the septa, blood and
lymphatic vessels will then occur, which, in turn, impedes
blood circulation and cell exchange mechanisms, thus creating
those dimples in the skin.
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| A
REDEFINED BODY CONTOUR … Options and
limits |
It should be clearly understood
that liposuction is not an alternative to a diet. It is designed
to enchance silhouette and body shape. The ideal candidate will
have a healthy weight with well-localised fatty excess, not likely
to be eliminated via calorie-reduced diets or exercise. |
The skin's capacity to shrink after liposuction varies from
person to person. That is why the surgeon sometimes deems
it necessary to limit fat extraction, so that excessive
accumulation of loose skin will not occur. On the other
hand, it is quite normal to have some loose skin following
the procedure. For the skin to hug the natural body contours
once again, the patient must wear a compression garment
between 2 to 4 weeks.
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It is generally said that liposuction
is not a solution for cellulite control. Still, liposuction is
able to improve the condition, especially so, since fat lobules
that produce the state of congestion are removed on a permanent
basis. As well, a close post-liposuction follow-up helps patients
establish a certain routine that keeps hypodermic congestion cellulite
from coming back.
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SURGERY… The importance of expertise |
Liposuction is a procedure
whereby fat deposits are extracted under vacuum pressure
through a cannula inserted into the hypodermis, the layer
of fat cells under the skin. To insert the cannula, an incision
several millimetres long is made at a strategic point. Incisions
always run parallel to natural skin folds. Others may also
be concealed underneath natural body creases.
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On a technical level, liposuction can be done in three ways: either
with SAL/Suction Assisted Liposuction (traditional method), UAL/Ultrasound
Assisted Liposuction or PAL/Power Assisted Liposuction. In all
cases, fat cells can be removed from the outermost (closer to
the skin's surface) or from the innermost (located deeper inside
the hypodermis) layers of fat cells (closer to the muscles).
Liposuction performed closer to the skin allows better skin redraping.
However, more bruising will appear than with profound liposuction.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction consists in liquefying or emulsifying
fat deposits by using a cannula that transmits ultrasound waves
from its tip. Upon contact with these waves, fat cells are turned
into oil. The liquefied fat will then be suctioned off under low
pressure. Compared with the SAL method, UAL has been clinically proven
to remove significantly larger amounts of fat, lower risks of
skin irregularities, diminish bruising, achieve a higher rate
of patient satisfaction and reduce the risk of post-liposuction
touch-up. Some studies suggest a 30% to 50% reduction in blood loss
compared to the conventional method.
In conclusion, liposuction may be done under local or general
anaesthesia. The total duration of the procedure varies according
to the quantity of fatty tissues to be removed and the areas of
the body to be treated. Convalescence can take 4 to 14 days.
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