Liposuction: Benefits versus Risks

Liposuction (fat removal) is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. By removing deposits of excess fat, liposuction improves body appearance and smoothes irregular or distorted body shapes. The procedure is sometimes referred to as body contouring.

Liposuction improves the body appearance. Most people get it done for cosmetic reasons like for removal of fat bulges, or an abnormal chin line.

The procedure improves sexual function by reducing abnormally placed fat deposits on the inner thighs, thus allowing easier access to the vagina.

It gives body a better shape for people who are bothered by fatty bulges or irregularities that cannot be eliminated by diet and/or exercise.

However, liposuction is generally not appropriate for these uses. For example, it is not a substitute for exercise and diet, and it is not a cure for generalized obesity. However, it may be used in sequenced removal of fat from isolated areas at different points in time.

Liposuction is not an effective treatment for the uneven, dimpled appearance of skin.

Certain areas should not have liposuction performed on them, such as the fat on the sides of the breasts. This is due to the fact that the breast is a common site for cancer.

Many alternatives to liposuction may be considered, including abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), excision of lipomas (fatty tumour), reduction mammoplasty (breast size reduction), or a combination of plastic surgery approaches.

Liposuction may help to enhance one's appearance and also one's self-confidence, but it will probably not give an ideal body.

Certain pre-existing conditions should be thoroughly checked and brought under control before any surgery, including liposuction like history of heart attack, high blood pressure, diabetes etc.