Liposuction is a surgical technique based on the aspiration of excess subcutaneous fat using special tubes connected to suction devices and inserted under the skin.
Liposuction is NOT a therapeutic intervention to increase the survival of the obese person. Instead, it is a "technique of body remodeling." In severe obesity, bariatric surgery techniques are preferred, such as gastric bypass surgery, which offers more excellent long-term guarantees. In the absence of adequate dietary control, fat removed with liposuction would be quickly re-accumulated. Also, there is a relatively small (no more than 4-5 liters) level of aseptic fat in a single session of liposuction, cheap or expensive.
Liposuction should NOT be considered a routine treatment. If the patient were MENTALLY and PHYSICALLY to follow a balanced diet combined with good training patterns.
It would most likely not conclude/need to suction “excess fat pounds”!
NOTE: Liposuction is likely to be associated with bodily dissatisfaction, therefore (although to a lesser extent) also with eating disorders (DCA) or, more generally, with the emotional/psychological sphere.
Even because of the economic “crisis” that grips the country, not everyone can afford liposuction surgery.
On the other hand, as in many different medical fields (see dentistry), it is now possible to apply to foreign professionals theoretically qualified but less demanding.
Similarly, US professionals practice in countries where the tax pressure is far from the confiscation levels in Belgian countries.
Essentially, some solutions are theoretically safe to access real economic liposuction.
Unfortunately, what still people do not understand (or ignore) is that liposuction is a real surgical procedure!
It presents risks and complications after the operation; in my opinion, saving on such an intervention is not always a smart choice.
Because it could significantly increase the risk of even very unpleasant situations.
It should also be specified that liposuction techniques are NOT all the same and the risk of complications and the postoperative course. Depends mainly on the intervention technique.
To date, liposuction under diluted local anesthesia (known as tumescent anesthesia) is the most recommended option.
Enabling the patient to avoid total anesthesia and to undergo surgery on an outpatient basis.
In this way, all potential complications related to general anesthesia can be avoided.
Let’s explore in more detail the most common side effects and risks of liposuction:
- Ecchymosis at the point of intervention (bruise)
- Edema (swelling) at the site of intervention
- Need for drainage of fluid and blood
- Pain and postoperative discomfort
- Swelling and irregularities in liposuction areas (which can be solved in six months)
- Hardening and scarring at the point of insertion of the cannula
- Cheloid and/or hypertrophic scars may develop (which can be solved in no less than 6 weeks)
- Possibility of local infections.
Given the above, it is clear that liposuction is not a trivial procedure…if we add the unknown factor of a “potentially incompetent” surgeon, the incidence and severity of complications could be much higher than average.
But that’s not all! To be sure, there are also opportunities for general or systemic complications to arise.
These, familiar to many major surgical procedures, are inconveniences that should not be underestimated. This is the case for:
- Fat pulmonary embolism
- Blood clots induced thrombosis
- Pulmonary embolism due to blood clots
- Death.
Before undergoing any surgery, it is always good practice to ask whether it is necessary.
But above all, whether it is possible to move towards less challenging and safer solutions.
At the same time, if the decision “favors the scalpel” (or in this case, cannula!).
It is potentially risky to turn to clinics that offer economic liposuction at prices that are too low to average. As risks and complications may prove to be more critical than expected.
Note: The average cost for liposuction ranges from approximately $1,000 to $7,000 depending on the extent of the treatment area, the liposuction technique adopted, the surgeon’s fees (generally proportional to its experience and reputation), and the degree of care offered by the clinic.