Liposuction

Liposuction is a preferred plastic surgery procedure to reshape body contours by removing excess fat tissue. In this article, basic information such as what Liposuction is, its techniques, how it is performed and in which areas it is preferred will be explained.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction involves the surgical removal of excess fat from the body. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through a small incision in the skin, directed into the fat stores and connected to a vacuum device to suck out the fat. In this way, fat cells are removed from the body.
However, liposuction only acts on the layer of fat under the skin and above the muscles and does not remove visceral fat, the internal fat that surrounds and protects the internal organs.

Liposuction, one of the earliest pioneers of which was performed by French surgeon Charles Dujarier in the 1920s, can involve various risks and potential complications, which can make the procedure dangerous. The scars from the small incisions made fade over time, but do not disappear completely, depending on the person’s skin type, the location and size of the incision, as well as the care and treatment processes.

Liposuction should be used for fat reduction and body shaping, not as a weight loss method. While the removed fat cells do not come back, the remaining fat cells have the possibility to grow and if the person does not maintain a healthy lifestyle, weight gain and new fat deposits are possible.
Therefore, a healthy diet and regular exercise after liposuction ensures that the results are permanent and is also important for overall weight control.

All these procedures are performed by plastic surgeons, aesthetic surgeons and some general and dermatologic surgeons.

Liposuction Techniques

Traditional Liposuction

This method, which is the classical liposuction technique, is the process of vacuum removal of fat. It is used to remove large amounts of fat, but it causes more bruising and has a longer recovery time.

Laser Liposuction

It is a method that liquefies fat cells using laser technology. It is popular because it offers shorter recovery times. It can also help to tighten the skin.

Tumescent Liposuction

A large amount of saline solution is injected into the area of fat to be removed. This allows the fat to be absorbed more easily and reduces the risk of bleeding. It usually offers a shorter recovery time.

Vaser Liposuction (Ultrasound Assisted)

Vaser liposuction is a technique that liquefies fat cells using ultrasonic waves and then removes this liquefied fat. This method is effective for removing dense fat deposits and working in tighter spaces.

Water Jet Assisted Liposuction (WAL)

Using water jet technology, it gently and effectively loosens the fat tissue and removes fat cells and tissue in the process. This method uses gentle pressure to facilitate the removal of fat.

Power Assisted Liposuction

This method uses a vibrating cannula to allow the fat to be removed more effectively and quickly. It requires the surgeon to work more precisely.

As can be seen, there are a wide variety of techniques, and traditional liposuction is the liposuction method that usually removes the most fat. Determining the most appropriate method can be possible with a detailed evaluation with an experienced plastic surgeon.

Things to Know About Liposuction

• Before the operation, problematic areas are marked with pen.
• This operation can be applied to multiple problematic areas. (like thighs, hips, belly)
• In one session, at most 3-4 kg of fat can be collected and this corresponds to at most 5-6 kg.
• General anaesthesia is applied in liposuction. There is no pain during the surgery.
• With special serums, fat in problematic area are ruptured and cleaned.
• For 80% of patients, single session is enough.
• If fat collected from the body is more than 4 kg and the operation will be applied to the same area, patients must wait 40 days.If liposuction will be applied to different region, patients must wait for one week.

Liposuction için Uygun Adaylar

Liposuction is suitable for people who are in good general health and have reached their target weight, it is particularly effective in individuals who have been able to maintain this ideal weight for a long time.
The amount of fat that can be safely removed during liposuction is limited, and removing large amounts of fat can lead to serious health problems. For this reason, liposuction, especially in overweight people, may cause unwanted aesthetic results such as sagging skin.

Apart from aesthetic purposes, liposuction can also be used for some medical conditions. These include treatments such as Lipedema treatment, Lipoma removal, Gynecomastia treatment and Lymphedema.
Although there is no specific Body Mass Index (BMI) requirement for liposuction, it is generally preferred that people have a BMI below 30. This is important both to reduce health risks and to achieve better aesthetic results.

Since liposuction is a method designed to remove fat cells, it cannot alter the connective tissue structures beneath the skin surface and therefore cannot directly remove cellulite formation. Different methods need to be evaluated for cellulite treatment.

Fat Removal for Some Treatments and Problems

Liposuction for a Wider Chin

If the appearance of a wide chin is due to fat accumulation, liposuction can be effective to remove excess fat in this area and provide a clearer jawline.

Liposuction for Lipedema

Lipedema is a condition related to the abnormal accumulation of fat in certain areas of the body, usually including the legs and sometimes the arms. Liposuction for lipedema can be an effective treatment option to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.

Liposuction for Weight Loss

Liposuction is not recommended for general weight loss. It should be preferred to improve non-melting fat deposits and body contours.

Liposuction for Diabetics

Diabetes can affect the healing process and increases the risk of infection. Irregular blood sugar levels can slow wound healing. There may also be difficulties in blood sugar control during and after anesthesia.

Liposuction for Lymphedema

It is a condition in which lymph fluid accumulates in the body as a result of a malfunction of the lymphatic system. This often leads to swelling and pain in specific body areas, such as the arms or legs. Lymphedema is a chronic condition and liposuction can reduce symptoms but not completely cure it.

Liposuction for Lipoma

Lipomas are usually harmless fatty tissue tumors and usually do not require treatment. However, it may be desirable to remove them because of discomfort or aesthetic appearance. In this case, surgical methods such as liposuction are used.

Liposuction for Belly Fat

To reduce unwanted fat in the belly area, liposuction is used to absorb excess fat and reshape the body contour.

Liposuction for Breast Reduction

Liposuction is based on the principle of reducing the size of the breast by absorbing excess fat tissue. Liposuction gives more successful results in breasts with excess fat tissue. In addition to reducing breast size, it can also be used to correct asymmetry between breasts.

Liposuction for Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the abnormal growth of breast tissue in men. Liposuction can be used to reduce the excess in the breast area and provide a flatter breast contour. Liposuction alone may not be sufficient if the growth has also occurred in the breast tissue, that is, if it is not only due to an increase in fat tissue.

Risks of Liposuction

• Anesthesia carries some risks, which can range from allergic reactions to serious health problems.
• Bleeding may occur during surgery.
• Accumulation of body fluid at the operation site is a common complication.
• Changes in the skin such as rippling and pitting may occur.
• Temporary or permanent sensory changes may occur due to nerve damage in the operation area.

Liposuction Procedure

It is performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small incision (usually a few millimeters) in the area where the fat will be removed. A thin tube (cannula) is inserted under the skin. The cannula is used to draw out the fat with the help of a vacuum or syringe connected to the device, and through this tube the fatty tissue is sucked out. Once the fat has been removed, the incisions are closed with sutures or bandages. The patient can usually return home the same day.

In terms of safety and healthy results, the amount of fat that can be removed during a liposuction procedure is usually limited. In most cases, surgeons can remove up to about 5% of body weight in a single liposuction procedure. This usually corresponds to 3-5 liters of fat, but this amount may vary depending on the patient’s body weight and individual condition.

Liposuction Recovery Process

The liposuction procedure usually takes between 1 and 3 hours. Post-procedure swelling starts to decrease in the first few weeks, but it usually takes 3 to 6 months to see the full result. In some cases it can take up to a year.

Things to Consider After Liposuction

• It is quite normal for the edema and swelling that occur after the operation to vary from person to person.
• It may take 3-6 weeks for the edema to be removed from the body and the lines to appear.
• After the operation, the medications prescribed by the doctor should be used as recommended without interruption.
• Plenty of fluids should be consumed to accelerate the removal of postoperative edema.
• Compression garments should be worn for a few weeks after the operation so that the body can recover comfortably.

Liposuction Treatment Areas

Traditional liposuction or power-assisted liposuction is one of the methods where the most fat can be removed.

Thighs

Fat in the inner thighs is reduced, making the legs look slimmer and more shaped. The outer thighs, sometimes called “cellulite”, are corrected, providing a smoother and more proportionate appearance. The contour of the upper thighs is improved, making the overall leg silhouette more aesthetic.

Buttocks

With liposuction, excess fat tissue can be removed from the buttocks area to create a firmer and more shaped appearance. This procedure is aimed at improving the contours rather than completely changing the shape of the buttocks.

Upper Arm

A firmer and more shaped appearance is provided by removing fat stores in the upper arms.

Wings

It can also be used to remove excess fat from the lower back and the area under the ribs. It is the most commonly used area for fat deposits under the bra band, especially in women.

Abdominal Region

Liposuction can be applied to remove excess fat in the belly area.

Legs

It is especially applied to remove fat accumulated in the upper parts of the legs, knees and calves. With liposuction, the fat in the legs is absorbed in a controlled manner, resulting in a smoother and firmer appearance.

Back fat

This adiposity is seen especially in the upper and middle parts of the back and is sometimes referred to by terms such as “backpack” or “bra back”. Liposuction is recommended for back fat that does not go away with diet and exercise.

Breast Lateral

The lateral part covers the side of the breast in the direction of the armpit, away from the midline of the body. This method may be particularly suitable for patients who have excess fat tissue but do not have sagging problems.

Liposuction or Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Liposuction is suitable for people with good skin elasticity and only excess fat. It does not tighten sagging skin. However, tummy tuck is performed to tighten sagging skin and loose abdominal muscles.

Liposuction for Men

Liposuction in men is usually performed on areas such as abdomen, waist, back, breasts, neck and under the chin. It is a suitable option for those who want to define their body contours and achieve a more athletic appearance.

Liposuction Alternative Applications

J Plasma

It combines radiofrequency energy with helium gas and turns this mixture into plasma. It is used to tighten loose or sagging skin on the face, neck, abdomen and other body areas.

Liposculpture

It is a more precise and detailed version of liposuction. This procedure aims to achieve an aesthetic body shape by removing fat from specific areas of the body. Liposculpture is especially suitable for people who want to fine-tune their body contours and gain a more athletic appearance.

Ozempic

Ozempic is actually a diabetes medicine. Ozempic aids weight loss because the drug reduces appetite by regulating blood sugar levels and may also increase the feeling of fullness by slowing gastric emptying. It should not be considered as an alternative to aesthetic procedures such as liposuction without the advice and supervision of a doctor.

Kybella

It is used to aesthetically reduce fat accumulations in the under-chin area known as “double chin” and permanently destroys fat cells in this area.

Cold Lipolysis

It destroys fat cells in certain body parts by freezing them. It is applied in various areas such as abdomen, waist, back, thighs, arms and under the chin. While cooling treatment damages fat cells, it does not damage the surrounding tissues. The dead fat cells are metabolized and excreted by the body over time.

Liposuction Cost in Turkey in 2024

The initial cost of liposuction in Turkey can vary between $4,500 – $6,000 on average. These fees vary according to the number of areas to be treated and the complexity of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction