Often, when people are considering surgery, they want to know what the least invasive type is available. Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures performed in America today. It has become so popular that it’s now considered a “standard procedure” for many people. However, despite its popularity, there are some things you should know before you have surgery. There are several different types of medical liposuction procedures out there, with different levels of invasiveness and risks.
What is it?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body by using a suction device. The suction pulls the fat out of the tissue, which can then be removed through a small incision.
It is most commonly used to remove fat from the abdomen, thighs, and hips. It can also be used to reduce the size of certain areas on the face (like the chin or breasts) or to improve your appearance overall.
Types of Liposuction
There are a variety of types of liposuction, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here’s a summary of the most common types:
- Elective liposuction: This is the most common type of liposuction, and it’s usually done to improve your appearance. Some benefits include that it’s relatively painless, can be done on an outpatient basis, and can result in a noticeable improvement in your look. However, elective liposuction is also the most expensive type of lipo, and it may not be suitable for everyone.
- Targeted liposuction: This type of procedure is used to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the hips, abdomen, or thighs. It is generally more difficult than elective liposuction because it requires more precision; however, it can result in a greater reduction in overall volume than elective surgery.
- Laser Lipo uses lasers to heat up areas of fat so they can be removed through suction. Unlike other types of lipo where fat is removed through small incisions, laser Lipo uses large circular incisions that heal quickly and leave minimal scarring. Laser Lipo is often used to treat larger areas like the stomach or hips that cannot be reached with other techniques.
- Cryotherapy is a type of treatment that uses cold temperatures to freeze and remove fat. It’s most commonly used to remove fat from the abdomen, hips, and thighs, but it can also be used to reduce the size of love handles or excess skin on the chin or neck. Cryotherapy is considered a safe and effective treatment option, but it can be expensive and require several sessions.
This is the least invasive type of non-surgical liposuction. It is less likely to cause pain and scars, and it can be done on the upper or lower body.
The Benefits of this procedure
- Reduction in inches lost: Liposuction results in a reduction in inches lost as opposed to other surgical methods, such as weight loss surgery.
- After liposuction, patients may have increased confidence and self-esteem due to the decrease in body fat and the obvious appearance change.
- Reduced risk of obesity: Liposuction can help reduce the risk of obesity since it removes excess body fat.
- Improved circulation: It can improve circulation by removing accumulated fatty tissue that obstructs blood flow.
What are the risks?
Some potential risks include:
-Infection: It can lead to infection if the cannula is inserted too deep or if there is contamination during surgery. Infection may result in pain, swelling, and fever.
-Scarring: Scarring may occur after liposuction surgery due to the removal of too much fat or because of the cannula insertion process. Scarring may be visible on physical examination or during imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans. Scarring can last for years and may need cosmetic treatment to improve its appearance.
-Nerve damage: Nerve damage can occur during this kind of surgery if the needle used to aspirate fat accidentally pierces a nerve root or vein. Damage may cause numbness, tingling, weakness, difficulty moving muscles, and even paralysis.
-Inability to exercise: People who have this procedure may experience difficulty exercising due to the loss of weight and/or the potential for soreness and swelling.
Who is Eligible for Liposuction?
First and foremost, liposuction is not for everyone. If you have significant obesity or an extremely high body mass index (BMI), liposuction may not be the best option for you. Additionally, some medical conditions can make it riskier, so it is important to discuss your eligibility with your doctor before scheduling surgery.
Generally speaking, people who are eligible for liposuction include those who have excess fat on their lower body (abdomen, hips, thighs) as well as around the middle (thighs and torso). However, there are a few other factors that can determine eligibility. For example, if you have large veins near the surface of your skin that could be exposed during surgery, your surgeon may decide against performing liposuction on these areas. Additionally, children and teens under 18 years old generally cannot undergo liposuction unless they have parental consent or a physician’s letter stating that the child is in good health and has no underlying medical conditions that would make surgery dangerous.
How Much Does It Cost?
Depending on the specific needs of the individual, liposuction may be an option for people seeking to improve their appearance or reduce weight. It typically costs between $3,000 and $10,000, but this price range can vary significantly depending on the surgeon’s experience and location. Additionally, some procedures may require additional surgeries to refine results.
Conclusion
There is no one type of liposuction that is the least invasive, as this depends on the individual’s specific medical history and body composition. However, some types of minimally-invasive liposuction are more likely to result in less pain, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times than more invasive techniques. If you’re considering undergoing liposuction but aren’t sure which option would be best for you, speak with your doctor about all your options and find a provider who can provide you with a personalized plan of care.
