Pros and Cons: Liposuction. Answers to all your questions from a plastic surgeon

Is it possible to get a supermodel figure in a day? We understand the nuances of the liposuction procedure with Otari Gogiberidze, the leading plastic surgeon of the Beauty Time clinic.

Otari Gogiberidze, Lead Plastic Surgeon, Beauty Time Clinic

Who needs liposuction?

Contrary to popular myth, liposuction will not help you lose weight. But the operation is suitable for eliminating “fat traps” in problem areas, where proper nutrition and fitness training do not help. For example, “ears” on the hips, fat deposits in the lower abdomen, rollers on the back or hanging from the knees will perfectly cope. If we are talking about obesity treatment and significant weight loss, this is the field of activity of nutritionists, endocrinologists and bariatric surgeons (with whom a plastic surgeon can work).

When can a doctor refuse a surgery?

– Liposuction should not be performed in the presence of chronic systemic diseases – for example, diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the diagnosis is usually shown to the patient before surgery.

– Usually young mothers want to do liposuction after giving birth to correct the shape. In this case, if you are breastfeeding your baby, you should definitely wait for the breastfeeding to end.

– If the plastic surgeon sees that the patient’s fat layer is insignificant, he can refuse, and the problem can be solved without surgical intervention, but with the help of, for example, hardware cosmetology.

– Some girls see liposuction as a way to fight cellulite. However, hardware massage or lipolytic injections are more effective to eliminate the “orange peel” on the buttocks and thighs.

How long does the effect last?

The result of the correction is stored almost forever, as the removed fat cells are not restored and do not accumulate in the areas where they are removed. But it should be borne in mind that in a person the figure varies, and fat deposits may appear in other places. In this case, we can perform liposuction of other regions after a while.

At what age and at what age can liposuction be performed?

Liposuction can be done from the age of 18. In principle, there is no upper age limit, it all depends on the patient’s state of health. There are often people who want surgery in adulthood and do so after 60 years.

What complications are possible and why?

Hematomas and bruises, seromas (fluid accumulation in the suture area), swelling on the skin may appear in areas where liposuction is performed. To protect yourself from these risks as much as possible, choose an experienced professional surgeon working in a proven clinic. Also, the technique of execution and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body are affected.

What is the maximum amount of oil that can be pumped out at one time without harming health?

I rate the maximum allowable volume in an operation as 4 to 6 liters of oil. Some surgeons even pump 15-20 liters, but I wouldn’t risk it that way. This can trigger fat embolism – the penetration of adipose tissue particles into the circulatory system, which carries great health risks.

Recovery period: What can and cannot be done?

It is necessary to wear compression underwear within a month, swimming pools, saunas and solariums are prohibited. After a month, you can gradually return to physical activity.

Liposuction – one solution for all problems?

There is such a cliché that you can eat whatever you want and then do liposuction and stay slim. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work. Liposuction is not a complex weight loss method, but a local correction of body fat in certain parts of the body.

What are the unexpected areas for liposuction?

There are about 25 regions for liposuction. Many do not know what can be adjusted to make them more elegant, for example, shining.

How is the operation going? How long should you stay under a doctor’s supervision?

During operation, oil is pumped out using a vacuum pump and a cannula with a diameter of not more than 5 mm through micro-holes.

If the correction area is small, for example in the knee or chin area, the operation can be performed under local anesthesia. In this case, the patient stays in the hospital for a few hours after the operation and returns home the same day.

If the liposuction area is wider, such as the abdomen or back and hips, the operation is performed under general anesthesia. The patient stays in the hospital for one day under the supervision of rehabilitation doctors and returns home the next morning after dressing.

Stars with unsuccessful liposuction

Linda Evangelista is not surgery, but the so-called “non-surgical” liposuction: Zeltiq cryolipolysis. The essence of the procedure is the destruction of fat cells under the influence of low temperatures.

Unfortunately, Linda suffered a complication and was diagnosed with paradoxical fat hyperplasia, in which the fat grew larger. I believe that this is a rare reaction of the body, which for some reason cannot be predicted by a beautician.

Legendary fashion designer Alexander McQueen admitted to having had liposuction multiple times before “losing contact with him”.

In my opinion, the fact that he’s undergone a series of liposuctions suggests that Alexander may have had dysmorphophobia. This is a disorder in which a person, obsessed with “flaws”, will never be completely satisfied with their appearance. And, unfortunately, plastic surgery in this case will not help, but will only aggravate the situation.

A competent and honest doctor should have noticed this trend, should first of all recommend psychotherapy to Alexander, because we are talking more about psychological problems here. Plastic surgery should not be done because of your hatred for your body.

Celebrities who have had successful liposuction

Jessica Alba decided on liposuction after her second pregnancy. In general, she has a great athletic figure and it is clear that the actress always strives to stay in shape.

Liposuction also corrected the same “fat traps” – small deposits on the anterior abdominal wall and sides (sides) that may appear against the background of hormonal changes after childbirth. Now Jessica supports the result with regular training with a trainer.

In my opinion, Kim still has very hypertrophic forms, but this one is currently in trend. Still, this is an example of successful liposuction combined with lipofilling. Fat tissue from the “problem” areas was transferred to the areas where Kim wanted to give extra volume. As a result, the star became the owner of a pronounced hourglass figure, and the skin became more elastic and toned.