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How Is Liposuction Done?

Annually, there are more than 400,000 liposuction procedures carried out. But, it is important to know this is a cosmetic procedure. It is not a weight loss tool. Liposuction is a way to help you sculpt your body after you have your weight under control. It is not a treatment for obesity, and it is not without some risk. Liposuction should only be done by a qualified and experienced liposuction surgeon.

Is Liposuction an Outpatient Procedure?

There are a lot of variations that are considered with any liposuction surgery. The doctor will evaluate the following:

  • How many areas are to be worked on
  • The overall health of the patient
  • The way the patient responded to the surgery

If there is a large amount of fat to be removed, the patient will probably have their surgery in a hospital and will likely stay overnight for observation.

How is it Done?

First, you will be given anesthesia. The type of anesthesia that will be administered to you is determined by the amount of liposuction that is going to be done. In minor cases, anesthesia will be applied to the area. But in more extensive cases, you will be given a general anesthesia, and the procedure will take place while you are asleep.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, a small incision is made in the troubled area, and a suction device attached to a tub (called cannula) is inserted into the area. It is inserted into the fatty areas between the skin and muscle, and the fat is suctioned out of the body.

How Much Money and Time Will it Cost?

How long the procedure takes depends on the amount of fat you want to be removed from the area. The cost of the procedures varies as well. Based on what you have done and your personal issues, and where the doctor can do your procedure (inpatient or outpatient), it is not possible to get an estimated figure until you are seen by a surgeon. Do your research and find a qualified surgeon who has the knowledge and experience to help your specific needs.

Liposuction is considered purely cosmetic, and therefore, most insurances will not cover the expenses. However, if liposuction can treat another issue, they may. For example, a patient with lipomas (fatty tumors under the skin) can benefit by using liposuction to remove the tumors. In that case, the insurance may cover the liposuction.

It is well worth a visit to your plastic surgeon to address these issues that are bothering you. You may find out that there is a reason for your problem rather than excess fat in places where you do not want it. Further, you may find out there are ways to address these issues that are affordable. At the very least, you will be able to set a plan of action to address the problems soon.

Note: it will take some time for all the swelling to subside so that the patient will see the full results after liposuction.

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