Liposuction | |
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Intervention | |
Suction-assisted lipectomy of bilateral outer thighs
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Synonyms | lipoplasty, fat modeling, liposculpture, suction lipectomy, suction-assisted fat removal, lipo |
ICD-9-CM | 86.83 |
MedlinePlus | 002985 |
Liposuction, or simply lipo, is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes fat from the human body in an attempt to change its shape. Evidence does not support an effect on weight beyond a couple of months and it does not appear to affect obesity related problems.
Serious complications include deep vein thrombosis, organ perforation, bleeding, and infection. Death occurs in about one per ten thousand cases. The safety of the technique relates not only to the amount of tissue removed, but to the choice of anesthetic and the person's overall health. Several factors limit the amount of fat that can be removed in one session. Negative aspects to removing too much fat include "lumpiness" in the skin.
Areas operated on can include the abdomen, thighs, , and backs of the arms. The procedure may be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia. It then involves using a cannulae and negative pressure to suck out fat. People operated on should generally have a normal weight and good skin elasticity.
In the United States it is the most commonly done cosmetic surgery. Relatively modern techniques for body contouring and removal of fat were first performed by a French surgeon, Charles Dujarier. A 1926 case that resulted in gangrene in the leg of a French model in a procedure performed by Dr. Dujarier set back interest in body contouring for decades.
Liposuction is generally used in an attempt to change the body's shape.Weight loss from liposuction appears to be of a short term nature with little long term effect. After a few months fat typically returns and redistributes. Liposuction does not help obesity related metabolic disorders like insulin resistance.
There could be various factors limiting movement for a short while, such as:
As with any surgery, there are certain risks, beyond the temporary and minor adverse effects. Their likelihood is somewhat increased when treated areas are very large or numerous and a large amount of fat is removed.