LIPOSUCTION

Η

liposuction
is the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in the US. Liposuction procedures have increased in the last 5 years by about 120%.

Adipose tissue and adipocytes

What happens to the fatty tissue? What is its exact anatomy and what is its physiology? The adipocyte, although until a few years ago considered to be just a fat depository, turns out to be a very very active endocrine organ., which secretes a considerable number of hormones and other substances, thus proving that ‘obesity’ is probably ‘labyrinthine’ in its full understanding.

Some of these substances are leptin, a hormone found elevated in obesity, TNFa, PAI-1, angiotensinogen, lipoprotein lipase, free fatty acids, etc. Ο adipose tissue is the largest energy storage space in the body. The first signs of fat appear in the 4th month of our embryonic life. During a person’s lifetime, fat cells increase in number and also in size. After puberty, the creation of new ones stops. The exact number of fat cells in an individual is generally predetermined and therefore unique to each person, influenced “to some extent” by environmental factors.

The method of liposuction

Η liposuction -ή liposculpture– is applied to areas where there is stored fat locally and is not reduced by diet or exercise. This fat “typically” appears around the hips, buttocks, abdomen, inner surface of the knee, thighs, arms and even the calves. Liposuction is a liposuction method of improving the contour (figure) of the body and not a method of slimming or weight loss. It is an integral part of the cycle of “aesthetic improvement of the body”. What does this mean? That in order to permanently improve one’s body image, one should first adopt some good, everyday habits – more walking, less driving, stopping or reducing smoking and alcohol, exercising regularly and having a balanced daily diet.

Η liposuction is a safe surgical method, as long as the plastic surgeon makes a proper preoperative assessment. Today, it is usually performed under local anaesthesia, assisted by neurolepto-anaesthesia (compared to the past, when many preferred general or epidural anaesthesia). In almost all techniques, a liquid is injected into the area to be suctioned, which helps to “dissolve” and “liquefy” the fat. Then, the plastic surgeon, through small inconspicuous incisions, will suck out the already liquefied fat. This fat should not be more than 5 litres, to avoid electrolyte disturbances.

Liposuction can be performed on all persons over 18 years of age, while the operation must always be performed in an organised and equipped room, in the presence of an anaesthetist. It must always be applied by qualified plastic surgeon and when the candidate’s indications are correct, the results are excellent and fully satisfy the patient. That is why liposuction is the most common plastic surgery procedure.