What is Liposuction?


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Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure in which excess fat is broken down and removed from beneath the skin through suction. Although liposuction can shape the body, it should not be used as a weight loss technique as it does not change the factors that lead to weight gain.

Body Fat

Fat is a natural part of the body, which is required for your organs to function. However, when excess calories are consumed and fat is stored under the skin it can become dangerous to your health. This fat is stored for future energy consumption and can be extremely difficult to burn off. Fats can be separated into good fats and bad fats and you can control your intake of these to ensure that your fat intake is not detrimental to your health.

Saturated fats such as those in lard, cheese, and processed foods are bad for your health and can cause increased risk of heart disease. These fats are the storage fats, which are not essential to the functioning of your body.

Unsaturated fats are good fats, which are found in foods such as oily fish, nuts, and sunflower/ olive oil. These are essential fats, which are required for your body to function, and can reduce your cholesterol levels. One of these essential fats is Omega 3, which can help to prevent heart complications, and help the brain to function correctly.

How Liposuction Affects Body Fat

Liposuction affects body fat by removing excess storage fat from beneath the skin. As this fat is not required for your body to function, it's safe removal does not cause any health risks. Removing excess fat can help to sculpture your body, giving you a more desirable appearance. You will lose weight after a liposuction procedure but should not use it as an alternative to a healthy diet and being physically active as you can regain the fat removed through liposuction. Liposuction should be used if you are able to maintain a stable weight but cannot get rid of certain areas of fat.

Liposuction Treatments

There are several different methods for liposuction treatment. All of them use a suction tube or needle to remove fat but differ in the way that the fat is broken down prior to removal. This can be done using ultrasound waves, laser treatment, or tumescent.

Liposuction treatments can be carried out on several areas of the body including:

  • Your abdomen and sides
  • Your hips and thighs
  • Your buttocks
  • Your knees and ankles
  • Your upper arms
  • Your breasts and torso
  • Your neck and chin

The amount of fat that can be safely removed is limited meaning that you may not be happy with the results of liposuction. For long- lasting results you should combine liposuction with a healthy, balanced diet, and an active lifestyle to prevent the build up of more fat under the skin.

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