Lipoaspiration
Mammary Prosthesis 
For whom this is prescribed
Lipoaspiration is a simple surgery, but it is not indicated all the cases. It mustn't be done when there is excess of generalised fat or if the skin is too flaccid. Opposite to what most people think, lipoaspiration is not done to lose weight.
Lipoaspiration is prescribed when the located fat is not satisfactorily reduced by diets and physical exercise. Some people may lose weigh until they reach the normal weight, even though they still have some accumulation of fat, which is only reduced by Lipoaspiration. The lipoaspiration technique is the same for any area of the body.
The liposculpturerequires a more careful technique and thinner cannulas (tubes through which the fat is removed). The quantity of fat removed by Liposculpture is smaller than that usually removed by Lipoaspiration. Liposculpture may be prescribed
for people improve a Lipoaspiration, by the application of sucked fat in the area of the body that need a bigger filling (gluteus, face sulcus, etc), that´s why the association of both techniques in the same surgery is frequent.
Surgical Technique
There are many lipoaspiration techniques used by the plastic surgeons, your doctor should choose the best one for your case.
Nevertheless, regardless of the technique used, the fat once aspirated, hardly ever returns. When, however, the body weight increases significantly, it is possible that some of the fat in the previously sucked region returns. It is necessary to consider, notwithstanding, that the accumulation of fat will be bigger if Lipoaspiration hadn´t been done.
What volume of fat is aspirated in the lipoaspiration?
The quantity of fat which can be removed is limited. The whole fat layer cannot be sucked from a body region. It is necessary for an adequate and uniform quantity of fat be left. What is removed is the excess of located fat and not all the fat in a given region.
The volume of sucked fat varies according to the necessity in each case, but it does not generally go beyond three litres. What is reduced in kilos of body weight, therefore, is relatively small. The objective is to improve body shape and not loss of weight.
When the quantity of located fat is relatively big, the first surgery can be performed, in which the fat is sucked without going beyond accepted limits, and, if necessary, suction is programmed to improve body shape.
The break between surgeries must not be less than 8 months. The patient may then repeat lipoaspiration when he/she wants to remove some more fat. Most patients, however, have it done only once. The surgeon, in the pre-operatory, will carry out the evaluation.
Lipoaspiration in men
The distribution of fat tissue is different in men. In women, the accumulation of fat is located in certain regions of the body determined by genetic tendency and hormonal factors. In men, the accumulation of located fat is less frequent. Masculine fat tissue may be almost completely eliminated by diets and physical exercise.
There are certain regions, however, in which Lipoaspiration offers good results to men as well: the upper region of the neck and the laterals of the abdomen (pot-belly). The gynecomasty, in other words, mammas grow in size, when form an essentially fat origin, respond well to Lipoaspiration.
Knee and thigh Lipoaspiration are not prescribed for men. Some men present discreetly feminine fat distribution, which is named gynoid, with the accumulation of fat typical in women. To these, Lipoaspiration can be prescribed for the same regions as they are realised in women.
Liposculpture: a continuation of lipoaspiration
The sucked fat tissue may be concentrated and injected in the patient themselves, by a method called liposculpture. This method is theoretically interesting, the fat, however, is partly absorbed approximately in a period of 4-6 months. It can be injected to attenuate static problems with the sulcus next to the lips or to rectify depressions in the body contour, remembering that part of it will be absorbed in six months. Nowadays, techniques to purify fat are being performed so that it is transformed in a concentration of collagen by the patient him/herself.
Liposculpture and lipoaspiration as a stimulus for a healthy life.
Some people feel discouraged about losing weight because of some accumulations of fat which do not yield to diets and physical exercise. For these cases, lipoaspiration may work as a real stimulus. The ideal is to get prepared for the lipoaspiration with physical exercise and diet. The maintenance of the body shape requires attention, care and sacrifice.
Hospitalisation Length
The length of hospitalisation varies according to the area sucked. It may take from 12 to 24 hours.
Complications of the surgery
Serious complications in lipoaspirations are rare, but the commonest are: hematoma, irregularities, infections, thrombosis, problems with the anaesthesia and seroma (which is the formation of the "water cyst" in the operated region.
Post-operative Care
The lipoaspiration post-operatory is important to guarantee the results of plastic surgery. It is recommended that lymphatic drainage and other treatment is used to reduce fibrosis and make the body react better to the operation.
The use of a compressive belt for 30-40 days helps keep the posture and avoids folds in the belly.
After two weeks the lipoaspirated patient may do light exercise and without weights, and take walks.
After 30 days the patient can run and do weight -lifting.
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