Everything
You Never Wanted to Know about the Liposuction Procedure
by
Josh Day
I
have some startling facts and figures for you about the cosmetic procedure known
as liposuction.
As
of 2006, did you know the rate of liposuction procedures have increased by nearly
130% in ten years? It was the number one cosmetic procedure for men and the second
most performed procedure for women in 2006 (FDA). That same
year liposuction topped other cosmetic procedures like tummy tucks, rhinoplasties
(nose jobs), and facelifts.
Let's
get into the facts of liposuction. Who can legally perform liposuctions, what
are the risks, and is this costly and strictly cosmetic procedure worth the host
of possible complications and side effects?
The
FDA states:
Plastic
surgeons and dermatologists often perform liposuction, but any licensed physician
may perform the procedure.
While
some physicians' professional societies recommend it, no standardized training
is required for conducting liposuction. You may want to base your decision
to have liposuction on whether or not a doctor has had specialized training in
the procedure, and has successfully performed it before. (FDA,
emphasis ours)
They
go on to conclude, "Remember, even the best-screened patients under the care
of the best-trained and experienced physicians may experience complications as
a result of liposuction."
Remember
that this is the FDA talking here!
Let's
take a look at the risks, as stated by the FDA:
Infections
can become serious issues. Keep the wounds clean.
Embolisms
may occur when loosened fat enters the blood through blood vessels ruptured during
liposuction. Pieces of fat can wind up in the lungs, or even the brain. Fat emboli
may cause permanent disability or, in some cases, be fatal.
Puncture
wounds in the organs (visceral perforations) may require surgery for repair. They
can also prove fatal.
Seroma
is a pooling of serum, the straw-colored liquid from your blood, in areas where
tissue has been removed.
Paresthesias
(changes in sensation that my be caused by nerve compression) is an altered sensation
at the site of the liposuction. This may either be in the form of an increased
sensitivity (pain), or numbness in the area. In some cases, these changes in sensation
may be permanent.
Swelling,
in some cases, may persist for weeks or months after liposuction.
Skin
necrosis occurs when the skin above the liposuction site changes color and falls
off. Large areas of skin necrosis may become infected with bacteria or microorganisms.
Burns
can occur during ultrasound-assisted liposuction if the ultrasound probe becomes
hot.
Fluid
imbalance may impact you after you go home. The condition can result in serious
ailments such as heart problems, excess fluid collecting in the lungs, or kidney
problems.
Toxicity
from anesthesia due to the use of lidocaine, a skin-numbing drug, can cause lightheadedness,
restlessness, drowsiness, a ringing in the ears, slurred speech, a metallic taste
in the mouth, numbness of the lips and tongue, shivering, muscle twitching and
convulsions. Lidocaine toxicity may cause the heart to stop.
Scars
at the site of the incision are usually small and fade with time, although some
may be larger or more prominent.
Bumpy
or wavy appearances can occur at the liposuction site after the procedure.
(Source: FDA)
If
that score of complications and risks doesn't turn you off to the liposuction
procedure, perhaps the cost will. No matter what part(s) of your body you decide
to get carved and vacuumed, you're talking at least $1500, and usually it's more
than $3000. And you know what? Insurance does not cover liposuction as
it's a cosmetic procedure.
Unlike
some car mechanics who stand by their work, liposuction procedures (or any medical
procedure for that matter) are in no way guaranteed. If you are dissatisfied with
your appearance post-procedure, and many people are, you still have to pay. And
if you experience one or more of the above risks, you're still going to get billed.
Liposuction
and the vast majority of cosmetic procedures simply aren't worth the risk.
If
you're looking to define your muscles, or perhaps you're after ripped -- or simply
non flabby -- abs, I have something that's going to save you a ton of money. And
there are no risks involved!
You
know what? This natural, non-surgical toning program is 100%, no-questsions-asked
guaranteed as well!
Disclaimer:
Throughout this website, statements are made pertaining to the properties and/or
functions of food and/or nutritional products. These statements have not been
evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and these materials and products
are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.