Liposuction, also known as Lipoplasty, Liposculpture or Lipo, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting areas of the body where fatty deposits persist in spite of good eating habits and exercise. These are normally found in areas such as the hips, thighs, arms, abdomen, shoulder, armpits and hanging jowls.

Lipoplasty removes excess adipose (fat) tissue, giving a new shape to the body’s contours and creating a healthier look.

If you are thinking of undergoing liposuction, it is important that you clearly understand that this is not a procedure for losing weight, but rather for refining or remodeling areas where fat accumulates. It is a help for correcting that which exercise has been unable to achieve.

Salutaris is the clinical leader in the field of Plastic Surgery in Guadalajara. Our staff includes a group of highly qualified Plastic Surgeons who will accompany you throughout the entire process until you have achieved the appearance you seek.

The ideal candidate for Liposuction is a person who has been unable, through dieting and exercise, to eliminate fat in certain parts of his or her body. A person who aspires to Liposculpture must be in good health physically and psychologically, but above all must be prepared to maintain good habits of nutrition and to carry out exercise once the surgery has been performed.

In Salutaris we believe that maintaining good communication with your Plastic Surgeon will increase your satisfaction during the process of your Liposuction. For this reason, it is imperative that you know all the details of the procedure during your first appointment.

During this session, he will evaluate your general health, as well as the fat deposits present and the firmness of your skin. The doctor will explain to you each step of the method he will use, discussing the options that are best for you.

He will also give you instructions on how to prepare yourself days before the surgery and which food, drinks and medications to take. If you smoke, it is recommended to cut back before the operation.

The length (thperiod de tiempo) of this Aesthetic Surgery usually varies between one and five hours, depending on which areas will be treated.

Liposuction is usually performed under anesthesia, but the type of anesthesia depends on the quantity of fat which will be taken out and the part of the body from which it will be removed. For small areas, surgeons generally apply local anesthesia.

After applying anesthesia, the Plastic Surgeon makes a small incision (0.5 cm, 0.2 inches) in the area where the fat will be removed. Through this opening he inserts the cannula (tube) until he reaches the lower layers of fat. Working with these layers rather than the upper layers, it´s much safer because there is no risk of damaging the skin. Moving the cannula forwards and backwards, the surgeon removes the adipose tissue using a suction device. In some cases fat may be removed manually, using a syringe connected to the cannula.

At the end, your doctor will apply small stitches to the incisions. In some cases, surgical drains will be inserted in the area to prevent the accumulation of fluids, which could cause infections. It will be necessary to use compression garments after the procedure.

Cases of infection after Liposuction are minimal and usually resolved easily with antibiotics. The probability of such risks can be reduced by following the instructions of your doctor before and after treatment, so that your body will look spectacular without a doubt.

In cases when a peridural block is used, the catheter can be left in place to administer an analgesic for up to 24 hours after surgery. Nevertheless, you can expect some discomfort in your skin and inflammation for a few more days.

As with any surgical procedure, it is possible to experience pain, inflammation and hematomas or bruises after the procedure of liposuction. Your doctor will recommend the use of compression garments for a period of around four to six weeks. These are an important part of your recovery process. They keep the tissues together while affording you comfort and support in the course of healing. They control swelling, avoiding the accumulation of liquids in the area treated and they also help the skin to adapt to the body’s new curves.

Walking is recommended the day after surgery to avoid blood clots forming in your veins.

You will need two to three weeks of recovery before you can return to your daily activities. Avoid exercise and sports for three more weeks, as these can increase inflammation.

You will notice constant progress as the inflammation diminishes with the passage of time. Take into account that it may take three months for this to disappear completely.

Although during this procedure fat cells are permanently removed from the area treated, it is important to understand that liposuction will not stop you from gaining weight. To maintain your figure it is important to follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.