Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is an invasive cosmetic surgery in which fat is removed in one or more areas of the body. It mainly helps to reshape specific areas of the body. This is also called lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy. It is suitable for weight reduction and ineffective for cellulite. It does not help to prevent heart diseases or improve the general health of an individual. Registered medical practitioners who are having experience in performing successful liposuction surgeries are the best option for choosing the right specialist for liposuction. It has some risks and complications along with its own benefits.

Commonly targeted areas of the body are:

1. Buttocks
2. Thighs
3. Arms
4. Neck
5. Abdomen
6. Under the chin
7. Chest
8. Ankles and calves

Liposuction can be performed by the following techniques:

1. Ultrasound-assisted technique: Here, an ultrasound device is used to melt the fat at desired areas of the body.
2. Tumescent technique: In this, fluid containing saline, epinephrine, and local anesthesia is injected into the pockets of the fat.
3. Super-Wet: Here, the surgeon will be injecting the fluid which is approximate as the amount of fat to be removed from the specific areas of the body.
4. Power-assisted technique: This technique uses a cannula that moves back-and-forth and thus allows the surgeon to pull out the fat easily.
5. Laser-assisted technique: A high-intensity laser light is used to break down the fat and then a cannula is used to remove the fat.

What are the advantages of Liposuction?

Benefits or advantages of Liposuction are the followings:

1. It helps in improving the shape and appearance of the body of an individual.
2. Reduces the amount of unwanted fat accumulated or deposited in the body.
3. Permanently removes the fat cells from the body.
4. It helps to boost confidence in the people who are worried about their physical appearance.

What are the indications of Liposuction?

Following are the indications for Liposuction:

1. To remove the excess breast in males.
2. To remove the excess fat deposited in the individuals.
3. To improve the shape of the body.

What is the preparation for Liposuction?

Before surgery, your doctor may do the following check-ups and tests.

1. Blood test [complete hemogram]
2. Urine tests
3. Cholesterol test [lipid profile]
4. MRI scan
5. General weight check
6. BMI [Body mass index]

Other preparation instructions for Liposuction are:

1. Photos will be taken before the surgery to compare with the images of after surgery.
2. Should stop smoking before 3 weeks to 1 month of the surgery date.
3. Discuss your present and past medical history with your doctor.
4. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to a week prior to the surgery.
5. You should ask your doctor regarding all the risks, complications, and benefits of having liposuction.

What are the steps involved in Liposuction?

Steps involved in Liposuction are the following:

1. Specific areas of the body from where fat to be removed are marked by the surgeon.
2. General anesthesia or local anesthesia will be given to the patient during the surgery.
3. Sedatives will be given to the patient to remain calm and relaxed.
4. Then, the surgical team will be monitoring all the vital parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and blood oxygen levels, etc. throughout the surgery.
5. Then small, inconspicuous incisions are made over the marked areas of the body.
6. Now, a cannula or hollow tube is inserted to loosen the unwanted fat.
7. With the help of a cannula that is attached to the syringe or surgical vacuum, the unwanted fat will be suctioned out from the body by the surgeon.
8. After the procedure, images will be taken and compared with the images prior to the surgery.

What is the post-procedure care/recovery care for Liposuction?

1. Patients who are given general anesthesia will spend in the hospital for a whole night. But who received local anesthesia will be discharged on the same day of the surgery.
2. Bandages or elasticated support corset will be fitted to the specific areas of the body from where the fat is removed by making incisions.
3. Antibiotics may be given immediately after the surgery to prevent the infection.
4. There may be mild to moderate pain and bruising after the surgery and to reduce these, pain killers will be prescribed to the patient.
5. Numbness may present at the site of fat removal and may improve within 6-9 weeks after the surgery.
6. Swelling of the skin may occur and slowly return to normal within 3 months.
7. Should follow diet and exercise as directed by the doctor.

Who can perform this [Right specialist type for Liposuction]?

Liposuction can be performed by:

1. A Plastic surgeon
2. A Dermatologist
3. An experienced surgeon in liposuction

What is the cost of Liposuction?

The cost of Liposuction depends on:

1. Admission fee
2. Doctor fee
3. Type of technique used to perform
4. Type of hospital
5. Age of the patient
6. Amount of the fat to be removed
7. The room that you opted for

Minimum expenses in Pune starts from Rs.20,000

Average amount to be paid in Pune is approximately Rs.69,315

Maximum charges in Pune rise up to Rs.1,60,000

Is Liposuction a major surgery or minor surgery?

Liposuction is a major and minor surgery. The severity depends on the size of the patient's body and the amount of fat to be removed.

What is the minimum age required for Liposuction?

Individuals who need to undergo Liposuction need to be 18 years old or above.

What is the eligibility criteria for Liposuction?

Following candidates can undergo Liposuction:

1. Individuals with an age 18 years or older.
2. Adults who have 30% of their ideal weight with good muscle tone and elastic skin.
3. Individuals who don't have any serious medical problems that affect the healing process.
4. Individuals who don't see any changes even after following the diet and exercise.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Liposuction?

Following are the candidates who are ineligible for Liposuction:

1. Individuals who are below 18 years old.
2. Adults who don't have 30% of their ideal weight.
3. Individuals with serious health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension, edema, and diabetes, etc.

What are the risks and complications associated with Liposuction?

Every surgery has its own risks and complications along with the benefits. So, the following are the risks and complications associated with liposuction.

1. Heat injury to the skin due to the ultrasound device
2. Fluid may accumulate in the lungs due to anesthesia toxicity
3. Excessive fluid loss
4. Delayed healing
5. Irregular skin surface
6. Change in the sensations of the skin
7. Damage to the nerves may occur
8. Infection at the site of the incision
9. Swelling in the skin
10. Discoloration of the skin
11. Cardiac and pulmonary complications

How long does it take to complete Liposuction?

For a normal or average patient, it takes 3-7 hours to complete the procedure. However, the actual surgery may require 2 to 3 hours. The duration of time required to complete Liposuction depends on:

1. The size of the patient.
2. The number of areas being treated to remove the fat.
3. Type of anesthesia being used in the surgery. 

What is the recovery time?

Recovery time for the patient who underwent liposuction is usually quick. Most of the patients will return to their daily activities within 2 weeks.

What is the success rate of Liposuction?

The success rate of Liposuction depends on the following factors

1. Age of the patient
2. Areas of the fat deposit
3. Genetics or family history
4. Health condition
5. Experience of the surgeon

Generally, the overall success rate for Liposuction ranges from 72% to 90%. 

Is Liposuction painful?

Before undergoing Liposuction, anesthesia will be given to the patient. So, the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. However, after the surgery, the patient will have mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising, etc.

Are Liposuction scars permanent?

Incisions are made for performing Liposuction and doing so, small scars may form at the site of incisions. These scars are permanent and sometimes may fade out over time.

What are the long-term results of Liposuction?

Long term results of liposuction are the following:

1. Fat may deposit in the areas where liposuction is done.
2. May increase the weight of an individual.
3. Stretch marks may appear.
4. Sometimes it may lead to forming a loose skin.

Is Liposuction safe?

Liposuction is not a weight-loss method. It is only a fat removal procedure where the surgeon will safely remove all the unwanted fat from the desired areas of the body.

What are the options if Liposuction fails or not successful?

Even after getting Liposuction, one can gain weight due to fat deposition in several areas of the body. This redistribution is uneven and unpredictable. Some of the options if the liposuction is not successful are

1. Revision of liposuction.
2. Following the diet that has given by your dietician along with exercises.
3. Attempting non-surgical fat reduction methods.

What are the alternatives for Liposuction?

Some of the alternatives for Liposuction are the non-surgical procedures and they are the following:

1. Cool sculpting
2. Trusculpt
3. Zerona
4. Cryolipolysis

Can Liposuction remove lipomas?

Yes. Liposuction can remove lipomas but there may be a chance for incomplete removal and reoccurrence of lipomas.

Can Liposuction remove love handles?

Liposuction will help in removing the fat cells and ultimately removes love handles permanently.

Can Liposuction help with cellulite?

Liposuction will not reduce the appearance of cellulite and moreover, it could make cellulite look worse. Liposuction will only remove the fat and not cellulite.

Can Liposuction be covered by insurance?

Your insurance may cover Liposuction and depends on what plan you take and from which company you are insured.