Liquid Lipo to Remove Stubborn Fat: Procedure, Aftercare & Risks
Body Plastic Surgery
Liposuction is one of the safest fat reduction methods, with various techniques such as laser-assisted, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, VASER, and tumescent. Thanks to the advancement of liposuction surgery methods and devices, all these methods are safe and low-risk; however, liquid liposuction is the safest type of lipo surgery. This article discusses the procedure, complications, and postoperative care of liquid liposuction and answers some of your questions.
What Is Liquid Liposuction?
Liquid liposuction also known by many names such as water-assisted liposuction, softlipo, body-jet surgery, and aqua lipo is a cosmetic procedure that involves removing excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body using a specialized technique. Unlike traditional liposuction, which requires general anesthesia, liquid liposuction is performed under local anesthesia.
In fact, this cosmetic procedure is a safe alternative to more invasive types of liposuction, and its procedure is similar to tumescent liposuction in some ways. A solution containing saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a medication that constricts blood vessels) is injected into the targeted area. This solution helps numb the area and minimize bleeding. Afterward, a small cannula (thin tube) is inserted through tiny incisions to suction out the liquefied fat cells.
Liquid liposuction can contour various body areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, chin, and neck. Being highly accurate and noninvasive, liquid liposuction is suitable for removing unwanted fat pockets in specific body parts and has a short downtime.
Is Liquid Lipo a Safe and Efficient Procedure?
How safe is liquid lipo? Have there been any negative effects? In order to answer this frequently asked question, you should know that, when carried out by a skilled and knowledgeable plastic surgeon, this procedure is usually regarded as safe. Like any surgical procedure, there are possible risks and side effects, including fluid accumulation, infection, bleeding, scarring, uneven contouring, and anesthesia-related risks.
"Does liquid lipo work?" is another question people who have this procedure may be concerned about. In fact, this surgery is widely regarded as effective at reducing excess body fat and sculpting the body. It's crucial to keep in mind, though, that certain factors, such as the quantity of fat removed, the patient's overall health, and compliance with post-operative care instructions, may affect the results.
Good Candidate for Soft lipo
All patients who want to utilize Soft Lipo to remove stubborn fat deposits should first make an appointment for a consultation because some people may not be a good fit for this technique. Generally speaking, an ideal candidate for liquid liposuction possesses the following qualities:
- Being older than eighteen;
- Having body fat that is resistant to diet and exercise;
- Not pregnant or nursing;
- Not smoking;
- Being within thirty percent of their ideal weight;
- Having firm and elastic skin;
- Having good muscle tone;
- Not having life-threatening health conditions.
What Parts of the Body Can Be Treated by Soft Lipo?
Almost all parts of the body where stubborn fat pockets have accumulated can be treated by soft lips; however, this treatment works better on four parts: double chin, armpit and bra bulge, jowls, and inner thighs.
- For a double chin: Submental soft lips help you get rid of fat deposits and have a smooth jawline if you have a large double chin. By injecting water and anesthetics beneath the chin in three or four 45-minute sessions, the plastic surgeon permanently destroys fat cells. It is advised that there be a 4-week gap between treatment sessions.
- Regarding jowls: jowls are defined as excess skin and fat surrounding the jaw (the lowest portion of the cheek) that tend to sag with age. Soft lipo can permanently remove the fat cells in the jowls, but it might not be the best choice for you if your skin is excessively sagging.
- Regarding armpit and bra bulge: Women with large breasts typically have fat deposits close to their armpits, which protrude from the bra straps and cause uneven skin. Diet and exercise alone are insufficient to eliminate bra bulges, but liquid liposuction can eliminate them completely in a single 45-minute procedure.
- Inner thighs: The inner thigh is the ideal body part for developing soft lips. The inner thigh fat deposits will be eliminated after two or three sessions of this treatment, leaving the legs thinner.
Before Liquid Liposuction
Before liquid liposuction, your doctor asks you to provide a complete medical history so that they can check your previous operations, allergies, and current medications. They also run tests and physical examinations to ensure you are a good candidate for this operation. Moreover, they will adjust your medications and prescribe one or two courses of antibiotics to treat any potential infection in your body. You should avoid taking blood-thinning drugs, smoking, and drinking to prevent possible complications like bleeding and infection.
Liquid Liposuction Procedure
As mentioned earlier, the procedure of liquid liposuction is quite the same as tumescent lipo. In this operation:
- The surgeon begins by making a tiny incision in a less apparent part of the operating site
- Next, the surgeon inserts a surgical water jet with a diameter of 0.1 centimeters into your body. This device injects a fat-dissolving solution containing water (or steam) and lidocaine (or other local anesthetics) into the fat cells to destroy their bond.
- Lastly, after the fat walls have been melted, the liquid is removed from the body using a cannula suction device.
Since this lipo surgery is done under mild sedation, you can return home on the same day.
Liquid Liposuction Recovery and Aftercare
Liquid liposuction recovery takes six to eight weeks in total. Most people can resume their daily activities and work within three days, but the precise time you can do so will depend on how well your body responds to the surgery and how quickly your wounds heal. To get better results and have a less difficult recovery period for two to three weeks following soft lips, take into account the following points.
- Wear compression garments 24/7. You can only take it off when you are showering;
- Keep your incisions clean once the bandages are removed;
- Avoid bed rest. Walk around the house gently from the third day after the surgery to reduce the inflammation and lower the chance of blood clots;
- Avoid strenuous activities such as running and biking;
- Avoid contact sports and crowded places where you may be hit;
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol;
- Reduce caffeine and sodium intake;
- Drink plenty of water;
- Add more protein and fiber-rich foods to your meals;
- Take the full course of antibiotics to prevent infection and
- Apply a cold compress to minimize the swelling and bruising.
Liquid Lipo Side Effects
Since soft lipo is done with water, it has no risk of thermal burn or injury to internal organs. Despite being rare, few people may face the following risks and side effects after this cosmetic procedure.
- Swelling;
- Bruising;
- Moderate scarring;
- Lidocaine toxicity;
- Contour irregularities;
- Infection;
- Prolonged numbness in the operated part;
- Skin rash and itchiness;
- Kidney and lung problems;
- Fat necrosis;
- Fat embolism and
- Formation of seroma.
Liposuction in Iran
In Iran, various techniques of lipo surgery are practiced, the most popular of which is VASER lipo, laser-assisted and ultrasound-assisted. Most plastic surgeons in Iran have graduated from top universities and have completed complementary training courses abroad; therefore, they are updated, educated, and impeccable. It is also worth mentioning that the cost of liposuction in Iran ranges between $1,500 to $2,500, covering hospital charges, medications, and surgeon’s fees.
FAQs About Liquid Liposuction
1) How long does liquid liposuction take?
On average, each session of liquid liposuction takes 45 to 60 minutes.
2) Are the results of soft lips permanent?
In soft lips, the fat cells are destroyed entirely. If you don’t gain a significant amount of weight, the results of this operation are permanent.
3) Is liquid liposuction safe?
Liquid liposuction is an FDA-approved treatment and has no or a few risks and side effects.
4) How many days should I stay home after soft lips?
Soft lipo is sometimes called‘ weekend lipo’ because it lasts two or three days. In other words, you can resume your daily activities from the third day after this operation.
5) Will I gain more weight if I use liquid lipo?
The answer is no; liquid lipo lowers the size of fat cells within the skin by microencapsulating the subcutaneous tissue and opening the cell's pores. When the pores are opened, the fat transforms into liquid and is further squeezed. The extra fat is then eliminated naturally through water. Due to the fact that fat cells naturally grow as you consume food, the results are long-lasting.
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