Despite good health and physical exercise, some people may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may occur due to genetic characteristics, lack of weight control or physical activity. Liposuction can be used to treat fat accumulations in various parts of the body, including thighs, arms, neck, waist, back, medial knee, chest, cheeks, chin, legs and ankles. In some cases, liposuction is performed alone, in other cases, it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as facelift , breast reduction or abdominoplasty.

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and does not replace physical exercise and good eating habits. Individuals with areas of fat on the body and who exercise regularly are the best candidates for this procedure.

If you are bothered by excess fat accumulation – located anywhere on your body – and do not see positive results with diet or exercise, liposuction may be suitable for you.

• Adults, with 30% of their ideal weight, who have firm skin and good muscle tone;
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that could impair healing;
• Non smokers;
• Individuals with a positive attitude and realistic expectations of the surgical result;
• Individuals determined to follow the plastic surgeon's recommendations.

The success and safety of the procedure largely depends on your sincerity during the consultation. You will be asked about your health, desires and lifestyle.

• The reason why you want to have the surgery, your expectations and the desired result;
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments;
• Current use of medications, vitamins, natural medicines, tobacco, alcohol and drugs;
• Previous surgeries.

• Assess your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors;
• Take photos for medical records;
• Discuss your options and recommend treatment;
• Discuss likely results of surgery and any potential risks or complications .

• What to do on the day of surgery;
• The use of anesthesia during the procedure;
• Post-operative care.

The procedure must be carried out in a safe and comfortable place for the doctor and the patient, in a surgical center authorized by the Health Surveillance, with equipment and trained staff for any complications.

Be sure to ask someone to accompany you and stay with you for at least the first night after surgery.

The decision to undergo liposuction is a personal one and it is up to you to decide whether the benefits will achieve your goals and whether the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The plastic surgeon and/or assistants will explain, in detail, the risks associated with the surgery. You must sign the consent form to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or complications.

• Unfavorable scars;
• Bleeding (bruise);
• Accumulation of fluid (seroma);
• Anesthetic risks;
• Poor healing;
• Skin necrosis;
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensitivity;
• Asymmetry;
• Skin depigmentation and/or prolonged swelling;
• Burn caused by ultrasound – ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique;
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and lungs;
• Pain, which may last;
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications;
• Suture threads may spontaneously emerge from the skin, becoming visible or causing irritation that requires their removal;
• Possibility of a new surgical procedure.

It is very important that you ask all your questions directly to the plastic surgeon about the surgical procedure. It is natural to feel a little anxiety, whether it is anticipation of the result or pre-operative stress. Don't be ashamed to discuss these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

Before surgery, it may be necessary to:
• Take laboratory tests or medical evaluation;
• Taking certain medications or adjusting your current medications;
• Stop smoking well before surgery;
• Avoid taking aspirin and some anti-inflammatories and natural medicines, as they can increase bleeding.

Procedure Steps

Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Options include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – Incision
Liposuction is performed through small, imperceptible incisions.
First, sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then, a thin hollow tube (cannula) is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat, using a controlled back and forth motion.
The displaced fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical aspirator or syringe attached to the cannula.

Step 3 – Results
The improvement in body contour will be apparent when swelling and fluid retention decrease. With continued practices of a healthy diet and physical activity, the loss of excess adipose tissue should be preserved. However, substantial weight gain may alter the outcome obtained from surgery.

Compression mesh or elastic bandages are placed on the treated areas at the end of the procedure, as they help control swelling and compress the skin.
Additionally, a small drain may be placed in the incisions under the skin to remove any excess blood or fluid.

Following your doctor's recommendations is essential for the success of the surgery. It is important that surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion or movement during the healing period.

How to care for the surgery site, medications to take orally to reduce the risk of infection and when to return for follow-up with the plastic surgeon.

Additional procedures may sometimes be necessary to reduce excess skin. Special considerations are required when large quantities − generally more than 5 liters of fat − are aspirated.

• Where will I remain in recovery after surgery is complete?
• What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
• Will there be dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
• Will the stitches be removed? When?
• When will I be able to resume normal activities and exercise?
• When will the return appointment be?

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or an abnormal heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. If any of these complications occur, you may need hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure, requiring further surgery.

The swelling caused by the surgery disappears after a few months. When the swelling disappears, the new body contour will be visible. Following some recommendations will ensure that you maintain the results initially obtained with liposuction, that is, you need to maintain an adequate weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Weight gain can reverse the results.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. A surgeon's fees may vary depending on their experience and the type of procedure performed.

• Surgeon's fees;
• Hospital or surgical center expenses;
• Anesthetist's fees;
• Spending on medicines;
• Post-operative meshes;
• Medical exams.

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform this procedure, remember that the surgeon's experience and your good relationship with him or her are as important as the final cost of the surgery.

Use this list as a guide during your consultation
• Are you a specialist by the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery?
• Have you been trained specifically in the field of plastic surgery?
• How many years of plastic surgery training have you had?
• Is the installation of the procedure room in your office authorized by the Health Surveillance of your city?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What is expected of me so that the best results are obtained?
• Where and how will the procedure be performed?
• Which surgical technique is recommended for my case?
• How long can I expect to recover, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications treated?