$Unique_ID{BRK00083}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{Fat Removal by Suction}
$Subject{fat suction surgery}
$Volume{L-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Fat Removal by Suction


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QUESTION:  Recently in a discussion with friends of mine the topic of dieting
came up and it was suggested that the easiest way to do it was by having the
fat removed by suction.  What can you tell me about it and how safe is it?

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ANSWER:  The physique conscious American has led to much experimentation into
fast and simple means of improving body image.  One of the plastic surgery
techniques that has developed is the removal of fat cells by the use of a
suction instrument.  The process has been give many names such as liposuction,
lipolysis, lipodissection and lipoplasty, but they all involve the same
technique.  The surgeon makes a small cut in the area of excess body fat,
inserts a tube into the region and applies suction to remove fatty tissue.
People whose skin is elastic enough to shrink back to prestretched size will
have the best results.  The most common complications include bruising, skin
discoloration and loss of sensation in the area of fat removal.  These should
resolve in a few weeks but skin dents may be permanent.  Approximately 15 to
30 percent of the material that is removed is blood.  Sometimes transfusions
are necessary if a quart or more of fat is removed.  Remember that this is
cosmetic surgery that is used for the removal of localized deposits of fat and
is not a treatment for obesity.  Before undertaking this procedure you should
consult with your doctor and have all the details of the risks and benefits
carefully explained.
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
