Benefits and side effects of liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat, which is difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise. It is an effective surgery that permanently eradicates fat and contours the body. In addition to achieving the desired body shape, patients gain a better self-image and improve self-confidence.

However, like any other surgery, this fat loss and body sculpting procedure, which has many benefits, is not without potential side effects and complications.

Fat Removal Limitations in Singapore 

To protect patients' well-being and safety, the Ministry of Health has mandated a maximum fat removal limit of 2 litres per liposuction session for doctors offering this service. The surgery must be done in a stand-alone, MOH-approved day surgery centre or hospital. 

Side effects and possible complications of liposuction

Anaesthesia Risks

All forms of surgery carry potential anaesthesia-related risks in patients. Possible risks include nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, and sore throat.

Amaris B. Clinic Singapore uses twilight sedation, while the patient is closely monitored by an MOH-accredited anaesthesiologist throughout the entire procedure. Twilight anaesthesia is safer than general anaesthesia, as it offers the patients a faster recovery process.

Risk of Embolism and Thrombosis

Fat embolism happens when liquid fat particles enter the bloodstream, disrupting blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching vital organs. Thrombosis, on the other hand, occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery or vein. 

Therefore, for your safety, you must inform your liposuction doctor during your consultation if you have any underlying medical condition, such as thrombosis.

Bleeding Risk

Bleeding risks are primarily associated with patients who have bleeding disorders, are taking blood thinning medications, or are regularly using birth control pills.

Edema and Swelling

Edema (tissue swelling) after liposuction, or any surgery, is not uncommon. Patients will enjoy a smooth post-op recovery with regular hydration, an active lifestyle, and weekly manual lymphatic drainage massages.

Asymmetric Problems

There is a higher risk of asymmetry if the liposuction is conducted by an inexperienced doctor or one who lacks an artistic flair. Under unskilled hands, patients may experience uneven fat removal and contouring, such as disproportionately shaped arms, asymmetrical buttocks, etc.

Risk of Infection

When surgery is conducted in a non-sterile environment, there is a risk of infection. This is why Dr Ivan Puah only performs all his surgeries in a MOH-accredited and licensed Day Surgery Center. 

The incision will be closed using a unique suturing technique to minimise wound tension. Wound care is also an essential aspect of a smooth recovery. The stitched area may be itchy during recovery (itching is generally a sign of healing!), so it is imperative that you follow the post-op wound care that will be given after liposuction.

Physical Benefits of liposuction

Removes fat safely

The fat removed during the liposuction procedure is first broken down and then melted before the inserted cannula sucks the liquified fat out gently but thoroughly. 

Spot fat reduction

It is proven that removing fat from a specific body area is impossible through spot-toning exercises or dieting. When we lose fat, it happens all over our body. Liposuction is a permanent and effective method to remove fat pockets from specific areas.

Improve body shape and appearance 

Think of liposuction as an artistic endeavour like clay sculpting. Liposuction removes and trims fat and corrects disproportionate body shape. It enhances your appearance by creating a more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate body shape, which can lead to improved self-image and self-esteem.

Clothing fit

Excess fat pockets can create bumps and lumps that peek through our clothes. Individuals with stubborn fat often end up wearing a larger size. Liposuction can help improve the fit of your clothes. This surgical fat loss procedure may help you drop a size or two, depending on the area treated and your unique body shape.

Highly defined body sculpting

Liposuction not only sculpts the body shape but can also improve the appearance of the muscles. Hi-definition liposuction removes superficial and deep fat to enhance muscle visibility. 

Long-lasting results

The fat cells removed from the targeted area will not grow back. To maintain and enjoy the svelte results post-lipo in the years to come, maintain an active lifestyle and healthy diet. 

Improves cellulite

For many people, considering liposuction to improve the appearance of cellulite may not have been their first thought. This is not surprising because, in general, liposuction is assumed to make cellulite look worse. However, the opposite is true under the hands of a qualified and experienced liposuction doctor.

Psychological Benefits of liposuction

Confidence boost and improved quality of life

When you are more comfortable with your body, you will feel better about yourself. According to a study in the April 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 86% of patients experienced increased self-esteem after liposuction, and about 70% reported improved quality of life [1]. 

Body image impact

Research has shown that those perceived as more attractive generally receive better treatment in social interactions. This applies to both facial appearance and body size and shape. Sad but true, people with average body weight are generally treated more favourably than those who are overweight. This preferential treatment by others can psychologically lead to a more positive body image [2].

Healthier lifestyle

According to a study, "A large proportion of patients experienced positive lifestyle outcomes from the procedure: 80.5% were more confident, 74.8% noted an increase in self-esteem, and 87% were more comfortable in clothes. The time since surgery did not influence results" [3].

Health benefits of liposuction

Better Mobility

Excess fat can impede mobility. Removing stubborn fat pockets can restore joint mobility and improve posture and gait.

Improved overall health 

Many people are not aware that liposuction can bring several health benefits.

According to a compelling clinical study titled "Strategies For Reducing Body Fat Mass: Effects Of Liposuction And Exercise On Cardiovascular Risk Factors And Adiposity," the combination of liposuction and exercise is not only safe but also a highly effective strategy for the treatment of metabolic disorders, offering a promising path for those seeking improvement [4].

Liposuction targets fat reduction precisely and permanently, leading to the following medical benefits:

• Lower Fat In Blood: Reduction in triglycerides (a type of fat found in your blood) by 25%
• Lower White Blood Cells: Reduction in the total count of leukocytes (white blood cells)
• Increased Metabolism: Liposuction leads to fat loss without causing any change in lean mass
• Lower Body Fat: A systemic 2017 review showed that liposuction improved metabolic balance and cardiovascular risk factors [5]
• Reduces Cardiovascular Risk: Reduces vascular inflammation in obese patients, lowering their cardiovascular risk
• Boosts Insulin Sensitivity: A Meta-analysis of 14 studies showed that liposuction improved insulin sensitivity in healthy, obese women [6]

With the reduction in both triglycerides and white blood cells, your risk of heart attacks, obesity, strokes, and high blood pressure is also reduced.

Removes lipomas

Liposuction is the treatment plan for lipomas. A lipoma is a non-cancerous growth of fat cells (adipocytes) under the skin that generally occurs in middle-aged men and women. It usually feels soft and painless and can be moved around. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the shoulders, trunk, neck, or armpits.

Helps with sleep apnea

Facial liposuction is usually done for cosmetic purposes, but it can also help with sleep apnea for some people. Sleep apnea can be caused by anatomical issues, muscle tone, and obesity. Extra fat around the chin and neck can narrow the airways and worsen sleep apnea. For people whose sleep apnea is caused explicitly by this extra fat, reducing it through face and chin liposuction could help improve symptoms.

Clearing Skin Problems

Removing excess fat, especially in the inner thighs and upper arms, can reduce the risk of dermal issues such as rashes and chafing caused by rubbing and friction.

Liposuction at Amaris B. Clinic Singapore

If you have any questions about liposuction's side effects or benefits, we welcome you to send us a WhatsApp message!