Liposuction Surgery for Older Individuals

Liposuction surgery is a technique that many plastic surgeons and doctors use to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. It is an invasive operation wherein the patient is placed under an anesthetic to facilitate its performance.

The procedure starts with a consultation with a qualified surgeon who will explain it in detail to the patient. It is important that the patient understands the process to be able to appreciate the recommendations and limits that the doctor may highlight. When an agreement is reached and a schedule is made, the doctor will most likely recommend slight or temporary lifestyle changes to accommodate the operation.

The Operation

The procedure starts with the individual’s body being marked in accordance with the recommendations of the doctor as to which areas are to be treated with liposuction surgery. The markings are made with a temporary marker and will easily come off. A slim, hollow tube called a cannula is used to suction the fat from the body. An anesthetic is given to the patient because there is some degree of pain associated with the procedure.

A solution which is supposed to loosen the fat and make it easy to suction from the flesh is injected into the area and some time is given for it to take effect. Once the doctor is satisfied with the loosened fat and the state of anesthesia of the patient, the suctioning process will commence. Incisions or slits are made on the skin and these are where the cannula is inserted. A flowing forward and backward or in and out motion is used by the medical professional to suction the loosened fat. The entre procedure may take some time, especially when the areas to for liposuction surgery are separate ones.

Older Individuals

Older individuals often complain of stubborn, excess fat that may be difficult to get rid of. Some resort to this operation to be able to reach the weight loss goal that they want. While liposuction surgery is a routine procedure, there are risks that come with it, no matter how easy and routine it may seem. The chances of these risks and complications occurring will be higher for older individuals.

The reason for this is that they are usually the ones who already have established diseases which are already wreaking havoc in their bodies. Another reason is that many of the older generation, around 50 years and above will have weaker resistance to infections and other viruses which may attack when they are just recovering from the procedure. Recovery may be longer for them and their systems may not be able to handle the rigors of liposuction surgery.

On the other hand, undergoing the procedure can be done for healthy older individuals who pass the tests their doctors will give them with flying colors. It can actually help them maintain their weight and fitness since the operation has an almost immediate effect. Doctors often recommend it for older individuals who may be ideal candidates.