The easy fix: When nothing else worked, plastic surgery might just be the last solution.
As the last paragraph mentioned, body image is extremely important in a lot of people's live. For some, they want to make a change in their life by exercising every day and using the services of personal training to reach their goals. However, some can suffer from physical problems that make it hard to lose the weight and their motivation drops. What happens next can be disappointing. Depression kicks in and their food intake increases. Result: Obesity.
This section is dedicated to inform all of you about plastic surgery. The good, the bad, the ugly. Once you read this section, you will definitely think twice before lying down on the surgical bed, voluntarily speaking, of course.
LIPOSUCTION
( Lipoplasty. Suction Lipectomy, Body Contouring or Sculpturing ) There are several procedures to reshape the breasts, abdomen and other parts of the body. Dramatic advances have been made in recent years with suction techniques that now often replace more extensive surgery to remove unwanted, bulging fat. The increasing popularity of Liposuction is due to the effectiveness of the technique and the fact that it leaves only tiny scars, often less than one-half inch in length.
The success of liposuction, also referred to as; body contouring, body sculpturing or suction lipectomy, whether it is done to enlarge, reduce or even lift, is influenced by your age, your size, shape, or tone of the skin in the area(s) to be treated. Liposuction can slim and contour the body by suctioning out localized collections of fat with minimal scarring. A vacuum device is inserted through short, small incisions near the fatty areas.
It is important to understand that Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise, nor a cure for obesity. To get the most from this procedure, you should be of average weight with extra fat localized in specific areas. It is also important that you have healthy, elastic skin with the ability to shrink or "snap back" after surgery. Since Liposuction removes only fat, it cannot eliminate dimpling or correct skin laxity.
Liposuction surgery can be performed with a local anesthetic to numb the area to be treated, along with a sedative to relax you. For some Liposuction procedures, your surgeon may perform your procedure with general anesthesia so that you sleep through the entire operation. Postoperative discomfort is normally controlled with medication. Following surgery, you will wear a snug, tight fitting "girdle" for several weeks. This is to reduce swelling and to help the skin shrink to your new body frame. With Liposuction, there can be some temporary bruising or skin discoloration. This of course will subside. The area that has been suctioned may also feel numb to the touch for a short time as well. Overall, most patients can resume their normal day to day schedule within a few days.
Chunky thighs, love handles, double chins and more can be eliminated with Liposuction. Liposuction can be performed on the legs, buttocks, abdomen, back, arms, face, and neck. The result can be a slimmer, flatter, more sculptured body contour.
How much does it cost?
In general, the average cost for liposuction in the US is $2000 per body area. Cost varies from surgeon to surgeon and according to where they practice. In Canada, a single site costs $3,500 CDN and up. There may be additional costs such as anesthesia, operating room facility, prescription medicines, etc.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center, either operated by your surgeon or a hospital facility, and takes 1-2 hours, but depending on the extent of the procedure, it can take longer. Overnight hospitalization is generally not necessary, but if you are having more than one procedure, it may be required.
Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, along with intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your health and the extent of the procedure. Normally, during the procedure, a hollow suction tube, or "cannula," is passed through small skin incisions and manipulated to break-up unwanted fat. It is then transferred through the tube by the attached vacuum machine. While fat is removed by suctioning it through small tunnels, the skin remains connected to the underlying muscles. This helps preserve the nerves and blood vessels supplying the skin and also helps to decrease the laxity of the skin. The surgeon also leaves a thin blanket of fat attached to the skin to prevent the cannula from getting too close to the skin and causing excessive rippling or other irregularities.
Some of the latest techniques used to perform liposuction are:
The super-wet technique, in which a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the area to be treated, which makes the fat deposits easier to break up and extract. This extra fluid also minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue, reducing swelling and post-operative pain. The administration of adrenaline also decreases bleeding during surgery, further reducing risks.
The tumescent technique, in which even larger amounts of liquid solution are injected, has similar benefits.
A newer method, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), uses sound waves to liquefy the fat after the injection of fluids. UAL also minimizes trauma, causing less bruising and blood loss. UAL is particularly useful on fibrous areas of the body, such as the male breast, the upper abdomen, and the upper back, which are difficult to treat with traditional techniques.
The latest method, power assisted liposuction (PAL) is a technique where the cannula eases through the fatty tissue (even fibrous) with none of the risks of burns associated with the UAL techniques. This new machine uses a special high-speed "linear reciprocating" suction cannula. The newer cannula allows surgeons to perform more effective, high-volume liposuction in a shorter time, without as much trauma, especially in more fibrous areas. The PAL system moves through these areas faster, with less work and strain for the surgeon and less pain and a faster recovery in patients.
Are there risks or potential side effects?
As with all surgeries, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, hematoma, seroma, nerve damage and the occurrence of asymmetries or irregularities. Should infection occur, your surgeon will prescribe a treatment of antibiotics.
With liposuction, in particular, imperfections in the final appearance can occur. The skin surface may be irregular, wavy, asymmetric, or even "baggy," especially in the older patients. Numbness and changes in pigmentation are also possible. Often, revision surgery is performed to improve the appearance. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction carries the risk for burns to the skin and deeper tissues. In addition, the long-term biological effects, if any, of ultrasound energy are not known.
The risks increase if larger areas or a greater number of areas are treated at one time. Removal of large volumes of fat and fluid may require sizable volumes of pre-injection fluid and longer operating times, resulting in greater hazards for infection, delays in healing, improper fluid balance, injury to vital organs (especially perforation), shock, and unfavorable drug reactions. As with any surgical procedure, blood clots may form in the veins with risk of migration to the lungs, which can be fatal.
Another risk of liposuction is Pulmonary Thromboemboli, blood clots that can break free and travel to the lungs. This can trigger adult breathing distress and subsequently cardiac arrest or coma that can result in a vegetative state from loss of oxygen to the brain. Although rare, this can happen within three (3) weeks of the surgery but will most likely show symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue within the first 72 hours.
Another risk is Pulmonary Edema (or fluid in the lungs) from over hydration. This can occur when extreme amounts of saline are intravenously supplied with the purpose of replenishing fluids that were taken out. Some surgeons try for "twice the amount in as removed, just to be safe". This is most seen with tumescent and super-wet techniques. Ask your surgeon how much fluid he or she returns to the patient's body.
What to expect post-procedure?
The extent of the post-operative swelling and bruising is dependent on whether you tend to bruise or swell easily. The amount you can expect varies for each individual but past surgeries or injuries should be a good indication. Keep the treated area elevated, above the level of your heart. Applying cold compresses, or small ice packs will reduce swelling and relieve discomfort. Many patients use a water-tight plastic sandwich bag filled with frozen berries or peas. Regular icing is the key to relieving swelling and the resulting pain.
You will feel tender and sore for a few days to several weeks after surgery. Some fluid may drain from your incisions post surgery. To prevent fluid build-up, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath your skin for a few days. Antibiotics to prevent infection may also be prescribed. To control swelling and to help your skin adjust to its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug, elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your surgeon will likely request follow-up visits to review your progress.
As with any surgery, it is also sometimes normal to feel anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following the operation. If there is heavy bleeding or increased pain, be sure to inform your surgeon.
How soon does normal life resume?
Recovery is individual and varies from person to person. After liposuction, however, you will begin to see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body almost immediately with additional differences occurring during the following 4 to 6 weeks as the swelling subsides.
Although you may not feel like it, you should try to walk as soon as possible to reduce swelling and prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. Strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Although most bruising and swelling will disappear within 3 weeks, some swelling may remain for 6 months and up to a year.
Will the fat cells grow back?
The fat cells that are removed by liposuction do not grow back. If you gain or lose additional weight, the change will be distributed among the remaining fat cells. Long-term body weight is not influenced by liposuction.
Are you a good candidate?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites, but if you want to eliminate localized areas of fat, then liposuction may be appropriate, especially if:
• You have firm, elastic skin which is able to "bounce back".
• You tell your surgeon about any and all medical conditions and any allergies you may have as well as all medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
• You are not prone to scarring problems such as keloids.
• You have a good understanding of the healing process and the limitations of the procedure.
When larger areas are treated, excess skin removal may also be necessary with an arm or thigh lift. Discuss you goals with your surgeon so that you may reach an understanding with what can realistically be achieved. The above is only partial.
How to prepare for this procedure?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for surgery but here are some general guidelines:
• Avoid aspirin, any aspirin containing medication or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID), such as Motrin® or Advil®, for two weeks prior to treatment. Because aspirin thins the blood, it can interfere with normal blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.
• Smoking inhibits the healing process, so stop smoking before your procedure and if you start again, make sure it is after you are completely healed.
• Avoid drinking alcohol a few days before your surgery.
• Make sure to follow any fasting instructions the night before and morning of your surgery. Your doctor may insist on an empty stomach depending on the type of anesthesia.
• Make sure that you arrange for someone to bring you home and to help you out for 24 hours after surgery.
Are there alternatives to this procedure?
Arm, thigh or buttock lift can improve the skin quality and appearance but cannot eliminate excess fat to the same extent and are limited in terms of the area treated. A tummy tuck, however, can both remove fat and tighten the skin around the abdomen. These procedures also produce scarring, whereas, liposuction does not. Exercise, especially weight lifting, however, can significantly improve the shape and tone of body, including that of the loose skin and should always be considered as an alternative to surgery.
TUMMY TUCK
( Abdominoplasty ) Sometimes after multiple pregnancies or weight loss, abdominal muscles weaken, and skin in the area becomes loose. An Abdominoplasty or Tummy Tuck can tighten the abdominal muscles and, in some cases, improve the appearance of stretch marks. This surgery does not take the place of dieting, but it can be combined with Liposuction, a procedure to reduce areas of fat accumulation.
An Abdominoplasty procedure usually requires a short hospital stay and general anesthesia is used. To smooth out the abdomen, the surgeon works through a low abdominal incision that spans across the hips. Because sagging skin will be pulled down over the abdomen before it is removed, it is necessary to release the navel from its surrounding skin and bring it out through a new skin opening. Resulting scars across the pubic area and around the navel are permanent but flatten and lighten in color over time.
In some instances, when loose skin and muscle weakness are limited to the area below the navel, a Modified Abdominoplasty may be recommended. A Modified Abdominoplasty may be performed on an outpatient basis and usually leaves a shorter scar and no scarring around the navel. Endoscopic Abdominoplasty is another technique for minimizing scars and is useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity or looseness.
Following Abdominoplasty, you will be advised to wear a light support garment for two to three months and avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks.
RISK ASSOCIATED WITH SURGERY
Surgery of any type is dangerous. Cosmetic surgery can be dangerous. Although it is extremely rare, people have died while having cosmetic surgery. Beyond the risks of injury associated with cosmetic surgery, there are also other risks. Cosmetic surgery procedures have varied results. Some results are favorable to the patient. Some results are not. These varied results may or may not have anything to do with the surgeon performing the surgery. Much of the outcome of a cosmetic surgical procedure is based on the candidates themselves.
There are several major categories of gastric surgery
Restriction Operations
Restriction operations are the surgeries most often used for producing weight loss. Food intake is restricted by creating a small pouch at the top of the stomach where the food enters from the esophagus. The pouch initially holds about 1 ounce of food and expands to 2-3 ounces with time. The pouch's lower outlet usually has a diameter of about 1/4 inch. The small outlet delays the emptying of food from the pouch and causes a feeling of fullness.
After an operation, the person usually can eat only a half to a whole cup of food without discomfort or nausea. Also, food has to be well chewed. For most people, the ability to eat a large amount of food at one time is lost, but some patients do return to eating modest amounts of food without feeling hungry.
Restriction operations for obesity include gastric banding and vertical banded gastroplasty. Both operations serve only to restrict food intake. They do not interfere with the normal digestive process.
• Gastric banding. In this procedure, a band made of special material is placed around the stomach near its upper end, creating a small pouch and a narrow passage into the larger remainder of the stomach
• Vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG). This procedure is the most frequently used restrictive operation for weight control.
Restrictive operations lead to weight loss in almost all patients. However, weight regain does occur in some patients. About 30 percent of persons undergoing vertical banded gastroplasty achieve normal weight, and about 80 percent achieve some degree of weight loss. However, some patients are unable to adjust their eating habits and fail to lose the desired weight. In all weight-loss operations, successful results depend on your motivation and behaviors.
A common risk of restrictive operations is vomiting caused by the small stomach being overly stretched by food particles that have not been chewed well. Other risks of VBG include erosion of the band, breakdown of the staple line, and, in a small number of cases, leakage of stomach juices into the abdomen. The latter requires an emergency operation. In a very small number of cases (less than 1 percent) infection or death from complications can occur.
Gastric Bypass Operations
These operations combine creation of small stomach pouches to restrict food intake and construction of bypasses of the duodenum and other segments of the small intestine to cause mal-absorption.
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB). This operation is the most common gastric bypass procedure.
First, a small stomach pouch is created by stapling or by vertical banding. This causes restriction in food intake. Next, a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum (the first segment of the small intestine) as well as the first portion of the jejunum (the second segment of the small intestine). This causes reduced calorie and nutrient absorption.
• Extensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion). In this more complicated gastric bypass operation, portions of the stomach are removed
The small pouch that remains is connected directly to the final segment of the small intestine, thus completely bypassing both the duodenum and jejunum. Although this procedure successfully promotes weight loss, it is not widely used because of the high risk for nutritional deficiencies.
Gastric bypass operations that cause malabsorption and restrict food intake produce more weight loss than restriction operations that only decrease food intake. Patients who have bypass operations generally lose two-thirds of their excess weight within 2 years.
The risks for pouch stretching, band erosion, breakdown of staple lines, and leakage of stomach contents into the abdomen are about the same for gastric bypass as for vertical banded gastroplasty. However, because gastric bypass operations cause food to skip the duodenum, where most iron and calcium are absorbed, risks for nutritional deficiencies are higher in these procedures. Anemia may result from mal-absorption of vitamin B12 and iron in menstruating women, and decreased absorption of calcium may bring on osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease. Patients are required to take nutritional supplements that usually prevent these deficiencies.
Gastric bypass operations also may cause "dumping syndrome," whereby stomach contents move too rapidly through the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating, as well as the inability to eat sweets without becoming so weak and sweaty that the patient must lie down until the symptoms pass.
The more extensive the bypass operation, the greater is the risk for complications and nutritional deficiencies. Patients with extensive bypasses of the normal digestive process require not only close monitoring, but also life-long use of special foods and medications.
Explore Benefits and Risks
Surgery to produce weight loss is a serious undertaking. Each individual should clearly understand what the proposed operation involves. Patients and physicians should carefully consider the following benefits and risks:
Benefits
• Immediately following surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure. Although most patients then start to regain some of their lost weight, few regain it all.
• Surgery improves most obesity-related conditions. For example, in one study blood sugar levels of most obese patients with diabetes returned to normal after surgery. Nearly all patients whose blood sugar levels did not return to normal were older or had had diabetes for a long time.
Risks
• Ten to 20 percent of patients who have weight-loss operations require follow up operations to correct complications. Abdominal hernias are the most common complications requiring follow up surgery. Less common complications include breakdown of the staple line and stretched stomach outlets.
• More than one-third of obese patients who have gastric surgery develop gallstones. Gallstones are clumps of cholesterol and other matter that form in the gallbladder. During rapid or substantial weight loss a person's risk of developing gallstones is increased. Gallstones can be prevented with supplemental bile salts taken for the first 6 months after surgery.
• Nearly 30 percent of patients who have weight-loss surgery develop nutritional deficiencies such as anemia, osteoporosis, and metabolic bone disease. These deficiencies can be avoided if vitamin and mineral intakes are maintained.
• Women of childbearing age should avoid pregnancy until their weight becomes stable because rapid weight loss and nutritional deficiencies can harm a developing fetus.
Dan Amzallag Gloateus Maximus: Inside and out of personal trainers lives Book available at http://www.fitnesstrainersnetwork.com Accredited and certified personal trainers for USA and Canada |
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