Does Liposuction Help Cellulite?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure which is intended to remove stubborn fat cells from the body that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. The process may actually remove the fat successfully, but it is a rather clumsy procedure. It is not designed to, nor will it give, any guaranteed improvement to the appearance of cellulite, and will most likely worsen it. It is an invasive, traumatic procedure that will leave the lower half of your body looking as if you are a road traffic accident victim, and recovery will take several weeks out of your life.

While many improvements have taken place as regards safety of the liposuction procedure, there are still many unacceptable inherent risks; complications include heavy bleeding, bad reaction to anaesthetic, body contour irregularities (lumpy appearance), prolonged swelling, infection, (MRSA and C.Diff.), nerve damage and gut perforation, when performed on the abdominal area. Many times worse are the risks of necrosis (death of skin tissue) and shock, which can lead to coma, and in very rare cases, death. Patients are advised to avoid this procedure in the event that they suffer from obesity, high blood pressure, heart or lung disease, diabetes or any other severe medical problem.

The procedure consists of one of three types of anaesthesia: LOCAL, where the site is injected with a combination of anaesthetic and sedative to relax the patient. EPIDURAL, injected into the spine. Similar to that given during childbirth, which numbs the lower half of the body, whilst keeping the patient awake. GENERAL, rendering the patient unconscious for the entire procedure. For the operation, a solution is injected into the treatment area comprising mostly salt water, plus a medication to decrease bleeding, and a mild anaesthetic to reduce pain. An incision is then made in the skin, and a metal tube called a canula, which is connected to a strong vacuum pump, is inserted to dispense the solution. The solution softens the fat , and the diluted fat cells are sucked out. Dependent on the scale of work needed, the procedure will take from 2 to 5 hours. Ultrasound is sometimes used to help break the fat down. This generates heat and can cause burns. The wounds are then stitched closed.

What is obvious from the description of this process, is that the skin is opened up and the underlying fat is removed in a very indiscriminate way. The equipment and procedure cannot possibly ensure that the skin will be left with a smooth and even finish, despite the best efforts of the surgeon and medical team. It is simply not designed to guarantee a cosmetically pleasing finish. Very often, where this is a lot of fat to remove, there could well be numerous scars, pock marks and dents. Even worse, it is possible to end up with uneven distribution of fat, leaving your body looking fatter on one side than the other. This does not resolve in time and only further surgery can even begin to repair the damage. Recovery times vary, with bruising taking 3 to 6 weeks to clear, swelling up to 6 months, numbness up to 3 months. Patients are advised to abstain from physical exertion, including sex ,until the wounds heal, and should undertake no strenuous work for at least a month.

So, the simple answer, despite claims to the contrary, liposuction will not necessarily help cellulite. It also has a very damaging effect on the contents of your bank account, the simplest procedure costing upwards of $3,000.

By: Marjorie Thornton

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Marjorie Thornton is an author and advocate of natural health issues. She writes a blog about cellulite and weight control at: cellulitebustingsecrets.blogspot.com