Liposuction is perhaps the most common cosmetic surgical procedure on a global level. And while many people rely on it for body contouring further research has focused on the functional and 
therapeutic advantages of the surgery. As a general background, entails the aspiration of adipose cells through small incisions. “The procedure preserves neurovascular structures while maintaining fluid balance and minimizing patient discomfort”. In evaluation of a 2015 research published in Annals of Plastic Surgery, we will look at some of the more functional and therapeutic outcomes of liposuction.
Obesity and Lower Limb Arthritis
Dr. Bishara Atiyeh Et. Al., point out in the above noted article, that while liposuction is not recommended for obese patients, on the other hand, there are instances where liposuction serves as functional relief of “incapacitating symptoms”. Due to the risk that obesity poses for osteoarthritis and tears that derive from joint loading or infrequent physical activity, liposuction can inhibit these potential risk factors. Liposuction functions as a weight loss tool where losing weight is beneficial for improving overall health, quality of living and reduced risk of symptomatic lower limb osteoarthritis. According to Dr. Atiyeh, “acute weight loss of 10% of body weight by liposuction in an obese dog with severe bilateral hip osteoarthritis has resulted in rapid improvement of symptoms postoperatively”.
Lipoma
Lipoma is a growth of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule commonly found below the skin in areas such as the neck, upper thighs, torso and armpits. They are noncancerous soft tissue growth and can vary in size ranging from small lesions to large tumors. While the lesions are usually removed for cosmetic reasons, there are instances in which liposuction has been described in the treatment of some forms of noninfiltrating angiolipomas. Additionally, Dr. Atiyeh explains that reports have shown that deflation and shrinkage of relatively large adrenal myelolipomas with retroperitoneal laparoscopic liposuction can make laparoscopic en bloc tumor resection safer and easier without affecting its pathological diagnosis.
While liposuction continuously thrives as a cosmetic surgical procedure, research is transforming the way in which surgeons and patients are thinking about the procedure. As the two scenarios above suggest, liposuction is becoming more and more life changing from a risk prevention perspective.
