You’ve probably heard of liposuction. While this popular surgical procedure removes stubborn fat pockets that refuse to budge (like belly fat) despite a well-balanced diet and regular exercises, are you aware of its medical benefits? If you’re considering it, here’s what you need to know according to Amaris B Clinic. This aesthetic clinic has been offering body-sculpting treatments like liposuction in Singapore since 2005!
The popularity of liposuction as a fat removal treatment is undeniable. Around 92,000 liposuction surgeries are performed every year in Brazil, representing 20 percent of all aesthetic plastic surgeries globally. It’s also the most frequent aesthetic surgery performed in the US.
It’s important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. Liposuction targets pesky fat in problem areas like the belly, but there’s much more to it than the cosmetic benefits. Clinical studies have shown that liposuction has potential health benefits, especially for obese patients. For example, it can improve insulin sensitivity, speed up metabolic rate and lower body fat.
As the treatment can permanently reduce fat tissues, it’s also frequently used to treat medical conditions like mixed gynecomastia, which results from a proliferation of men’s breast glands and the presence of excess fatty tissues.
4 types of liposuction in Singapore
#1 Performed under local anaesthesia, SmartLipo is a type of laser-assisted liposuction that uses laser emission to break down stubborn fat deposits into liquified fat, which is then removed via a suction tube. It’s suitable for delicate areas such as the armpit, face and neck. The procedure also offers tissue-firming benefits, which can effectively improve skin tightening.
#2 Tumescent Liposuction is the most commonly performed form of liposuction as it provides all the benefits of traditional liposuction but with reduced associated surgical risks. Done under local anaesthesia, a special mixture infiltrates the treated area. This mixture helps to prevent pain, reduce blood loss and aid in fat removal. The solution is delivered to the subcutaneous layer of the fat that lies between the skin and muscles. A liposuction cannula then removes the unwanted fat tissues. Recovery is faster, and patients can expect less bruising and pain with tumescent liposuction.
#3 VASER Liposuction is a modern body contouring and fat removal procedure that utilises ultrasonic soundwave energy to fragment targeted localised fat tissues (like belly fat) without causing any damage to important connective tissues of the body. A specialised suction cannula removes the liquefied fat cells. You can also combine fat grafting with this procedure to add volume to areas like the breasts, face, and buttocks.
#4 VASER Hi-Def Lipo is suitable for patients seeking more body definition. This isn’t just fat removal, but instead a more advanced form of body sculpting. Hence, the results are highly dependent on the skills and experience of the liposuction doctor. With the assistance of VASER technology, the doctor will remove fat in problem areas while strategically sculpting the body, exposing and highlighting chosen muscle groups. For men, this procedure specifically targets the chest, abdomen and flanks; for women, the abdomen and waist can become more sculpted.
How VASER Liposuction works
VASER Lipo was introduced to Singapore in 2008 by Dr Ivan Puah (Medical Director at Amaris B. Clinic) and two other doctors. Compared to traditional liposuction, VASER Lipo is a much-improved form of liposuction that uses the Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance theory. It can remove unwanted localised fat permanently in one procedure effectively, and the process usually takes around one to three hours, depending on the targeted areas.
The advanced VASER technology uses ultrasonic energy to act on the fat tissues by gently dislodging them through cavitation while leaving important connective tissues intact. Fat tissues become soft like butter through this process, and this consistency allows Dr Puah to remove the fat with ease. The result is more contoured and smoother. On top of that, VASER Lipo stimulates collagen production for additional skin-tightening benefits. Fat removed via VASER Lipo can also be used to shape and sculpt the breasts, buttocks, or even the face and hands.
Does VASER Lipo hurt?
VASER Liposuction in Singapore is conducted under local anaesthetic. Post-op, you may feel slight discomfort and notice some bruising and swelling, usually associated with any surgery. Still, these will wear off in no time and will not impede your daily activities. Pain relief medication can help to manage any discomfort.
How soon can I expect results?
You will notice the results immediately after the surgery. Post-operative tissue swelling will gradually subside within two to six weeks after the procedure. You’ll find out more about the results you can expect during a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah and his medical team.
Are the results permanent?
New fat cells may develop if you pile on a reasonable amount of weight (10kg, for example). If the weight gain is insignificant, it shouldn’t be noticeable. You’ll need to maintain your results with a well-balanced diet and regular exercises, which can help to shrink down any existing fat cells and prevent them from accumulating.
Common myths of VASER Liposuction in Singapore
Myth: Liposuction is the ultimate weight-loss solution
Many of us may treat liposuction as an immediate fix to shed those piling pounds after a long period of feasting and inactivity. However, liposuction is not specifically for weight loss. Liposuction works for those who adhere to a healthy diet and regular exercise, but still can’t get rid of pesky fat pockets like belly fat. It’s also suitable for those struggling with fat gain or facing issues with genetically disproportionate body-fat distribution.
Myth: Liposuction is only for the ladies
Liposuction is suitable for both genders, even though “problem” areas may differ across men and women! Dr Puah says he has seen an increasing number of men opting for liposuction to help them eradicate persistent, stubborn fat deposits on the abdomen (belly fat), chest and love handles, thus improving their self and body confidence.
Myth: Liposuction allows a person to lead a sedentary lifestyle
This is one big misconception. The truth is this: not even liposuction can excuse you from the negative consequences a sedentary lifestyle! Yes, liposuction grants you an opportunity to start over on a clean slate. When combined with a diligent workout regime and a healthy diet, it can help you maintain your desired body shape. Unfortunately, reckless bingeing and inactivity may undo the positive effects of liposuction.
Myth: Liposuction is an easy procedure that any surgeon can conduct
According to Dr Puah, liposuction is an art that’s more than just the act of removing unwanted fat cells out of your body. In reality, it’s a complex surgical procedure that requires a pair of skillful hands to reap the best results. Only a proficient and experienced liposuction doctor can ensure a smooth-sailing procedure that’s not only complication-free but also natural-looking.
Where can I find a good liposuction doctor in Singapore?
The Ministry of Health (MOH) only accredits certified, credible and experienced liposuction doctors in Singapore. For the best results that don’t look overdone, Dr Puah advises looking for a doctor who’s known to have an artistic sense – someone whose philosophy towards body sculpting is similar to that of a sculptor creating a masterpiece with a chisel. Dr Puah himself adopts a “70% art and 30% science” approach that has enabled him to consistently achieve results that complement his patients’ overall appearance. He has more than 15 years of surgical experience performing liposuction. His proprietary body sculpting technique, the MDC-Sculpt Lipo, allows for thorough fat removal and precise body sculpting with minimal scarring.
Dr Ivan Puah obtained his VASER Fundamental and Advanced Body Sculpting training in Colorado and Argentina. He has received training in laser lipolysis (Smartlipo) in Italy and honed his surgical skill in gynecomastia surgery in San Francisco. Accredited by the Ministry of Health to liposuction and related body-contouring procedures, he’s also the Chairman of the Lipo Peer Review Committee Singapore.
The cost of liposuction in Singapore depends on the areas treated. For more information, make an appointment with Amaris B Clinic.
Written in collaboration with:
Amaris B Clinic
140 Arab Street
6536 4211 | customer@amaris-b.com
facebook.com/AmarisBClinic | amaris-b.com
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