Did you do a double take as you read that last sentence, and go back to check once more just to ensure that you read the right thing? Don’t worry. Most normal, sane, non-knife wielding people would have had trouble with that idea. However, there are some people for whom self liposuction has become the solution to their dissatisfaction with their own body and looks.

Liposuction according to Transform Cosmetic Surgery, is a cosmetic surgery practice that involves the removal of fatty tissue by dissolving it subdermally with chemicals and surgical suctioning it away. Self Liposuction is when you do it yourself – usually very badly, making yourself look even worse.

The procedure is called self-liposuction and although one would think the name in itself would have people putting their kitchenware under lock and key, sadly enough, there are quite a few people who actually believe it might work.

Self Liposuction: liposuction on a budget

Self-Liposuction is a seemingly attractive option for some people who either cannot seem to get rid of extra flab no matter how hard they try, or whom the insurance companies reject. It is common knowledge that insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgeries like liposuction. It is for those who truly need the surgery but cannot afford the expenses that come with getting liposuction done in a hospital, with trained professionals, that self-liposuction becomes an option.

One would think self-liposuction would be a mere fleeting thought, quickly dismissed as an absolutely crazy idea. This is not the case.

What is amazing is the objectivity with which people who are considering self-liposuction discuss cutting through their own skin. Questions as to which kitchen knife would be able to make the cleanest incision and queries on where one can purchase an anaesthetic and how best to handle all the bleeding are constantly being posed in a cold and clinical manner by a lot of people considering going under their kitchen knife, oftentimes wielded by their own hand!

What risks are associated with self liposuction?

What they fail to ask, is what the chances are, realistically, of them coming out of their self-liposuction unharmed, let alone alive.

Some of the problems that could crop up with self-liposuction are excessive bleeding that comes from making an incision big enough to perform the procedure, inaccurate cutting, especially since you can barely see where you are cutting from your point of view, immense pain from the lack of anaesthesia and leaving your skin damaged permanently, with stitches that will almost definitely leave permanent scarring.

There have been documented cases of people who have died by trying this at home. This should be all that is needed to convince you to find some way to get the money needed for a proper procedure at a certified hospital. You could also go overseas to countries like India and Thailand, where cosmetic procedures are a lot cheaper and done just as well. If all else fails, try eating healthy and working out. Dieting has worked for some people after all. It may take a while for you to enjoy the results and involve more work, but at least you are still in one piece.

Video of self liposuction

Believe it or not, there is a video of someone in Japan performing self liposuction upon themselves. Watch in horror…

While it is important to note that liposuction is not a cure for obesity or to be used in place of diet and exercise, it provides many benefits.  Whether you are a man who has a natural buildup of fatty tissues in certain areas of the body despite toning or have lost weight and now experience disproportionate amounts of body fat, liposuction can be helpful.

Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia, though some cases may be performed using local anesthesia and mild sedation.  Male liposuction is performed using a procedure called tumescent liposuction, which uses a solution of anesthetic and epinephrine to aid in the removal of large amounts of fatty tissue.  The tissue is removed using very fine tubes called cannulas that are inserted into small incisions and attached to suction pumps.

Many areas of the body are commonly treated during male liposuction, depending on the placement of fatty deposits.  Commonly operated on areas include the face and neck, thighs, hips, calves, ankles, knees, arms, breasts, abdomen, and back.  Before operating, your surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination including blood work to ensure that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

After the procedure is completed, you will be required to wear a girdle for up to two weeks and will have to undergo courses of massage and ultrasound treatments.  These procedures will help to reduce recovery time.  Patients can return to work after only a few days, but must wait two weeks before beginning even a limited exercise regimen.

Side effects of liposuction include swelling, bruising, numbness and pain.  Swelling may take up to three months to improve, and the full results may take up to a year to be visible.  Doctors typically prescribe moderate to strong painkillers to alleviate postoperative pain.  Complications of male liposuction are rare but can include blood clots, infections, and allergic reactions.  Telling your doctor of any medications or supplements you take prior to surgery can help reduce this risk.  As with all surgical procedures, it is imperative that you choose a licensed cosmetic surgery clinic with experience with the procedure to reduce risks of side effects and complications.

The Fat Will Come Back

Many people say that the fat comes back after liposuction.  This is inherently untrue, as your body stops producing new fat cells after adolescence.  Fat cells, however, can absorb larger amounts of fat if there is a need to store it.  Because of this, fat left over in an area that has been treated can absorb more fat over time, causing the patient to regain weight.  The solution is to maintain healthy diet and exercise after surgery and to avoid gaining excessive amounts of weight.

The Fat Goes Somewhere Else

Fat doesn’t simply move around after surgery.  What can happen, however, is that your body will still need to store the excess fat you take in that can not be digested.  With fat cells in one location gone, the body will store the fat in a new location.  Again the solution is weight maintenance and a healthy exercise regimen.

Liposuction Fixes Cellulite

Cellulite is a band of fibers between the muscle and the skin.  It is actually very tight tissue that, if removed, would cause a worsening of the dimpled appearance.  While liposuction removes fatty tissue, it does not remove cellulite.  If cellulite is your biggest concern, talk to your doctor about other options.

What Does It All Mean?

In short, the benefits of liposuction surgery are vast, not to mention the high success rate of the procedure.  It is not, however, a miracle cure for obesity or an easy answer.  The key to maintaining both health and beauty is a healthy lifestyle, and liposuction is designed to help create a more even body size in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle.