Weight loss can be an extremely difficult process for many overweight men.  While diet and exercise are often recommended stubborn weight does not always respond to these methods.  For those men who have tried repeatedly to lose weight through traditional means surgery can sometimes seem like the only option left to them.  Liposuction that is often associated with women can provide men with an effective way to lose stubborn weight quickly.

The Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction is an invasive, outpatient, procedure that can be performed in one to four hours.  Liposuction for men can be performed on the stomach, thighs, and even buttocks to remove excess fat build up in the body.  They can help a man become more confident by taking care of love handles, or that embarrassing spare tires. During the surgery multiple areas can be treated as long as the total amount of fat being removed does not exceed the recommended amount of fat that can be safely removed.  Also, prior to surgery being performed most doctors will require extremely obese patients to attempt to lose some weight on their own.  Liposuction is an invasive procedure that requires a decent level of health in order to be performed safely.

During the surgery a general anesthetic is given to the patient prior to the procedure.  Once the anesthetic takes affect a small incision is made to the affected area and strong vacuum that is attached to a metal tube called a cannula is inserted into the incision.  After the insertion the fat cells are suctioned out of the body and, when finished, the plastic surgeon will close the incision with sutures that are usually removed in five to seven days.  A girdle is also placed on the patient to help minimize future swelling and results are usually noticeable in a few months.

Side Effects of Liposuction

Even though liposuction for men is an outpatient procedure few men get through the experience without experiencing a few negative side effects.  The most common and immediately noticeable is the pain and swelling.  Even with the girdle most patients will experience swelling to the effected area which can be reduced with the aid of cold compresses.  The pain is treated with medication prescribed the doctor immediately following surgery.  

In addition to pain and swelling there is always the chance of excessive scaring.  Some doctors are forced to make a large incision which will leave a noticeable scar that will detract from the weight loss.  There is also the possibility of infection at the incision site if proper health precautions are not taken.