23/04/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | APR 23, 2025

25

L IPOSUCTION has evolved far beyond its reputation as a cosmetic procedure, emerging as a precise, technology-driven solution for body contouring. Advancements such as the integration of medical technologies are transforming the field – enhancing safety, effectiveness and recovery times. However, alongside this growth comes a concerning rise of unlicensed and unofficial liposuction procedures, often performed without expertise or safety measures. This trend puts patients at serious risk, underscoring the critical need for public awareness and informed decision-making regarding professional medical care. Rise of unlicensed liposuction The increasing popularity of liposuction has led to a surge in unlicensed practitioners offering substandard procedures, often without the necessary medical training or safety protocols. This disturbing trend has led to several cases of severe complications. In Malaysia, these unofficial procedures are often performed at beauty salons or unregulated clinics, without the safeguards associated with certified medical facilities. The rise in unlicensed liposuction procedures significantly contributes to an increase in complications. While precise statistics are limited due to the covert nature of these practices, medical professionals have observed a worrying trend of adverse outcomes, including infections, deformities and fatalities. The risks associated with liposuction performed at unlicensed clinics are severe. Patients often experience complications such as fat embolism, excessive bleeding and infections. Some even face nerve or organ damage due to the lack of expertise, particularly when procedures are performed on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or thighs. There is an uptick in revision cases, patients coming in after undergoing botched procedures in non-certified beauty centres or overseas clinics. High-profile cases such as Coco Siew have brought public attention to this issue, but many more cases go unreported. Unfortunately, many patients only realise the consequences after it is too late. The Malaysian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has issued warnings regarding the risks of aesthetic procedures performed by unqualified practitioners. These risks can include infections, adverse reactions to anesthesia and even death. In contrast, liposuction procedures performed in accredited facilities by certified professionals have a significantly lower complication rate. Statistics obtained by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities indicate the overall complication rate for liposuction in such settings ranges from 0.4% to 0.63%, with mortality rates between 0.002% and 0.02%. These figures highlight the stark difference in patient outcomes between licensed and unlicensed procedures, and underscores the critical importance of seeking aesthetic procedures from qualified medical professionals to ensure patient safety and optimal results. Game changing machine The growing prevalence of unlicensed liposuction procedures, particularly those involving outdated or unsafe technology, has contributed to a concerning rise in adverse outcomes. These unofficial procedures often use traditional suction-assisted liposuction, which, when performed without proper training or equipment, can cause excessive tissue trauma, uneven fat removal, significant blood loss and burns or skin necrosis from improperly used heat-generating devices. However, procedures have become safer and more efficient, thanks to the advancement of technology. The Vaser machine, introduced at Sunway Medical Centre Damansara, represents a breakthrough in liposuction technology. Vaser, or Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, uses ultrasound energy for minimally invasive fat removal. This innovative technology targets fat cells selectively while preserving surrounding

Liposuction can be safe and effective when

performed by certified medical experts.

Advancing liposuction liposuction o Setting new standards in body contouring through latest innovations

Future of liposuction The future of liposuction in Malaysia looks bright, with technology continuing to push boundaries. As technology progresses, procedures will become even more personalised and efficient, allowing more individuals to achieve their body goals with minimal risks. Furthermore, as scientific research increasingly highlights the connection between excess fat and various health risks – including metabolic disorders and joint strain – modern liposuction techniques may continue to play a role in supporting overall wellness. Advancements in liposuction technology are not just about fat removal, it is about creating a more sculpted, balanced body while ensuring safety and minimising recovery time. Liposuction can be safe and effective when performed by certified medical experts, but the rise of unregulated procedures underscores the need for informed decisions and qualified medical care to ensure patient safety. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre Damansara plastic surgeon Dr Jagjeet Singh.

tissues, reducing trauma. Certified plastic surgeons utilise this machine to liquify fat before removal, ensuring greater precision with less pain and downtime. Additionally, the ultrasound waves stimulate collagen production, enhancing skin retraction – an advantage for patients with mild skin laxity that may reduce the need for further skin-tightening treatments. It is a liposuction system that offers several safety and aesthetic advantages such as precision targeting of fat cells, reduced bleeding and bruising, enhanced skin retraction and smoother, more even results with lower risk of contour deformities. It is especially effective for patients looking for natural, high-definition results with minimal downtime. Beyond aesthetic enhancements, effective fat removal in areas of excess accumulation can also help improve mobility and reduce strain on the joints, offering functional benefits in addition to improved body contouring. To ensure patient safety, it is crucial these advanced procedures are performed by certified professionals trained in the latest technologies, optimising safety and effectiveness.

Modern liposuction techniques may continue to play a role in supporting overall wellness. – ALL PICS FROM PEXELS