Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture or suction assisted lipectomy, is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits. The unsightly distribution of body fat is usually due to an inborn tendency to deposit fat in one particular area of the body, most commonly the hips. Other areas include; the neck, arms, tummy, loins, thighs, inner side of the knees and the ankles.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction involves removing fat by sucking it out through a tube. It is most effective for people whose weight is normal and who have firm, elastic skin. It is not a substitute for losing weight.

Why have liposuction?

Liposuction can help to correct and improve the contours of parts of the body it is difficult to shift weight from. The areas that are most commonly treated by liposuction are the tummy, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, neck and upper arms. Liposuction can also be used to remove lipomas (non-cancerous tumours of fatty tissue) and fatty swellings that can develop under men’s nipples to look like breasts (gynaecomastia).

What will happen before the procedure?

You will meet your surgeon to talk about why you want surgery and what you want. The surgeon will make a note of any illnesses you have or have had in the past. They will also make a record of any medication you are on, including herbal remedies and medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor.

Your surgeon will examine you, and may take some photographs for your medical records. They will ask you if you want to have someone with you during the examination, and ask you to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs.

The surgeon will measure your height and weight to make sure that it is safe to do an operation. If you are overweight, or planning to become pregnant, your surgeon may suggest delaying your operation.

How is the procedure performed ?

Liposuction is carried out using a thin tube called a cannula that is inserted through tiny cuts in the skin. The cannula is used to loosen the fat and make the body part being treated a nicer shape. Next, a special suction device is attached to the cannula, and the fat is sucked from the body. Finally, the cuts in the skin are sewn up.

There are some slightly different techniques. Some surgeons inject the area being treated with solutions (known as a wet or tumescent technique), and others do not. Suction is usually performed with a powerful vacuum machine, but it is sometimes possible to use a simple syringe for small areas.

What to expect after the operation ?

Liposuction is usually carried out under a general anesthetic. The operation usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. You might go home the same day as the liposuction, or stay in hospital overnight. If you do go home on the same day, a responsible adult should stay with you for the night. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable. You may also be given compression stockings to wear, to reduce the risk of a blood clot in the leg or the lung.

How will the dressings be ?

You will have some small dressings on the cuts that were made. Tight bandages or compression garments will reduce swelling and help the body adapt to its new shape. Compression garments should be worn both day and night, except when showering, for at least two weeks, and then during the day for another four to six weeks.

After liposuction, you must wear a snug compression garment around your lower body to reduce swelling

How will the recovery be ?

You will be out of bed on the same day as your surgery. Rest for a few days to allow the fluid in the area you had treated to be absorbed.

If you only had a small amount of fat removed, you should be able to return to work within a few days. However, you may need extra time off if the liposuction was more extensive.You should be back to normal exercise in three to four weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for 10 to 12 weeks. With all activities, start gently.

Do not drive until you feel safe and are comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Check your insurance documents if you are not sure.

You can expect considerable bruising which will be uncomfortable and painful at times. The larger the area treated, the greater the pain will be. The bruising will usually be visible for about a month, but the lumpiness and swelling of deep bruising can take up to six months to disappear, particularly if your tummy or ankles have been treated. As swelling can take a long time to go down, you may not see the full benefit of the liposuction for up to six months.

What About Scars After Liposuction?

Liposuction involves a series of small incisions less than a centimeter long. Just like scarring from any other type of injury, these incisions will go through a maturation process, likely over the course of a year.

For the first few months, scars may be red and possibly raised and/or firm. As the scar matures, it becomes soft, pale, flat, and much less noticeable. Some people are prone to hypertrophic scars or keloids which are abnormal scars that become prominent. If you or a blood relative have a tendency for these types of scars, please inform your doctor.

Your plastic surgeon may suggest a scar lightening cream, silicone scar sheets, laser treatments, or injections to further minimize the appearance. Use sunscreen and avoid any prolonged exposure to the sun for at least two months, as UV rays can darken the appearance of scars.