Liposuction
What is liposuction (or liposculpture)?
No matter how much you diet and exercise, excess fat in certain places sometimes just won’t budge. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure for removing pockets of fat in particular areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Liposuction works best for people who are normal or near normal body weight with firm, elastic skin. Whilst age is not a major issue, older patients generally have less skin elasticity. As a result, there is a greater risk that any small dents or wrinkles in the skin would still be there even after the most careful treatment.
The procedure can be performed as a single procedure or in combination with other cosmetic procedures e.g. liposuction may be performed at the same time as a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to improve the overall result.
What does the surgery involve?
Suction-assisted liposuction involves the use of a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) to manually loosen the fat and create a nicer shape within the body area being treated. The cannula is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin and suction is applied to remove fat from the body.
Liposuction procedures can be carried out under local and general anaesthetic. The decision on which is best depends upon your preference along with the size of the areas to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed.
What are the risks and side effects of surgery?
Having cosmetic surgery can be a very positive experience. Complications are infrequent and usually minor. However, no surgery is without risk and it is important that you are given a clear picture as everyone varies in the risks they are willing to take. These possible problems will be fully discussed at your consultation.
What is the estimated time for recovery, absence from work and return to usual activities?
Often, you only need to be in hospital for a few hours. However, if a large amount of fat is removed (or liposuction is combined with another procedure), an overnight stay is usually necessary. Recovery times vary from one person to another. You can usually return to work by 1 to 2 weeks. It takes a good 6 to 12 months for all the swelling to completely settle down.
For more information about this procedure visit:
The Body Bible's guide to Liposuction