Cosmetic Surgery Liposuction
Liposuction surgery, or Liposculpture, is a technique used to reduce fat within the body.
Almost all people can point to a part of their body they don’t like because of fat deposits. For some this may be small areas, and others more extensive areas. Where dieting can reduce the size of fat cells, liposuction permanently removes fat cells.
Our Lead Consultant, Vivek, offers liposuction as a method of fat removal to his patients. Liposuction can improve your body shape and make you feel more confident and happy with the way you look.
What areas can be treated with Liposuction?
Fat deposits can be removed using liposuction from almost anywhere on the body. Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, buttocks, waist, arms, thighs and neck: liposuction can also be combined with other cosmetic procedures to enhance your new look.
In many cases, areas with fat deposits will not respond to dieting or exercise, and liposuction may be the only way to rid yourself of these troublesome areas.
How is the treatment performed?
In most cases liposuction is performed whilst you are anaesthetised for your comfort and safety. You will be injected with a solution containing a local anaesthetic, so that when you wake after the procedure there will be little discomfort. Then two or three very small (less than 1cm) incisions are made in the skin and a fine metal tube is inserted and used to literally suck the fat out of your body.
How much fat can I have removed?
The amount of fat that can be removed through liposuction is limited for safety reasons, as the tissue removed has to be replaced with fluid: this will be discussed at your initial consultation. However, it is possible for the treatment to be repeated, dependant on your desired results.
What can I expect?
In most cases you will remain in hospital for one night after the procedure, although due to the local anaesthetic injected after the procedure there tends to be little pain.
The next day some of the dressings will be removed and you will have to wear a tight garment to help reduce swelling: it is important that you wear this garment night and day for the first 2 weeks after the procedure, and during the day for the following 2 weeks. Commonly there will be some bruising, which tends to last a week or so, and some numbness, which can last for a few weeks. The final results after liposuction are not seen for the first few weeks due to swelling after your operation.
Is it safe?
All procedures carry a small risk. Rare complications may include blood clots, infection, skin breakdown and fluid problems. To minimise these complications, we will only carry out liposuction in accredited hospitals with Consultant Anaesthetists. More common risks can occur, such as small collections of fluid in the liposuctioned area, persisting bruising and asymmetry, but in most cases these are either self limiting or can be corrected during your next procedure if necessary.
In most cosmetic surgical procedures, complications are increased through smoking. To minimise the risk it is important not to smoke for 6 weeks before and after your operation - we will only carry out your operation if you continue to smoke if you understand the risks involved.
How long before I can go back to work?
Most patients are able to go back to a desk job after 1-2 weeks, however manual activities and exercise should be avoided for the first 6 weeks.
Your new look
Following your liposuction, you should feel better about your body, more confident, and able to wear the clothes that you like.
However, while liposuction is a very effective way of losing fat and achieving a better body contour, it is not a substitute for a good diet and exercise.
To find out more, book a consultation today.