Liposuction

Liposuction may be carried out when fat is distributed unevenly for removing topical fatty deposits, no matter how much exercise, massage or dieting is undertaken. It may be used to sculpt the whole body known as 360.

Liposuction has the best results when your BMI (Body Mass Index) is within or close to normal. It is not a method of reducing weight, there is a limit of 3-4 litres of fat that can be safely removed.

How?

Fat is removed permanently and may be performed under general or local anaesthesia, depending on the site to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed. The area to be treated is injected with a buffered salt solution containing adrenaline, which controls bleeding and a long acting local anaesthetic to ensure you will experience less discomfort after the liposuction. A shaped metal tube, known as a canula, moves backwards and forwards to loosen the fat which allows it to be removed by a strong vacuum pump. Different methods may be used such as Microaire, Vaser or Laser, allowing the removal of fat in a more controlled manner because they cause less trauma to the tissues and can be used closer under the surface of the skin giving superior results.

The incisions will be dressed with Mepore or similar dressings which will remain in place for one week. The sutures fall off in two weeks. Quick showers are allowed during this period. Wear a pressure garment for up to six weeks (three weeks day and night, three weeks overnight only). Only tiny incisions (~3mm in length) are made but, liposuction creates a large wound hidden under the skin and adequate rest will be required balanced with regular gentle exercise and early massage preferably lymphatic.

Expect tenderness, bruising, numbness, discomfort and swelling for a couple of weeks. Hardening of the treated area is usual. Massage is advised at this stage to soften and flatten the area. Infection after liposuction is possible but unlikely and is treated with antibiotics. Skin irregularities or asymmetry may necessitate a secondary tidy-up procedure after 6-9 months. If large amounts of fat are removed, loose skin may be a problem, elastic skin contracts well other may require skin tightening with Radiofrequency. Cellulite may not improve after liposuction. The fat cells that get taken out during liposuction are permanently gone. However, that does not mean that you can't gain wait after having liposuction. Body fat can redistribute after liposuction, especially if you don't take steps to prevent it with your diet and exercise habits.

1-2 hours.

Moderate.

5-7 days.