Fat Removal, Liposuction

While dieting reduces your weight and overall size, liposuction actually removes fat and so reduces the total number of fat cells, as well as altering your shape and contours. It is considered a safe and effective way to remove unsightly bulges from almost any area.

Fat deposits that don’t respond to exercise and diet regimes are ideal targets for liposuction. Most body parts can be suctioned, from the face to the ankles. The most popular areas for women are the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, hips, waist, upper back, buttocks and knees. Liposuction can even be used as a way of reducing heavy breasts in some women.

Patients who are very overweight may have to undergo these procedures in stages. The more elastic the skin, the better liposuction works. However, if you have flabby skin as a result of pregnancy, ageing or weight fluctuations, liposuction might make it look worse. Liposuction will not reduce dimpling or cellulite.

What is involved in Fat Removal (Liposuction)?

In traditional liposuction, tiny incisions approximately one inch (2-3cm) long are made at the sites where fat is to be removed and an anaesthetic ‘wetting’ solution is injected into the incision, which also reduces bleeding and improves fat extraction. A breast augmentation procedure is performed in one of our hospitals, under general anaesthesia.

It is possible to have the surgery done and go home on the same day, your surgeon will advice you on this. The fat is removed via a blunt metal cannula (hollow surgical tube), attached to suction tubing. The cannula is inserted under the skin, then moved back and forth in a criss-cross fashion within the fat, basically pushing it aside while protecting the vessels and nerves. The fat is sucked out and measured, and the patient checked for symmetry. Additionally, ultrasound waves may be used in lower frequencies to rupture fat cells, thus releasing the fat stored inside, before it’s gently suctioned out.

What are the Risks?

Specific risks from the treatment include bruising and soreness for up to 3 weeks. Support socks are often used during surgery to prevent a blood clot from forming in the deep veins of the pelvis or legs. A fat embolus (clot) may occur, a collection of serum fluid under the skin is a possible but rare side effect, In these cases, the surgeon may decide it is necessary to drain the excess fluid to relieve pressure.

If there are any contour irregularities, a touch-up may be done six months after the initial procedure. In some cases, there may be furrowing, rippling, depressions or uneven areas, usually due to poor surgical techniques. We have pre operative treatments and post operative treatments which reduce greatly the risk of rippling, and aid the recovery of the skin and scaring. The results of liposuction are permanent, as long as you keep your weight stable. If you gain weight after liposuction, you will tend to gain it back in areas not suctioned, where there are still the original number of fat cells.

Post-Op Effects and Recovery Time

Due to the fluids pumped into you as well as the trauma, you can expect significant swelling – and also weight gain – for the first few days following the procedure; however this subsides within days and resolves quickly over the next three weeks. Face, feet and hands may swell and you may be puffy and bruised in places that were not suctioned. You may also be numb in some areas.

You may find yourself itching after surgery. Use a rich moisturiser and take warm oatmeal baths to help soothe dry skin. Showering is usually permitted after two days; Our surgeons will ask you to wear a compression garment for several weeks after surgery.

Many people can return to work or limited activity within two to four days, and resume an exercise programme, as tolerated, in 10-14 days. You see your new shape best after three weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. Residual swelling settles gradually over the next three to six months.

Before and After images

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The next step

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