Liposuction is a technique whereby fat is broken down and sucked out of the body. It has become one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United Kingdom.
It can be performed on its own or it can be an adjunct to other procedures.
Main function is to sculpt.
It is used for removal of localised excessive deposits of fat. The
most common areas are the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen,
neck and arms.
It can be used for the treatment of gynaecomastia (fatty
enlargement of male breasts) or it can be used as an adjunct to
surgical excision of the excessive fat and breast tissue.
It can also be used in reducing the size and shape of breasts
during reduction mammoplasty or after reconstructive surgery.
It is used to refine the waistline following a tummy
tuck operation (abdominoplasty).
Liposuction is the ideal
solution for people who
have ‘fat spots’. These are,
in many cases, determined
genetically and do not
respond to diet or exercise.
The operation is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
It can also be performed under local anaesthetic but only for
very small areas of fat collection
This depends on the extent of area treated. For small areas
patients can go home the same day but for large and extensive
areas, an overnight’s stay in hospital is usually sufficient.
This again depends on the number of areas to be treated. It can
range from less than an hour to a few hours.
Very small incisions are made close to the area to be liposuctioned
and a rigid tube, which is attached to a suction device, is passed
underneath the skin using to and fro movements the rigid tube is
used to break down the fat which is then sucked out by the
vacuum. There are other ways of breaking down the fat including
the use of ultrasound.
Pressure garments are worn after liposuction to help
reduce discomfort and excessive swelling of the area
Measurements are taken of the area before the
procedure to determine size of garment.
The pressure garment is normally worn for a period
of four to six weeks.
Liposuction removes the fat cells permanently but the remaining fat cells can
hypertrophy (increase in size) so there still is a need for a healthy lifestyle
following liposuction in order not to lose its benefit.
For most people one week to ten days off work is usually adequate.
You can expect bruising after the operation which should fade after about a
month. However it may take up to six months for you to see the full benefit of
the operation.
Vigorous exercise is better avoided in the first four weeks.
In the early period there might be significant bruising and swelling which can take a few weeks to resolve. Oozing from the stab incisions can also occur.
Irregularities of the skin can also occur in the long term.