Liposuction

WHAT LIPOSUCTION CAN BE USED FOR?
Liposuction/Liposculpture is a treatment for the removal of excess fat. It is ideally suited for the removal of localized fat deposits especially on the thighs, buttocks, hips, loins, abdomen, arms, neck, inner knees and ankles. It can lead to permanent change in body shape and contour and is very useful to treat stubborn areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is not a suitable treatment for generalized obesity and will not improve cellulite or stretch marks. Liposuction/Liposculpture permanently removes fat cells which are never replaced and hence the change in body shape can be permanent. However, the remaining fat cells can increase in size as weight is gained and so weight loss may not be permanent unless a healthy lifestyle is adopted. Liposuction/Liposculpture may also be used for the treatment of lipomas (benign, non-cancerous fat tumors), gynecomastia (fatty breast development in men) and for adjusting the shape of breasts after reconstructive surgery.

WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INVOLVE?
Liposuction/Liposculpture is usually performed under a general anesthetic (the patient is asleep). In most cases the surgery can be performed as a day case and therefore does not usually require an overnight stay. After the anesthetic, the surgeon will make small cuts in the skin between 1 and 2 cm long in the areas to be treated. A rigid tube can then be passed under the skin into the fat. The tube is attached to a strong suction device. The tube is passed back and forth to break up the fat which is then sucked out by the vacuum. For very small areas a simple syringe may be all that is needed to create the vacuum. There are a few different techniques that can be used. “Wet” liposuction involves injecting fluid into the fat before removal. The fluid contains local anesthetic and adrenaline to help reduce bleeding. There are limits on the amount of fat that can be safely removed in one treatment and so multiple operations may be required at intervals of a few months. If you decide on surgery you will undergo some simple health checks and be required to sign a consent form giving permission for the operation. This requires that you are aware of the risks and complications involved with the procedure.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS?
There are general risks associated with general anesthetic such as aspiration of stomach content into the lung which can cause serious illness or death. Therefore, to help prevent this it is mandatory that you do not eat or drink anything (usually 8 hours) preceding your surgery. Other risks include DVTs (clots in the veins of the legs) especially in smokers. You will be encouraged to get up and walk around as soon as possible to reduce these risks. Deep Vein Thrombosis (also known as DVTs or clots in the veins of the legs) can also occur which can break off and travel to the lungs. This is known as an embolus and, although very rare, can be life threatening.

Complications specific to liposuction include:
• Bleeding that occurs under the skin is known as a hematoma. This can be uncomfortable and in a few cases it may be necessary to go back to the operating theatre to stop the bleeding and remove the clot.
• Infection may require antibiotic treatment.
• Scars: The scars will be very small but some people have a tendency to form lumpy red scars which can be unsightly.
• Pulmonary edema, which is a fluid build-up in the lungs, can occur as a result of the fluid that is injected. This causes problems with breathing and needs immediate treatment. The fluid used can also cause allergic reactions.

It is also important to be aware that it is impossible to guarantee that the skin will be perfectly smooth, even after treatment. Some numbness can occur and there may be significant bruising and swelling which may take several months to settle completely. In some cases there may be significant loose skin after the liposuction which may require further surgery to have this removed.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION?
In most cases you will be allowed to go home the same day. You will not be able to drive and will need someone to help out at home for the first 24 hours. You will probably need simple painkillers to help with any discomfort. You will be required to wear a supportive corset or pressure bandages around the treated areas. You will be advised to wear these for a few weeks following the treatment although it is permissible to remove them for washing. You will be given instructions about looking after the wounds and having stitches removed. Most patients will need between 7 and 10 days off work depending on the job and strenuous exercise is not advised for the first month.
 

Click here to view before and after photos of this procedure.