Liposuction

Liposuction or Lipoplasty

Liposuction or lipoplasty is a form of cosmetic surgery which can be performed on the entire body with the aim of removing fat from areas of the body such as the stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, upper arms, chin, the cheeks and neck. Liposuction has come a long way in its advancement with many techniques now being performed such as the ultrasound assisted, the super wet technique and the tumescent technique. Using these techniques the surgeon can deliver results that are more precise and they also aid in a speedier recovery.

Who can benefit from liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are those people who are of normal weight but who have problem areas of fat which dieting and exercising doesn’t respond to, greater effects are seen when the skin should have elasticity and you should be in good overall physical health to be considered for surgery of this type.

Liposuction treatment and recovery

Depending on the type and amount of liposuction needed the surgery can be done on an outpatient basis or it may require a short hospital stay, liposuction is normally performed using a local anaesthetic where only the area being treated is numbed. However if the liposuction is extensive and several body parts are going to benefit then a general anaesthetic will be used.

The time for the procedure will vary greatly depending on the areas that are to be covered and the amount of excess body fat to be removed. The procedure involves using a tube or cannula through a very small insertion made into the body, a vacuum is then used to suction out the fat which lies deep under the skin.

If other areas of the body are to receive the treatment then the surgeon will progress over the body making a small insertion and then sucking out the body fat beneath. Along with the fat, some fluid is also lost and so during and immediately after the surgery you will be given fluids via an intravenous drip, some surgeons use a relatively new advancement and inject fluid into the fatty areas before the fat is removed.

The fluid is made up of a salt solution, an anaesthetic and a solution that helps the blood vessels to contract and this also helps the fat to be removed more easily and can help with the prevention of bruising.

The scars from the liposuction will only be small and will be barely noticeable but you are likely to notice some fluid drainage from them for a short while after the procedure. Very occasionally, the surgeon might insert a drainage tube beneath the skin for a couple of days to assist with any fluid drainage.

Your surgeon may also have you fitted with a snug elastic garment which they will ask you to wear for a couple of weeks; you may also have to take a course of antibiotics to help prevent infection. It will be quite normal for you to experience some pain, swelling, numbness or tingling during the first week and you will probably feel a little stiff and sore.

Many people find that they are fit and well enough to return to work after around a week or so and most of the bruising and swelling will have gone after three weeks or so but some minor swelling can occur for up to six months depending on the extent of the surgery.

Liposuction effects

Liposuction is generally considered a safe procedure, but like any surgical intervention, it can have some side effects, which may include:

• Swelling: Swelling is a common side effect after liposuction. It may persist for several weeks or even months, but it gradually subsides as the body heals.

• Bruising: Bruising is another typical side effect. The extent and duration of bruising can vary from person to person but is generally temporary.

• Pain and Discomfort: It's common to experience some pain or discomfort after the procedure. This can be managed with prescribed pain medications and typically improves as the recovery progresses.

• Numbness or Changes in Sensation: Some patients may experience numbness or altered sensation in the treated area. This is usually temporary and resolves as the nerves heal.

• Infection: While rare, infection can occur at the incision sites. Proper post-operative care and hygiene can minimize this risk.

• Scarring: Liposuction incisions are typically small, resulting in minimal scarring. However, the appearance of scars can vary, and they may take some time to fade.

• Uneven or Irregular Contour: In some cases, liposuction can result in uneven or irregular contours, creating a need for revision surgery. It's crucial to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon to reduce the likelihood of this side effect.

• Fluid Accumulation: Occasionally, fluid may accumulate in the treated area, requiring drainage or aspiration.

• Skin Irregularities: Changes in skin texture, such as lumpiness or waviness, can occur. These may improve with time and proper post-operative care.

• Seroma or Hematoma: Collections of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) can form under the skin, necessitating drainage or treatment.

• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions can occur in response to medications or materials used during the procedure.

It's important to note that the severity and likelihood of these side effects can vary depending on factors like the specific liposuction technique used, the patient's overall health, and the surgeon's skill. Patients should thoroughly discuss potential risks and benefits with their surgeon before undergoing liposuction and follow post-operative care instructions to minimize these side effects.