LIPOSUCTION
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical operation to remove fat from under the skin. It is also called suction assisted lipectomy, liposculpture.
Is it right for you?
Liposuction is best for removing fat bulges (rather than for weight loss)
It is most helpful around the hips but is useful for breasts, abdomens, buttocks, thighs, backs, upper arms and necks
Medical considerations?
Illnesses Discuss at consultation
Obesity Lose weight before liposuction
Medication Discuss all medication at your consultation including the contraceptive pill
Avoid aspirin and non steroidal anti-inflammatories eg ibuprofen for 10 days before surgery
Smoking Stop smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery to reduce complications
The operation?
Anaesthetic General anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic for smaller areas
Duration varies with number of areas and amount of fat removed
Incision / scar Short 6mm (1/4 inch) incisions, usually 2 for each area treated
Your recovery?
Hospital stay Either day case or stay one night after surgery
Drains Usually not required.
Dressings Tape over the wounds
Stitches absorbable (dissolving) / under the skin (do not need to be removed)
Garment Compression garment is worn for 4 weeks after the operation
Return to work office type work 1-2 days for small area / 1-2 weeks for larger area
4-6 weeks More active work
Driving Not for 48 hours following a general anaesthetic by law
Not for 1-2 weeks typically, less for small areas
Gym / swimming After 4 weeks gentle exercise. After 8 weeks full work out
What are the risks?
Most people are pleased with the results of their surgery and do not suffer significant complications. However, all operations carry risks. Serious, including life threatening complications are very rare. Complications can result in the need for further surgery.
General complications are those that may occur with any operation and include:
Complications of the anaesthetic.
Complications or the surgery including bleeding, infection, wound breakdown, slow healing, poor scarring (red, thick, lumpy or stretched scars. Keloid scars).
Reduced mobility following surgery increases the risk of clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis). Clots can move the lungs (pulmonary embolus) where a large clot can be fatal).
Special considerations for Liposuction:
Over or under treatment of the fatty area leaving a depression or residual buldge.
Irregularities of the skin in the treated area may occur. This is especially true for skin which has reduced elasticity. Liposuction does not treat excess skin.
Skin necrosis (death of skin in the treated area) is a very rare complication.
There is evidence that fat enters the blood stream during liposuction. Where the volume of fat removed is modest there is little evidence this causes significant harm.
Your new look and expectations
Liposuction is very successful at smoothing our fatty bulges. However, individual responses to liposuction vary and so results can not be guaranteed.
End result depends on elasticity of skin. As skin is not removed the skin may be looser.