LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is a popular fat reduction procedure that aims to reshape and re-contour, removing stubborn pockets of fat from all areas of the face and body. I sometimes combine liposuction with other cosmetic surgery procedures, such as a tummy tuck, for optimal results.
Am I a suitable candidate for liposuction?
Even slim and toned men and women can have areas of the body that are marred by fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure though; it is best suited to those that want to remove smaller amounts of fat to improve body contours. Good skin tone is also essential to ensure fat removal will not leave you with excessive sagging skin.
Liposuction can be performed on any area of the body and can also remove small amounts of fat for example from the neck.
What happens during a liposuction procedure?
Before your liposuction procedure, the treatment area will be marked. Once you are asleep, I inject fluid to help the liposuction work well and to help numb the area. After making 0.5-1.0cm incisions, I use a long metal liposuction ‘cannula’ (tube) to remove the fat from the affected area. The cannula is moved around to break up the fat cells before the fat and fluid are taken away with a suction device.
Liposuction is usually performed under a general anaesthetic and can take between one and three hours depending on how much fat is to be removed and the number of areas that are being treated. Generally, patients are able to return home on the same day but you may require an overnight stay in hospital.
Are there any possible risks or complications associated with a liposuction procedure?
After your procedure there is usually some bruising and swelling in the treatment area that will take a few weeks to fully subside. For the first couple of days after the procedure there may be some blood-coloured fluid that leaks from the incisions, but this will gradually reduce.
Infection can also occur after a liposuction procedure and there may be some nerve damage that causes skin numbness. This should resolve over time. The incisions are very small so any scarring should not be too noticeable when fully healed.
What results can I expect from my liposuction procedure?
In order to get the best results after liposuction, you will need to wear a compression garment for up to 6 weeks after the surgery. Occasionally, patients require a repeat procedure to correct any unevenness. Most liposuction patients are very satisfied with the improvement to their body contours that has been achieved.