Liposuction.
About the procedure
What is a Liposuction?
Liposuction involves removal of fat using a metal cannula attached to a suction device. Liposuction can be used to treat single or multiple areas of concern. Most patients require a general anaesthetic.
Liposuction can be used to remove stubborn areas of fat that can’t be treated with exercise and diet. It can also be used in combination with many surgical procedures to enhance the overall result. I commonly use it in my facelift patients to treat fat in the neck region, in my abdominoplasties to treat the flanks and inner thighs and arm surgery to improve the shape.
Importantly liposuction does not remove excess skin and so it is not always appropriate on its own. Many patients who come wanting liposuction for tummy fat actually require an abdominoplasty.
There are many different liposuction machines available. I use the water-assisted Bodyjet liposuction that seems to give much better pain relief and gives me better control when treating difficult areas.
Who is Liposuction for?
Procedure Overview.
PROCEDURE TIME
1-3 hours.
HOSPITAL TIME
Day/1 night.
WORK OFF TIME
1-2 weeks.
NO gym FOR
1-2 weeks.
NO DRIVING
48 hours.
GARMENT
Depends.
FOLLOW UP
2,4,6 week.
The Consultation.
This is the first chat and will be centred around what your wishes and expectations are. A full medical history and clinical examination will be performed followed by photos. We will then discuss what your options are and what benefit you may expect with surgery. If alternates are available we’ll discuss these in detail. Following your consultation you will receive a comprehensive letter supplemented with information leaflets to help you make a decision.
The Planning.
We would recommend you have a stable weight and will advise against smoking. The areas suitable for liposuction will be clearly marked. You will be sized for a post operative garment to aid with swelling post surgery.
This is a good opportunity for a friend to come for support. We advise no holiday abroad within two months of surgery.
The Procedure.
The surgery is usually carried out under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic if only a very small area is being targeted e.g. chin. The Bodyjet system injects water, anaesthetic and adrenaline into the marked area followed by suction using different types of metal cannula. The injected anaesthetic acts as pain relief and most patients don’t need more than simple over-the-counter painkillers following surgery. Patients can go home the same day or stay overnight if multiple areas have been treated.
The Aftercare.
You will be seen around 48 hours following surgery to ensure dressings are clean and dry. You will then be seen at 2 weeks once most of the bruising has settled.
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My approach
Procedure risks.
Immediate Risks.
- Bleeding – mostly bruising following surgery
- Infection
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Blood clots in the lung or legs – this is rare
- Perforation of bowl – this is very rare but has been reported in the newspapers.
Early Risks.
- Seroma (fluid build up)
- Tenderness or numbness to overlying skin
- Contour irregularities – dimpling or skin irregularities
Late Risks.
- Over and under correction
- Recurrence of fatty areas due to changes in weight and ageing
- Pigmentary skin changes
- Loose skin
Interested in a consultation?
If you are interested to learn more, and would like to come for a face-to-face or virtual chat, please send me and my team a message, and we can get in touch to arrange your consultation.
