Liposuction

Liposuction is particularly effective for men and women of relatively normal weight, who have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. Liposuction is also used to treat gynecomastia or male breast enlargement. ‘Lipoplasty’ or fat suction removes excess deposits of fat from specific areas of the body (cheeks, chin, neck, upper arms, above breast, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles).

Although rare, surgical procedures can encounter complications. All surgery carries risk, and you must be aware of the associated risks with this procedure before consenting to surgery. Discuss these with your surgeon during consultation and be sure to ask questions. You’ll be expected to sign a pre-surgery consent form and your surgery will not go ahead if you do not sign.

Also remember that it is your obligation to inform your surgeon of vital medical information that could influence your surgery or increase the level of risk. Information that you should share and provide as much detail as possible about includes your medical history (family disease, medical complications, etc. as well as previous surgeries and current and recent medications). No two patients are alike, with risk rates varying and depending on many factors.

Surgery

In consultation with your surgeon, will have already decided what type of anaesthesia to use (local or general, intravenous sedation or epidural block). A compressive dressing may be placed over the areas to be suctioned. Your surgeon will also advise and instruct how to properly remove and place the bandage as you will be required to do so when you are discharged. A small, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted through one or more tiny incisions (less than one-quarter of an inch within skin folds or contour lines) near the area to be suctioned. The cannula is connected to a vacuum pressure unit, which the surgeon guides and literally vacuums away fat. You’ll either be permitted to go home within a few hours following surgery or requested to stay overnight for additional monitoring.

The day following your surgery will be a challenge, as you will need to move around to promote blood circulation. Ensure that you move gently and for brief periods, avoid smoking and don’t take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medication. Your dressing will be removed within several days and the swelling should subside within one week or two, while bruising can last three weeks or longer. You may also experience numbness in some areas, and it could take several weeks before feeling returns. Stiches are typically removed within 10 days.

Risks and Complications

As with any plastic surgery, liposuction carries some risk. Associated complications include:

• bleeding
• infection
• pigmentation changes may occur in some rare instance
• reactions to anaesthesia
• scarring
• skin irregularities

Treatments are available to help minimise some the above-listed problems. You can also minimise risk by following the advice and instructions of your plastic surgeon, before and after surgery.

Pre-Surgical Tests

Standard hospital procedure requires that your surgeon perform laboratory investigations and/or diagnostic examinations to ensure that you are fit for surgery, prior to hospital admission and surgery.

Time required: One to two hours

Anaesthesia: Local, epidural or general anaesthesia

Side Effects

• ‘lumpy’ skin texture
• numbness
• soreness
• swelling
• temporary bruising

Back to work: Within one to two weeks

More strenuous activity: Allow two to four weeks (you can resume most of your normal activities within one or two weeks and begin some form of exercise soon after).

Full recovery: Within one to six months

Liposuction is a highly effective procedure to contour an improved body shape, with lasting results; provided you maintain your weight and exercise (and maintain realistic expectations). Many patients regain their confidence and develop a healthier respect for their body and their image.

Note: This information acts as a guide to your possible treatment. Your individual concerns and specific medical history will need to be shared and discussed with your surgeon during your initial consultation.