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Liposuction

 

Liposuction (also called lipoplasty, liposculpture or lipectomy) is a surgical technique for removing areas of stubborn fat that do not respond to a healthy diet and regular exercise.

It is a procedure to improve the contour and shape of the body rather than a weight loss operation. It is not a treatment for obesity or cellulite. In some cases the fat removed can be processed and re-injected to another area of the body where the person desires more fullness.

What areas of my body can be treated?

The neck, chin, back, arms, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves and ankles can be reshaped using liposuction. Liposuction will not correct sagging skin or stretch marks - these may be corrected surgically by a Tummy Tuck or lifting procedure. 

Will the fat come back?

When fat cells are removed they are gone forever. But if you continue to consume more calories than you expend, the remaining cells will get larger.

What are the risks?

Like all cosmetic procedures there are risks involved. There are general risks associated with surgery as well as risks specific to this procedure. Your surgeon will discuss these with you during your consultation. You should then reassess whether it is right for you. Overall this is a safe procedure with few complications. The most common problems are severe bruising, failure of the skin to contract, unevenness and asymmetry.  More rare is the issue of infection. Serious problems are extremely rare, these include the development of blood clots and problems related to anaesthesia.

 

The Essential Facts
Length of Procedure
1-3 hours
Anaesthesia
General anaesthetic or light sedation (twilight anaesthesia) and local anaesthesia
Inpatient/Outpatient
Day case or 1 night stay
Time off work
3+ days
Getting back to normal/sport
2+ weeks (Full recovery from swelling and bruising may take one to six months depending upon the amount of fat removed and the areas treated)
 
Treatment snapshot
The procedure involves making a small incision in the skin, then removing fat using a vacuum devise attached to a narrow tube. There are various techniques (standard, power assisted and ultrasonic), your surgeon will discuss with you the particular method he recommends for your area. After surgery you will be required to wear a support garment for up to 6 weeks.