What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a wonderful procedure to sculpt the body. It is performed to improve body shape by removal of fat from specific areas. It is ideal for removing exercise resistant fat or localized fat deposits. Persons with reasonably normal weight and healthy, elastic skin, but with extra-localized fat in certain areas, get the best results from this procedure.

The modern concept of liposuction is all about utilizing the retractability and molding properties of the skin and its underlying tissues to create curves and volumes and to define the overall shape of the human body form. Most patients still think in terms of how much fat can be removed, but we are now shifting more towards sculpting the body to enhance the curves and create aesthetic harmony.

Considering

If you think you are out of shape & are reasonably motivated to do something permanent about it, you could be a potential candidate for liposuction. Ideal patients have a healthy lifestyle & good elastic skin, but have localized fat which does not reduce with diet & exercise.

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have fat excess or desire contouring in the following areas: cheeks, jowls & neck, upper arm, breast or chest area, back, abdomen & waist, hips & buttocks, inner & outer thighs, inner knee and calves & ankles.

Unfortunately, it is not for anyone who wishes to lose a few kilos, (you still have to diet & exercise for that), it is ideal for patients who desire to reshape & recontour their body.

We will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. We will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you in terms of effectiveness, safety, cost and appropriateness for your needs. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may more effectively meet your goals. Age is not a major consideration. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with us.

In Fat Suctioning or Liposuction the surgeon begins by infusing the targeted fat cells with a solution containing saline & other drugs to loosen the fat & reduce bleeding. These fat cells are then aspirated with long hollow metal tubes introduced from concealed incisions which are connected to a specialised suction machine. Incisions are usually 4 to 6 mm long and are often hidden in skin folds or lines. Liposuction can be done at multiple areas at the same time. It could take between 1 to 5 hours depending on how much needs to be done.

There are several liposuction techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome.

Tumescent Liposuction:

A technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed, is commonly used by us. It helps the fat to be removed more easily, reduces blood loss, provides anesthesia during and after surgery and also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.

Liposuction takes 1 to 5 hours or more

Day care, 1 day stay for extensive procedures.

General anaesthesia or Local with sedation.

Temporary mild pain, especially in the first 48 hours can be treated with analgesics. The dressing will be removed within few days. You will notice swelling and bruising which is expected. The skin of the affected part will appear a little bruised…always! This is a sequale of the surgery & NOT a complication. Both will subside after a few weeks. Stitches will generally be removed by the tenth day after surgery. The pressure garment must be worn as instructed for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You may return to work in a few days and resume most of your normal activities within a week or two.

You may have a detailed discussion about this during your personal consultation. There is theoretically a chance of infection, haematoma ( blood collection), hypertrophic scarring which is innate for any surgical procedure. These are fortunately rare. There is also a chance of some rippling, some residual bumps (small ones) which occasionally may need a touch up procedure later.

The New Look

The final contour takes about 3-6 months. ( that’s the time when you should shop for new clothes!!). The results of Liposuction are permanent as long as you maintain your postoperative weight.