If you’re considering liposuction
Liposuction or suction lipectomy is not a substitute for weight reduction,
but is a method of removing localised fat that doesn’t respond
to dieting and exercise.
If you’re considering liposuction, this information will give you a basic understanding
of the procedure-when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can
expect. It can’t answer all of your question since a lot depends on the
individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your doctor about anything you
don’t understand.
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The best candidates for liposuction
Liposuction can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence,
but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal,
or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide
to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss
them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for liposuction or suction lipectomy are
of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in particular
areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable,
and realistic in your expectations. Most important, having firm,
elastic skin will result in a better final contour. (Hanging skin
won’t reshape to your body’s new contours, and may require an additional
procedure to surgically remove the excess skin. This procedure
will leave visible scars.)
Suction lipectomy is not recommended if you’ve had recent surgery
in the area to be sculpted, if you have poor blood circulation
in that area, or if you have heart or lung disease. You should
also understand that liposuction by itself will not improve the
dimpled skin known as cellulite, although some plastic surgeons
offer other techniques that may improve this condition.
Women may have liposuction performed
under the chin, on their hips, thighs,
and stomach, and in the under arm and
breast area.
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All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Suction-assisted lipectomy is normally safe, as long as patients
are carefully selected, the operating facility is properly equipped,
and the physician is adequately trained in body contouring as well
as general surgery.
Nevertheless, in rare instances, the procedure may cause severe
trauma, particularly when multiple or very extensive areas are
suctioned at one time. Other infrequent, but possible, complications
include fluid accumulation (which must be drained) and injury to
the skin. Although serious complications are infrequent, infection
or excessive fluid loss can lead to severe illness. You can reduce
your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon who can admit
you to an accredited hospital, and by closely following his advice.
The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to
be hidden from view, even in a bikini. However, other cosmetic
problems may occur, even if your surgeon is very skilled. They
may include rippling or bagginess of the skin over the treated
area, and pigmentation changes (such as brown spots) that may become
permanent if exposed to the sun. Asymmetry (uneven contour or shape)
sometimes requires a second procedure.
For men, common sites include under the chin and around the waist. Liposuction may also be used in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynaecomastia.
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Planning your surgery
In your initial consultation, Mr Murphy will evaluate your health, determine
where your fat deposits lie, and carefully assess your skin tone. He will explain
any alternative body-contouring methods that may be appropriate-such as abdominoplasty-and
discuss the options or the combination of procedures that would be best for
you.
He also explain the anaesthesia that will be used, the type of facility where
the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
During this consultation, be sure to tell him about any large weight losses or
gains you’ve had at any time. You should also inform your surgeon if you smoke,
and if you’re taking any medication, vitamins, or other drugs.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding
your expectations and concerns about the results.
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Preparing for your surgery
You will be given specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including
guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking and taking medication. If you develop
a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your procedure
may have to be postponed.
A course of Arnica tablets for five days before surgery may be helpful to
reduce bruising.
While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you
home after your surgery and, if needed, to help you out for a day or two.
Suction-assisted lipectomy will be performed in hospital and, unless minor,
will require a hospital stay of 1-2 days.
Types of anaesthesia
If your procedure is minor liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia,
which numbs the area, combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You’ll be
awake but relaxed, and will feel minimal discomfort. The majority of patients
will have a general anaesthetic and be admitted to hospital overnight.
Clinical photographs will be taken before your operation.
The best candidates for liposuction are
of normal weight with localised areas
of excess fat– for example, in the
buttocks, hips, and thighs.
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The surgery
Suction-assisted lipectomy usually takes an hour or two, but
the time required may vary considerably- from thirty minutes to
several hours, depending on the area and amount being suctioned.
To begin the procedure, a small incision is made, just large enough
to allow the insertion of a hollow tube called a cannula. The opposite
end of the cannula is attached to a machine that creates a strong
vacuum. The cannula is then manipulated deep within the fat layers
under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. Sometimes
additional incisions are needed to remove all areas of fat.
The surgeon inserts a cannula through
small incisions in the skin. At the
other end of the tube is a vacuum-pressure
unit that suctions off the fat.
If you’ve had local anaesthesia, you’ll feel some vibration
and friction during the procedure. You may also feel a stinging
sensation as the cannula moves closer to the muscle.
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After your surgery
After surgery a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking
must be worn over the treated area to control swelling and bleeding,
and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour. You may
need to wear this garment continuously for two to three weeks,
then just in the daytime for a few weeks more, depending on your
instructions.
A snug compression garment worn after surgery helps reduce swelling.
Don’t expect to look or feel great right after surgery.
You’ll even be heavier for a while, because of the extra fluids
you’ve been given. The suctioned areas will be swollen and bruised,
and you may feel a burning sensation. The pain can be controlled
with medications prescribed, though you may still feel stiff and
sore for a few days. You may temporarily feel numb in the suctioned
area; don’t worry-it will return.
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Getting back to normal
Healing is a gradual process. You will be encouraged to start walking
around as soon as possible (to help prevent blood clots from forming in your
legs), but to avoid more strenuous activity for two to four weeks. Any stitches
will be removed in five to ten days, and you should be back at work in 5
days to 2 weeks depending on how much you’ve had done. You can resume activity
where you feel able and depending on Mr Murphy’s advice.
Most of the swelling and discoloration will be gone a month or two after surgery,
but some swelling can remain for three months or more. Mr Murphy will schedule
follow-up visits to monitor your progress and to see if any additional procedures
are needed.
If you have any unusual symptoms between visits or any questions about what you
can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to call the team.
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Your new look
Suction-assisted lipectomy is a highly effective technique for
giving you a new body contour with very little scarring. The results
can be permanent, providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly.
If you do gain weight, you’ll probably gain it more uniformly throughout
your body, not just in the former "bulges."
As healing progresses, a more
proportional look will emerge.
Most patients are very satisfied with the results of their liposuction - they
feel more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes, and more at
ease with their bodies. As long as your expectations are realistic,
you should be happy with your new shape.
A slimmer body contour can help you feel more confident and comfortable.
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