Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to reduce localised fatty deposits which do not respond to diet or exercise. It is not a treatment for obesity, a method of losing weight or an alternative to a healthy lifestyle. The surgery is best performed if you are at, or close to, your ideal weight for height. Liposuction = liposculpture = suction assisted lipectomy.

In women I commonly treat hips, thighs, love handles, tummy, buttocks and knees in a 3 hour operation which removes 2-4 kg of fat. I do this as day case surgery and call it a BLT liposuction, butt, legs and tummy, although all three components are not always treated. It is only occasionally that I would treat one or two specific areas. I believe that most women who request lipo require circumferential lipo (around the leg or around the tummy and waist) to create an aesthetic overall shape and a better silhouette. Liposuction is also used to treat the neck, breasts and other areas. In men the common areas treated are the chest, tummy and neck.

I perform almost all liposuctions under twilight or conscious sedation given by one of the two anaesthetists that I use, both of whom are expert at the technique. This means that you will be pain-free and usually unaware and asleep. Spinal anaesthetic is recommended as this provides a completely pain-free procedure. I use the tumescent technique of liposuction; large volumes of local anaesthesia are given to diminish bleeding and assist with pain relief during and after surgery.

Suction is performed with thin cannulae, sized 2-4 mm, to minimise contour irregularities. Incisions are small, 5 mm or quarter inch, and are camouflaged in natural body lines to leave fine, inconspicuous scars. Most surgery is done as day case surgery.

Post-operative recovery is quick, but bruising and swelling can remain for two to four weeks. Liposuction is a relatively safe procedure with a low complication rate. Overseas patients can return home approximately one week following surgery. A normal lifestyle can be resumed a week or two after surgery. Following surgery, if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, a sensible eating plan, perform moderate exercise and maintain your weight, you will be satisfied with the long term results.

Read the full article on liposuction.

For more detailed information on the liposuction procedure download the Liposuction Info document.

Article written 10 October 2010.