LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction has become one of the most sought after procedures. It involves using a liposuction rod (cannula) to remove fat cells thus making the patient slimmer or giving them a more sculpted bodily shape. The best candidates for liposuction are those who are of a stable weight (eat healthily, exercise regularly) but cannot shift fat located on certain areas. However, liposuction can be performed on patients that are overweight (not obese though) to create a better body shape although realistic expectations have to be maintained.

Anaesthesia

The type of anaesthesia depends greatly on the amount of fat being removed. It can be done by general aesthetic or intravenous sedation.

The Procedure

Liposuction usually takes from 1-2 hours however, this depends on the amount of fat cells being removed. It involves incisions of around half a centimetre being made in certain areas and a liposuction rod is used to remove the fat after the insertion of tumescent fluid. The rod is attached to a suction machine. Liposuction can be performed on most body areas. The success of liposuction depends on skin tone (tighter skin, thicker skin with fewer stretch marks gives better results),

Post-operative

After liposuction some of the incisions may need to be drained. Also a corset (made from an elastic material) will need to be used for several weeks under clothes to give the best results. The final results will not be seen until around 3 months later as the swelling needs to go down.

Risks involved are infection and excessive loss of fluids. However, these risks can be  minimised if liposuction is carried out in a reputable, clean clinic with a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon.

Liposuction can be a very effective operation. The patient afterwards should try to eat healthily and exercise to not gain the weight again. However, if the patient does gain weight after liposuction it will probably be in other areas of the body and not in the parts where the fat was removed.