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Liposuction is a procedure commonly used in cosmetic surgery to remove fat deposits in specific parts of the body. It is designed to improve the appearance of areas that do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is not an overall weight loss procedure, but targets specific areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, inner and outer thighs, arms, face, neck and back.

Over the past few years, there have been significant improvements in liposuction techniques. This document provides information about what you can expect before, during and after liposuction surgery. Further information, including an estimate of cost, is available on request.

Is liposuction right for you?

    The best candidates or liposuction are those who have realistic expectations about the outcome from this procedure. Liposuction is used to improve the appearance of specific areas of the body and is not intended for use over large areas or for overall weight reduction.

    Ideally, candidates should be within the normal weight range, with firm and elastic skin, and pockets of fat within specific areas. Due to the fact that elasticity of the skin declines with age, older candidates may not achieve the same results as younger patients with firmer skin.

    As with all surgery, liposuction carries some risks. These risks can vary according to a patient’s medical history and current lifestyle. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss these fully with you during your initial consultation. .

Surgical techniques used in liposuction

    Liposuction is performed by inserting a small tube, called a ‘cannula’, through small incisions made in the skin. Fat is removed by attaching the cannula to a suction device. The cannula makes small tunnels under the skin’s surface that ‘collapse’ to create a firmer, contoured appearance on the skin’s surface.

    There are several different techniques that may be used in the liposuction procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon will select an appropriate procedure according to the size of the area to be operated on, the location of the area and the surgeon’s own preference.

    The techniques differ according to the amount of fluid injected into the body to loosen the fat cells (wet, super-wet, tumescent, laser-assisted) and the mechanism used to remove the fat cells from the body (suction-assisted, microcannula, ultrasound-assisted, power-assisted, water-assisted).

    The type of anesthesia used (local or general) will also depend on the surgical method used and the extent of surgery to be undertaken. Your cosmetic surgeon (plastic surgeon) will discuss the most suitable surgical methods with you during your initial consultation.

Preparing for surgery

Your cosmetic surgeon (plastic surgeon) will evaluate your medical history, the areas of fat deposits to be removed, and the condition and elasticity of the skin. The targeted areas are marked on the body while the patient is in a standing position. Sometimes photos are taken so the patient can see the ‘before and after’ effect of the surgery.

If general anesthesia is to be used, a period of fasting may be required prior to surgery. Ideally, you should be as fit as possible and have given up smoking for several months prior to liposuction surgery.

Post-operative care

The level of pain and swelling experienced by the patient following liposuction will vary according to the size and location of the areas operated on, and the surgical techniques used. Patients are generally able to return to work between two days and two weeks after surgery. A compression garment is often worn for two to four weeks to control swelling. Normal activity can be resumed several weeks following surgery, with the final result fully evident up to six months after surgery. The patient will begin to notice results within days or weeks after surgery, as the swelling subsides.

What are the risks involved?

    Before deciding to undergo liposuction, it is important to think carefully about your expectations and discuss them fully with your cosmetic surgeon (plastic surgeon).

     Liposuction patients may experience some side effects from the operation, including bruising, swelling, pain, numbness, and limitation of mobility. Usually, side effects diminish over the weeks following surgery and disappear completely after two to six months.

     As with all types of surgery, more serious complications can occur but are unlikely. You should discuss your medical history and any concerns you have fully with your cosmetic surgeon prior to the commencement of any procedure.