Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure intended to reduce excess fat and is also used as a means of shaping the body. Although Liposuction is used to reduce breast size in males (gynaecomastia) and to remove fat tumours (lipomas) it's most common use is for general cosmetic and body defining purposes.

Excess fat is removed from beneath the skin through the use of a vacuum or by using an ultrasonic probe that digests the fat and then subsequently removes it with suction. The body jet water assisted liposuction causes less bruising and trauma to the tissues.

Liposuction is commonly performed on the thighs, abdomen, calves, hips, buttocks, back, arms, neck, or face. A liposuction procedure may include more than one site for instance, the abdomen, back, and neck all during one surgery. Patients with localized fat may decide to have liposuction to remove fat only from that area. Liposuction is a procedure for shaping the body and is not recommended for weight loss.

Preparation

Before undergoing liposuction consideration and preparation are vital. Those who are considering the procedure should clearly outline their targets and openly discuss this with their consultant. Those who are considering the procedure should be aware of the risks and complications that can arise as well as the practical changes that are needed prior to surgery. Patients are required to stop taking medication which alters blood viscosity including aspirin, birth control and hormone correction. In preparation of surgery it is also highly recommended that patients avoid smoking to promote a quicker recovery and avoid fat necrosis.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed.

After the operation

After the procedure patients may need to wear elastic compression garments, which help reduce swelling, for a few weeks. The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection although a certain level of pain, swelling and bruising should be expected. After surgery you should remain off work for a few days and should not return to normal activities and strenuous exercise for a few weeks.

About four weeks after the procedure, when most of the swelling has subsided, the area in which fat was removed should look appear bulky. Within six months swelling and temporary irregularities should subside and the area should now appear both leaner and tighter in appearance. Initially the area may be numb.

Recovering from Liposuction

• Antibiotics can be prescribed by the surgeon
• Patients should expect swelling for a period of four weeks
• Patients may have to wear elastic garments to reduce swelling
• It is recommended that under normal circumstances patients wait a few days before returning to work
• Patients should avoid smoking as well as any exposure to passive smoking prior to and after the procedure.
• Patients should consume only liquids until twenty four hours after the operation.
• Post surgery the patient should remain in a reclined position for twenty four hours to avoid any unnecessary strain.

For the large majority of adults who undergo liposuction the results will be a success with no unforeseen consequences. Despite this the capacity for risks and complications remain as is the case for almost all surgical procedures.

Risks and complications

• The patient's skin may appear bumpy due to unequal fat removal, poor elasticity of skin. (Although unlikely this condition could be permanent).
• Patients who under go liposuction have a risk of internal punctures (though this is rare)
• Infection is another risk associated with this surgical procedure.
• Patients who have under went liposuction surgery may also run the risk of permanent scarring.
• Fatalities may be caused by alterations in body fluid levels, which can subsequently result in cardiac and kidney problems. This again is very rare.

By nature, all medical procedures carry an element of risk. While the majority of patients do not experience any complicationduring ourliposuction proceduress, before embarking on any medical procedure, it is advisable to consultfully with the McLean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose.