Body contouring

Liposuction may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, in an outpatient surgery center, or in a hospital. Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis for reasons of cost and convenience. However, if a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, a stay in a hospital or overnight nursing facility may be required.

Individuals considering liposuction often feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of options and techniques being promoted today. However, your plastic surgeon can help. In deciding which is the right treatment approach for you, your doctor will consider effectiveness, safety, cost and appropriateness for your needs. This is called surgical judgment, a skill that is developed through surgical training and experience. Your doctor also uses this judgment to prevent complications; to handle unexpected occurrences during surgery; and to treat complications when they occur. As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is imperative to choose an appropriately trained, qualified and certified specialist plastic surgeon.

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Your surgeon will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck may more effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of techniques would be the best choice for you.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with your surgeon, who in turn should be equally frank with you, describing the procedure in detail and explaining its risks and limitations.

Various types of anaesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures, depending on the patient’s needs and requirements, the area to be treated, the volume to be removed and the surgeon’s preferences. Anaesthesia may be local anaesthesia with or without sedation or general anaesthesia. Together, you and your surgeon will select the type of anaesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of comfort for your surgery.

The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.

There are several liposuction techniques that can be used to improve the ease of the procedure and to enhance outcome.

Fat is removed by inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away unwanted fat. Plastic surgeons use various techniques to suction the deep or more superficial layers of fat.

If many sites are being treated, your surgeon will then move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.

Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it’s crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

The technique used will depend on many factors and must be determined on an individual basis.

In the days following surgery, patients experience swelling and some discomfort, which is easily controlled with oral pain medication. It is important that patients rest during this time and avoids exerting the treated area (bending and lifting should be avoided). The continuous wearing of a compression garment for approximately 6 weeks following the procedure will  be required.

• You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible.
• If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.
• Significant complications from lipoplasty are infrequent.
• Results of lipoplasty are permanent, as long as the patient maintains their postoperative weight.
• The patient may be able to return to work in a few days. Resumption of most normal activities is usually possible within one or two weeks and gentle exercise may be possible soon after.

• Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide and as such enjoys generally good overall results.
• Every surgery carries some risk. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, poor healing, fat and blood clot embolism, and reaction to anaesthesia.
• Lipoplasty is not a substitute for overall weight loss, and is not an effective treatment for cellulite.
• Healing is gradual: Fluid retention and swelling following surgery may delay the appearance of a slimmer contour. Swelling usually subsides a week or so following surgery, while bruising can last three weeks or longer.
• There may be minor irregularities, contour deformities and asymmetries present following liposuction. These may need to be addressed at a future secondary surgical procedure.
• Because of individual factors, results of lipoplasty vary.
• The final outcome of lipoplasty is not visible for several months following the procedure and factors such as weight gain, pregnancy and the aging process can affect the longevity of results.