Liposuction Basics

Liposuction is the removal of excess fatty tissue to reshape the body. It is not designed as a treatment for obesity and people who fall into this category will need advice on diet and exercise. At consultation with a nurse counsellor, your BMI (body mass index) will be assessed. This is a measurement of your total fat content in relation to your size, and gives a base line for the Surgeon to use to determine your suitability. There are physiological limits as to the quantity of fat that can be removed at any one time and hence very overweight people would not benefit, and are therefore not appropriate candidates for Liposuction.

Realistic expectations are most important and all patients must understand the limitations surrounding this procedure. Liposuction can be carried out to most areas of the body:- In women, commonly the abdomen, hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, knees and double chin. In men, the abdomen, flanks (‘love handles’), chest (male breast) and double chin.

The operation is performed under a General Anaesthetic, or Local Anaesthetic with sedation often as a day case, taking 1-2 hours. A very small incision is used to insert the cannula to extract the fat and sometimes this is closed with a stitch. You will be required to wear a support garment for up to 6 weeks post-operatively. There is often heavy bruising and swelling to the areas treated and the results may take many weeks to be apparent. It is advisable to take 1-2 weeks off work, depending on the nature of your job.

Benefits of Liposuction

• Increased self confidence
• Increased self esteem
• Motivation to pursue a healthier lifestyle
• Ability to have wider choice of clothes
• Feel more in proportion

Risks of Liposuction
• Unrealistic expectations leading to dissatisfaction with results
• Uneven skin surface
• Temporary pain and discomfort
• Bruising and swelling (3 to 6 months to subside)