| Length
of procedure |
2
to 4 hour |
| Hospital
stay |
2 night ( day case in selected cases) |
| Anaesthesia |
local
or GA |
| Recovery
period |
4
to 3 weeks .(Final result is up to 3 months) |
Liposuction
involves a number of tiny incisions (cuts) in and around
the area to be treated. This is done either under a general
anaesthesia or local anaesthesia (you are awake) with sedation.
Your surgeon would have discussed this with you at your
original consultation.
Liposuction may be carried out as a day case, which means
that you can have the operation and go home the same day.
However, for more extensive treatment, an overnight stay
may be necessary.
Your surgeon can use several different methods and will
discuss what the most appropriate technique is for you.
Wet or Super wet techniques the most common way of doing
liposuction. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your
surgeon will inject a fluid mixture containing a salty solution,
local anaesthetic and adrenaline into the fatty area being
treated. This helps reduce bleeding, bruising and swelling
and makes it easier to remove the fat cells.
A
cut will be made in your skin and a thin metal tube called
a cannula will be inserted. This will be attached to a vacuum
pump or a syringe and will be moved about vigorously within
the fatty tissue to suck out the fat and the fluid. For
larger areas, more than one cut may be made to reach all
the fatty deposits that are being treated.
After
liposuction, the treated area will be firmly strapped with
bandages or elasticised tape. You may be fitted with an
elasticised support garment. This will help to reduce swelling
and help your skin mould to your new shape.
After
liposuction
You
will be given painkillers to help relieve any discomfort
as the anaesthetic wears off.
It is important to do deep breathing exercises to help reduce
the risk of developing a chest infection. Your doctor or
nurse can show you how to do these.
Before discharge, your nurse will give you advice about
caring for your stitches, hygiene and bathing. You will
also be given an appointment to have a wound check.
Recovering
from liposuction
Once
home, you may take more painkillers if needed, as advised
by your surgeon or nurse.
You will usually need to wear the elasticised garment or
bandages for up to six weeks, depending on your surgeon's
advice. They can usually be temporarily removed to be washed
and for bathing
Your surgeon will give you advice about resuming your normal
activities. You may need to avoid strenuous exercise for
up to a month, but walking and gentle exercises are encouraged.
If you only had small areas treated, you may only need a
few days off work. For larger operations, you may need to
take 7-14 days off.
It may be several months before you can see the full results
of your operation as the swelling can take a long time to
completely settle down.
It
helps if you have skin with good elasticity, which is more
likely to 'shrink' down to the smaller volume of fat beneath.
Making
an Informed Decision
All
cosmetic procedure require careful consideration. And it
is sensible to discuss the options with your GP, who may
be able to recommend reputable surgeons.
Side-effects are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects
of a successful procedure. For example, feeling sick as
a result of the general anaesthetic. Anyone having liposuction
can also expect:
• Bruising, which can be painful and usually takes
about a month to disappear
• lumpiness or swelling, which may not completely
settle for up to six months
• scars, typically 1-2 cm long, pink and noticeable
at first, which should become finer after a few weeks
• thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins - not
the same as thrombosis) around the inside of your knee and
inner part of your upper thigh if these areas are treated,
which should settle after a few weeks
• swollen ankles
If you have large areas treated or are prone to anaemia,
you may need to take iron tablets for about a month after
the operation.
Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during
or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. The
main complications of any operation are bleeding during
or soon after the procedure, infection and an abnormal reaction
to the anaesthetic. It's also possible for a blood clot
to develop in a vein in the legs - a deep vein thrombosis
or DVT.
Specific complications of liposuction are rare but can include:
• Seromas: the development of fluid-filled areas under
the skin, which may need to be drained with a needle
• Fat embolism: fat getting into one of the blood
vessels, which could travel in the veins and cause a blockage
in the lungs
• Altered sensation: numbness or abnormal sensation
in the treated area that can last for several months, but
can be permanent
• damage to internal organs, which may require surgery
to repair and can occasionally be fatal
• serious disruption of the fluid balance of the body
due to fluid being injected and sucked out, which in very
rare cases can cause breathing problems and be fatal
• Keloids: unusually red or raised scars (called keloid
scars) which some people have an inherited tendency to form
• an unexpected allergic reaction to the fluid used
for wet liposuction
• Uneven surface of skin or lumps
• Asymmetrical results
• Loose skin (empty bag appearance)
The chance of complications depends on the type of procedure
that is being performed. Generally speaking, if you are
having large volumes of fat and fluid removed during the
operation, the risk of complications is higher. Your surgeon
will explain how the risks apply to you.
Further
information
•
British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic
Surgeons
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Liposuction
Examples - Before and After Photos
