PROCEDURES

BODY SCULPTING
If you have
exercised, and/or dieted and still cannot shift those extra pounds then liposuction may be
the answer to weight loss. Liposuction or suction assisted lipectomy is one of the
most common cosmetic procedures performed and involves the removal of localised or
generalised unwanted pockets of fat from under the skin to improve the contour of the
face, trunk or limbs.
The aim
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss and the
visible benefit will depend on the quality and tone of the overlying skin. However,
it can help with those stubborn difficult to shift areas such as
the hips, inner thighs and around the knees.
The operation
Liposuction takes between 30 minutes and two hours
depending on the area treated and is usually carried out under general anaesthetic.
The treatment area is first injected with fluid to
minimise post-operative bruising. The fat cells are then disrupted mechanically or
liquefied with ultrasound, before the fat is sucked out via hollow cannulas. These
are inserted through small incisions placed discretely in natural skin creases. At
the end of the procedure these incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures and
covered in tape.
Before
Any planned weight loss should occur before surgery to
ensure the best cosmetic results. Medication that may increase postoperative
bleeding such as Aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Voltarol or
Ibuprofen should be avoided for four weeks before surgery. Smoking is not advised
before liposuction and you should make every attempt to stop at least four weeks before
surgery to minimise the risk of wound healing problems.
Afterwards
The treated area will be bruised and swollen and sensation
over the skin may be reduced.
You will be given a corset or a support garment to wear to
minimise swelling. This garment will need to be worn for about six weeks.
You may need two or three days off work after surgery, but
you should be able to return to normal activities after about a week. Sports and
swimming can be resumed after about four weeks.
Common risks
Liposuction can result in quite marked bruising and
swelling but this usually settles after about four weeks. Altered and reduced
sensation over the treated area is common but usually returns completely within four
months.
There is a possibility that the procedure can result in
minor contour irregularities of the skin and occasional puckering.
Other risks include infection, bleeding and thickened
scarring at the cannula insertion points.
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