HMT Sancta Maria Hospital, Swansea
|
Choose text size
 
|
|
Liposuction
Liposuction
is a form of body contouring, used to remove stubborn deposits of fat from
particular areas of the body. The
hips, buttocks, thighs and abdomen are common areas for treatment. Liposuction
can also be used to treat the chin, neck, upper arms, knees, calves and ankles.
Men can sometimes have fatty deposits under the nipples (gynaecomastia) which
can be improved by liposuction.
Liposuction
is not an alternative to exercise and diet. The Department of Health state that
the purpose of liposuction is “to reshape areas of the body that are resistant
to a healthy diet and exercise.”
Treatment
The
most common method of liposuction is known as tumescent liposuction. A solution is injected into the area
being treated, consisting of salt solution, a local anaesthetic to numb the
area, and adrenaline – a medication which makes the blood vessels contract,
reducing blood loss, bruising and post-operative swelling.
The
surgeon makes small incisions in the skin of the area to be treated. A cannula
(narrow metal tube) is inserted through the incisions, and the fluid
introduced.
The amount of fluid can be up to three times the volume of fat to be removed. The cannula is moved back and fore to break down the fat, then the fat and fluid are removed by a special suctioning machine.
Some surgeons may choose not to inject any fluid. It is also possible to treat small areas with a simple syringe.
The
procedure can take up to 2 hours, depending on the technique and the amount of
fat to be removed. It is better to
have a general anaesthetic for treatment of large areas, usually requiring an
overnight stay in hospital. For
smaller areas, a local anaesthetic may be adequate.
Another
method which is sometimes used is ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL). This
technique uses ultrasound vibration either above or below the skin, to turn the
fat into liquid before it is sucked out.
This is sometimes used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction to
achieve a good result.
Limitations
Liposuction
is not a weight loss treatment. There is a limit to the amount of fat that can
be removed (maximum 3 litres).
Treatment of the same area can be repeated after 6 months if
necessary.
The
appearance of cellulite (orange peel effect) is not improved by liposuction, as
it does not change the structure of the skin.
Liposuction
can result in loose or sagging skin, particularly if the skin is already either
loose or inelastic. Excision of excess skin may be necessary, either at the time
of the procedure, or at a later date. The likelihood of this is greater in the
abdomen, buttocks and neck.
Post-surgical
Care
The
procedure will be carried out either as a day case, or an overnight stay in
hospital. You will have supportive
bandages, a corset, or other snug fitting pressure garment to reduce bruising.
You will require painkillers such as paracetamol
initially.
What
to expect following surgery
Any
sutures will be removed at your first follow-up appointment, approximately 5-10
days following surgery. You may be given antibiotics and mild pain-killers for
the first few days.
It
is advisable to wear the corset/pressure garment for about three weeks to help
reduce bruising and swelling. You can resume light activities and return to work
after 2 to 3 days. Strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for 2 to 3
weeks to prevent the persistence of swelling.
You
may be anaemic, particularly if a large area has been treated, and will need to
take iron tablets to remedy this.
Bruising
and discolouration is quite noticeable in the first month. Lumpiness and
swelling can take up to 6 months to settle, so you may not see the full benefit
of the treatment during this time. Swelling is more persistent if the legs or
ankles have been treated. If there is marked unevenness of the treated area
after 6 months, this can be remedied by removing a little more fat to give a
smoother result.
Scars
can be 1 to 2 centimetres long, and can look quite red initially. These will
fade and become inconspicuous over time.
Fat
cells are thought not to regenerate in adults; therefore their removal by
liposuction will result in a permanent change of body shape in the ‘problem’
areas treated.
Risks
Any
surgical procedure can carry an element of risk, such as infection, pain,
bleeding, bruising and thrombosis. The risks can be minimised by having the
procedure carried out by a properly trained Plastic Surgeon at an establishment
registered by the Healthcare Commission. It is also important to follow any
instructions your surgeon gives you to achieve optimum
results.
The
information contained in this website is not exhaustive. A full consultation with a suitably
qualified plastic surgeon will enable you to have your individual requirements
and risk factors assessed, and to ensure that this type of treatment is suitable
for you.
Sources/Further
Information
.
Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk
.
British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons
(BAAPS)
|
|
