Liposuction

Liposuction removes fat from specific areas, such as the abdomen, hips and thighs, through small cuts in the skin.

• It is for stubborn, localized areas of fat. It is not a treatment for weight loss or obesity, and it does not replace diet and exercise.
• It does not remove cellulite or stretch marks, and it does not tighten loose skin. If the skin is loose, an operation such as a tummy tuck may be needed as well or instead.
• Results last as long as your weight stays stable.

• Adults close to a healthy, stable weight, with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.
• People who have already tried diet and exercise for the area that concerns them.
• Non-smokers in good general health, with specific and realistic goals.

If you are planning to lose weight or become pregnant, it may be better to wait.

• Usually under general anaesthetic, sometimes sedation. It takes about one to three hours, depending on the areas treated.
• The area is first injected with a fluid that reduces bleeding and loosens the fat (the tumescent technique). A thin tube (cannula) is then passed through small cuts to loosen and suction out the fat.
• Some methods use power, ultrasound, laser or water jets to help loosen the fat. Your doctor will explain which is suitable.
• Depending on how much fat is removed, some patients go home the same day and others stay overnight. Removing a large volume needs extra precautions.

• Keep your weight steady in the months before surgery.
• Stop smoking at least six weeks before surgery.
• Tell your doctor about every medicine and supplement you take. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and some herbal supplements may need to be stopped, and anaemia treated.
• If you take the contraceptive pill, ask whether it should be stopped before extensive liposuction.
• Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the first night.

• A compression garment or bandages are worn day and night for several weeks to control swelling.
• Stitches are removed after about a week.
• Returning to work often takes about two to three weeks, depending on your job and the areas treated.
• Gentle exercise usually restarts after three to six weeks. Strenuous activity is avoided for about 10 to 12 weeks.
• Swelling and numbness settle gradually. The final shape can take up to six months to show.

Every operation carries some risk. Your doctor will go through the risks that apply to you before you decide.

• Bruising, swelling, numbness and fluid leaking from the cuts are common in the first weeks.
• Uneven or rippled contours, loose skin or changes in skin colour, which sometimes need further surgery.
• Collections of blood or fluid under the skin, infection and scarring.
• Rare but serious: blood clots in the legs or lungs, fluid in the lungs, injury to internal organs, and reactions to the anaesthetic.