Liposuction
Our specialist Consultant Plastic Surgeon can:
- Enhance the contours of your body
- Remove stubborn pockets of fat
- Sculpt defined body areas
- Help to increase your self-confidence
How would Liposuction benefit me?
Most people have a specific area of their body which they dislike. Losing weight and toning up through a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet can achieve a desired figure but some find that stubborn areas of fat remain for which it seems no diet or exercise will shift. Liposuction can target these undesirable pockets of fat and sculpt specific areas of the body. The most commonly treated areas are the tummy, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, neck and upper arms. Does this resonate with you? Are you frustrated by stubborn areas of your body which just will not change despite your best efforts? Liposuction could be your solution.
Find out more
Liposuction Consultation
An initial consultation will give you the opportunity to talk to your Consultant Plastic Surgeon about why you want surgery and what result you would like to achieve. Our surgeon will examine your body and skin carefully and may take some photographs. A full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability for surgery and your options will be discussed.
It is important to remember that Liposuction should not be seen as a method of weight loss. Liposuction will only be performed on individuals of a healthy weight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of less than 30.
To achieve the best results, it may be appropriate to combine liposuction with other cosmetic procedures including breast enlargement (augmentation) or Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).
Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction can be performed under local anaesthetic for small areas of the body. Larger areas require a general anaesthetic. The length of the operation depends on the number and size of areas which require treatment.
Small incisions are made in the skin through which fluid is injected to stiffen the fat tissue and reduce blood loss. A thin tube, called a cannula, with suction attached is then inserted. The cannula is used to shape the area and suck out the unwanted fat. The skin incisions are sewn up to finish and dressings are applied.
Liposuction Recovery and Aftercare
It is completely normal to feel swollen and tender after the procedure and it is usually possible for you to go home the same day as surgery or sometimes the day following surgery. It is also normal for fluid to leak from the wounds, in fact this leakage helps to reduce swelling.
Although the initial tenderness and bruising should subside in the first few weeks after surgery, full effects of the treatment will not be evident for many weeks, possibly months.
An appointment with a nurse will be made around ten days after surgery to check your dressings and wounds. It is important to keep your dressing dry to allow the wounds to heal.
If only a small area has been treated it may be possible for you to return to work after a few days. Where a larger area has been treated extra time off will be required. It is advisable to avoid any heavy activity or sport for 6 weeks. A gentle introduction to activities is advisable. Supportive underwear garments may be helpful depending on the area treated.
Follow up appointments will be scheduled to check on your progress.
Risks associated with Liposuction Surgery
Although the risks are unlikely, it is very important to weigh these up against the benefits of the surgery. A consultation with your surgeon will help you to choose the right procedure and discuss any possible complications.
For further information on the procedure please visit the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) website here.
