| Cosmetic Surgery |
| Liposuction |
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| Liposuction is a surgical procedure for reducing body contours by removing fat cells. Although it was originally developed for the torso and thighs, liposuction is now done to most parts of the body. It has proved particularly helpful in contouring the area under the chin and can be used along with face lifting. |
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| Two methods exist, the Ultrasonic Technique, and the Tumescent Technique. |
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| In the Tumescent Technique, which causes the least post-operative bruising and pain, a 4mm - 6mm incision is made near the area from which the fat is to be removed. A specially designed tube called a surgical cannula, which is attached by flexible tubing to a vacuum pump, is placed through the incision into the fat. The cannula is manipulated under the skin, removing the fat by suction. |
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| Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet nor is it useful for generalised weight reduction. |
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| Your appearance after liposuction will be influenced by your general state of health, your age, weight, the overall condition of your skin, hormonal influences and other factors. Each patient is unique and during consultation, the surgeon will discuss in detail how these general factors apply to you in particular. |
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| Since the actual fat cells are removed, the procedure is permanent and the body will always have less fat in the treated areas after liposuction. Should you gain weight following liposuction, you will tend to deposit the fat in areas other than those treated. Five per cent of patients receive secondary surgery or a touch-up after six months, usually for the removal of additional fat. This can be done under local anaesthetic if the area is not extensive and is something that would be discussed in detail beforehand. |
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| Ocasional cases may also need an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or thigh lift for permanent improvement. |
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| Usually the scars will be red or pigmented for between three and six months but they will gradually fade until by 12 months after surgery they are barely noticeable. However, you should know that all scars are permanent and their length, width and final colour are not totally predictable. |
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