Liposuction is a surgical technique that uses cannulas to aspirate fat from specific areas. Liposuction should not be considered as a weight loss alternative but can be of great help.

The area is usually treated for Liposuction suction are:

the abdomen, chest (Gynaecomastia), arms, buttocks, hips and thighs, chin and neck and back. Since fat lobules or fat cells only increase or decrease in size if you gain and lose weight liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in a specific area. The resulting contour changes are generally permanent as long as your weight remains stable. Liposuction has no effect on cellulite or skin contour irregularities.

As with all types of operations, liposuction carries risks such as bleeding and reactions to anaesthesia. Possible complications also include ;

 

• Infection

• Contour irregularities

• Internal puncture

• Fat embolism

• Kidney and heart problems

 

There are temporary problems such as fluid accumulation and numbness.

 

You must be in good health to undergo a surgical procedure such as liposuction. You can refer to the previous sections regarding how to prepare yourself for surgery.

 

There are several types of liposuctions:

 

Tumescent liposuction: this technique is the most common. It uses saline solution with local anaesthetic and some adrenaline to  infiltrate the area. This “plumped”  area is then accessed via small incisions and cannulas to aspirate the fat.

Ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL)  This technique combines UAL with traditional liposuction. A rod emits ultrasonic energy under your skin and ruptures the fat cells, the traditional liposuction cannula will then aspirate this fluid and fat from the treated area.

Laser assisted Liposuction. This technique uses a  high intensity laser light to break down fat, then a cannula will aspirate the liquefied fat.        

Power assisted Liposuction. This type of procedure uses a vibrating liposuction cannula set that enables the surgeon to remove the fat with more ease and in a more accurate way.

 

As with all procedures the surgeon and anaesthetist will suggest the best type of anaesthesia. This may been local anaesthesia, a combination of local anaesthesia and sedation or perform surgery whilst you are asleep.

 

After the procedure you should expect some pain, swelling and bruising. There will be some oozing from the incision sites. You will be asked to wear a tight compression garment that will reduce the swelling and promote the contraction of the skin on the new underlying surface.

You will need to wait several months before you can see the final result.

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