LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is the removal of fat through a hollow tube which is attached to suction. The tube is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise but can help to remove some areas of body fat. The areas most commonly treated by liposuction are the tummy, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, neck, upper arms and male breasts.
How long will the operation take?
About 1-2 hours
Will I need a General Anaesthetic?
Yes, you will need to be asleep for the surgery.
How many nights will I need to stay in hospital?
Usually you will be able to go home the same day.
Will it be painful afterwards and how long do I have to have off work?
There is usually some swelling, bruising and some discomfort or pain after this type of surgery. This usually settles gradually after 1-2 weeks. Generally, patients therefore need about 2 weeks off work. The length of the recovery will generally depend on how much fat is removed.
What should I avoid after the operation?
You should find you are able to get up and walk about very soon after you wake from surgery. You will then be able to build up your activities over about 2-4 weeks.
What are the risks of the operation?
All operations carry some risks. Bruising, swelling, temporary numbness (or unusual sensations) are common with this operation. Some patients see fine thread veins and there can be a lumpy appearance to the skin that tends to settle over time but can be permanent. Other risks include asymmetry of the body shape and also skin burns due to friction around the cannula (which typically settles without any problem). There are reported cases where deeper organs have been damaged due to liposuction (for example the bowel or muscle). This is a serious but thankfully rare complication.
When will I have appointments after the operation?
You will normally be seen for an appointment at 1-2 weeks and at about 3 months after surgery to ensure that you are recovering well. The scars continue to settle and improve over time and typically fade to the normal skin colour after about 1-2 years.
