Liposuction

Much of our physical appearance is due to heredity and many aspects of the way we look such as, colour of our eyes, height and hair, are out of our control. Many things however, such as our weight can be broadly controlled. It is thus widely accepted that it makes sense to eat a healthy diet and to exercise. Therefore people who are truly concerned about their appearance adhere reasonably well to the various regimens available. However sometimes despite all our best efforts to lose or control the fat, some regions of the body contain stubborn diet and exercise resistant fat. Resistant, localised fat deposits are usually an inherited problem, so don't blame yourself for their presence.

The surgery

The following is a description of the classic liposuction method utilising the tumescent technique.

To begin the operation a number of tiny incisions (about 3-4mm) are made in the skin in the areas to be treated. These slit incisions are made, when possible in inconspicuous places. Subsequently the areas are injected with the tumescent solution mentioned previously. The solution is then allowed to diffuse and take effect (about 10-15mins) throughout the target fat. As mentioned the solution will numb the areas as well as reduce bleeding by temporarily closing down the capillaries. The appropriate cannulaes are inserted into the fat, then through backward and forward stroking motions the fat is loosened and drawn off by a strong vacuum pump.

It is at this point that Power Assisted Lipoplasty (PAL) differs from the conventional. The back and forth motions mentioned, are much gentler and smoother because of the mechanical drive mechanism within the power handle. Since the fat is removed by suctioning small "tunnels" through the fat, the skin remains intimately connected to the underlying muscles by multiple attachments called fibrous septa. These can be described as being the body's "Velcro". It is this process and these structures, which assures that the skin will not hang in loose folds after Liposuction. The fat is removed by doing as little damage to the septa, which also contain blood vessels, nerves and lymph vessels. For this fat to be removed without serious damage requires an excellent knowledge of the anatomy, an appreciation of body proportions and of course, surgical and mental stamina.

You'll lose some fluid along with the fat during liposuction, therefore during the procedure it is normal practise for the anaesthetist to give intravenous fluids to replace those lost in the procedu

Risks

Complications that can occur include thickened, deeply coloured or unattractive scars at the site of the small incisions; irregularities of contour or dimpling of the area treated; unevenness or asymmetry between sides; prolonged numbness and swelling; haematoma or seroma formation (a collection of blood and fluid under the skin that must usually be drained by the surgeon), and infections. In extremely rare cases, skin loss resulting in permanent scarring has been reported.

Risks such as blood and fat clots are rare. You will be asked to wear special stockings (TED) just prior to coming to theatre, to reduce this likelihood. Furthermore during your operation special pump devices (Flowtron) are wrapped around your calves to stimulate continued blood flow to this region and avoid any stagnation of blood which can lead to blood clots. Early mobilisation by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible also reduces this considerably.

Despite any surgeons best efforts, it is possible that a small number of patients may require a secondary tidy up procedure, usually after 9-12 months, to correct or improve any residual uneven contour or shape irregularity. This will be determined at the follow up checks.

Liposuction

The surgery

Risks

Gallery