Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove fat from beneath the skin. The procedure is performed with a narrow suction device. Some devices use ultrasound to help break down fat. Liposuction can be used to target a range of areas, including abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back, neck, or face.
Liposuction can target stubborn, unwanted fat deposits in patients who are slightly overweight or who have a normal weight, but have fat build-ups in one area. Liposuction is not recommended as a treatment for obesity, as surgeons can only remove a limited amount of fat.
Recommended for
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Patients with stubborn deposits of fat
ABOUT LIPOSUCTION
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Number of days in hospital: 1 - 3 days
Usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients may spend up to 3 days in hospital if a lot of fat is removed.
Average length of stay abroad: 1 weeks.
Liposuction can be a minor or major surgery depending on the area and amount of fat removed.
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Patients are advised to make small lifestyle changes in the weeks leading up to the surgery in order to aid recovery. This includes quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding aspirin and other medications that can cause the blood to thin.
Liposuction is performed through small incisions. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the surgeon may make one or several small incisions to reach the target areas. A small suction tube is inserted through the incisions and fat is suctioned away from beneath the skin using the sharp end of the device.
Once the procedure is completed, the surgeon may leave the incisions open and surgical drains may be attached to prevent a build up of fluid in the area. Other surgeons may partially close the sutures and then apply a dressing which will need to be changed often.
Many patients who undergo liposuction choose to combine this with other surgeries such as an abdominoplasty or body lift.
Anesthesia
Normally general anesthetic, occasionally local anesthetic.
Procedure duration
The Liposuction takes 1 to 2 hours.
If large areas are being treated, the procedure may take longer.
HOW IT IS PERFORMED
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BEFORE LIPOSUCTION ABROAD
Post procedure care
Depending on the amount of liposuction, patients may be discharged, or may stay overnight in hospital. Patients should rest and keep the wounds clean, avoiding swimming or sunbathing.
The doctor may offer special compression clothing to wear, and may prescribe antibiotics. When the anesthesia wears off, there may be some pain and patients should ask the doctor about which painkillers are appropriate. The incisions are usually small, resulting in minimal scarring.
Patients should seek travel advice from their treating doctor, however, in general it is recommended to wait at least 7 days before flying and to take precautions against deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Possible discomfort
Numbness, tingling and discomfort are common following liposuction, as well as some swelling and bruising. Most patients find these symptoms subside after a week, and the final results are visible after 4 to 6 weeks.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER LIPOSUCTION
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LIPOSUCTION
Not recommended for
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Obesity
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As a substitute for exercise and diet, or as a cure for general obesity.
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Cellulite treatment
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Certain areas of the body such as the breasts, as the fat on the sides of the breasts, is a common site for cancer
Potential risks
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Scarring
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Infection
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Embolism
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Internal organ puncture,
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Nerve changes
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Swelling
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Necrosis
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Burns (with ultrasound)
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Fluid imbalance
Liposuction is the surgical removal of excess fat from the body.
An incision is made and a suction device is inserted to vacuum the excess fat out of the body.