Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction, or liposculpture, is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, thereby allowing the individual to sculpt the body to a more desirable shape or contour.

For women, the most common use of liposuction is on areas such as the hips, stomach and thighs, although it is also used on areas such as the chin, the breasts and the arms. Recent years have also seen an increase in the number of men having liposuction surgery on areas such as the waist and under the chin.

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures, and is generally used to remove areas of fatty deposits that are difficult to remove through exercise regimes or dieting.

Liposuction - The Cosmetic Surgery

Liposuction surgery procedure involves areas of localised deposits of fat being removed via a metal tube or cannula. This cannula is inserted into the patient via a small incision, and is then used to break up the fatty deposits, and then remove them via a suction pump or syringe. The surgeon will use the cannula gradually through the areas to be removed, being careful not to damage any vessels or nerves in the area.

Recent years have seen a number of techniques developed within liposuction which are designed to enhance the overall long term effects of the procedure. Fluid injection involves a solution being injected into the area, which helps the fatty deposits be removed more easily. This method can also help reduce the amount of bruising following liposuction surgery.

Ultrasound liposuction is another common technique, and it requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy as it passes through the fatty deposits. The result of this ultrasonic energy passing through the fatty deposits is to rupture the fat cell walls, which can then be removed more easily.

The Risks Of Liposuction Surgery

As with all types of surgery, there is an element of risk involved, and liposuction is no different. As well as the risks of the surgery, liposuction requires a relatively high degree of post operative care, and so it is worth discussing with your surgeon how you will be monitored following your surgery.

With the new techniques in liposuction, there are also potential risks such as damage to the skin and surrounding tissue from the ultrasound device. In the ‘wet’technique, were fluid is pumped into the fatty deposits, there is a danger that the fluid can cause lidocaine toxicity, or that the fluid may end up collecting in the lungs. This is the effect of too much fluid being administered.

Following Liposuction Surgery

Following liposuction, it is likely you will experience a certain amount of swelling and potentially some weight gain. However, this is likely to subside in the weeks following the surgery. The stitches from the small incisions made during the operation are likely to be removed or dissolve approximately 5-10 days following the operation.

Strenuous activity should be avoided following the surgery, however the majority of people are able to return to work, or limited activity within two weeks of the procedure.

Overall, liposuction is a highly successful operation, however it is unlikely that you will see the positive effects of the surgery for 2-3 months following the procedure, as it will take a reasonable amount of time for the full swelling to go down.

Costs of Liposuction Surgery

£4,000 - £8,000