Liposuction Surgery

An Introduction

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a body-sculpting procedure used to remove fat that is unresponsive to dieting and exercise. The procedure can be performed on different areas of the body and may be used on multiple areas during one operation.

Liposuction can provide patients with a slimmer and better-proportioned figure. Patients commonly choose liposuction to reduce love handles, saddlebags, a double chin, a bulge around the waistline and other unwanted fatty deposits.

Women and men may undergo liposuction to create a more proportionate figure by reducing pockets of fat from several areas of the body, including:

• Chin and neckline
• Back
• Upper arms
• Stomach and waistline
• Hips and buttocks
• Thighs and knees
• Calves and ankles

Liposuction is not a replacement for proper exercise and a balanced diet. Instead, it is a fat-reduction procedure for stubborn areas where excess fat accumulates.

When used on one or more areas of the body, liposuction may help create a more balanced and proportionate appearance. Suitable candidates are generally people who are in good physical condition but have areas of fat that do not respond adequately to diet and exercise.

General Procedure

Liposuction may be performed under general anaesthesia, where the patient remains asleep, or under local anaesthesia, where the treatment area is numbed and the patient remains awake.

A small incision is made, and a narrow tube called a cannula is inserted beneath the skin. The cannula is connected to a suction device that removes the unwanted fatty tissue.

The surgeon carefully controls the amount of fat removed to help produce a balanced and natural body contour.

After the excess fat has been removed, the incisions are closed. A compression dressing or support garment may be applied to reduce swelling, control bleeding and support the treated area.

Liposuction may also be combined with another cosmetic surgery procedure, such as breast reduction, tummy tuck or body contouring.

Recovery

The recovery period depends on the number of areas treated and the extent of the liposuction procedure.

Patients are generally advised to take adequate rest and limit strenuous physical activity during the initial healing period.

A compression or support garment may need to be worn for several weeks after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and supports the treated areas while they heal.

Before

After