Liposuction
Our body is made up of a number of fat cells, when we gain or lose weight these cells change in size but not in number.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a useful and versatile surgical procedure to reduce the size of fatty deposits in many areas of the body. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. Liposuction is not used as a weight reduction technique, but as a technique to reduce the size of specific areas of fat deposition. It can be used in the neck, chest, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and knees.
The results from the procedure are reliant on good skin quality. Once the excess fatty tissue has been removed, the skin will need to shrink to fit the new shape otherwise the outcome of the procedure can be disappointing. Liposuction is often used as an adjunct to breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) surgery, or tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery.
What are the benefits of the procedure?
This is a useful procedure to reduce the size of specific areas of fat deposition. It is commonly used as an adjunct in other forms of cosmetic surgery, such as tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, and body contouring (circumferential lipectomy) surgery. It is equally effective as a stand-alone procedure.
Liposuction can be performed on the abdomen, back, buttocks, chest, hips, flanks, outer thighs, and arms.
Is Mr Morgan experienced in this procedure?
Mr Morgan has many years of experience in performing liposuction. At your consultation, he will be able to show photos of his other patients who have undergone this procedure to give a sense of what change can be achieved. These results are specific to these patients, and may not accurately reflect the types of result you may achieve. All results can vary for a number of reasons, including differences in genetics and original appearance, as well as differences in healing and recovery. Despite all care being taken, complications can and do occur, and can also affect the final result. Occasionally, revisional surgery is required.
How is liposuction performed?
In Mr Morgan’s practice, liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital operating room as this is the safest way to have the procedure. Liposuction is often performed as day surgery, and involves the use of long thin metal tubes (cannulae), attached to a suction tubing, that are passed into the areas of fat to be treated.
A limited number of small incisions are made in the skin to allow access for the areas that will be treated. These are placed in such a way so that the resulting scars are well hidden or camouflaged. These wounds are closed with sutures that will be removed at your first post-operative visit. The wounds are covered with a waterproof dressing to allow you to shower as soon as you feel comfortable.
How long will I need to recover?
Everyone will experience the anaesthetic and recover from an operation differently. Although uncommon, complications can also occur and result in a prolonged recovery time. Bruising and swelling can persist for two to three weeks, after which time you should feel comfortable to return back to work. A pressure garment will be fitted to you that will apply constant pressure to the treated areas post-operatively in order to hasten your recovery and improve your result. Your pressure garment will need to be worn for several weeks. Light activity is encouraged as soon as possible, and most patients will return to normal daily activities within three weeks. More strenuous physical activity should be limited for 6 weeks.
Specific Risks and Complications
Liposuction surgery has several potential specific risks:
- Bleeding, infection, poor quality or visible scars, prolonged wound healing, blood loss requiring transfusion, asymmetry, permanent numbness in the skin, irregular contours, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, need for revisional surgery
- Rare complications include damage to internal organs from the long metal tubes (cannulae) being inserted into the incorrect areas, and chemical imbalances from using large amounts of fluid and local anaesthetic solution
- This is not an exhaustive list of potential risks. Every patient responds differently to surgery and anaesthesia, and can heal and recover differently. Individual results can vary. The results experienced by one patient do not always reflect the results other patients may achieve. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations
All Surgical Procedures Carry Risks
Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner.
Individual results may vary due to a number of factors, including genetics, and variations in healing and recovery, and the potential for complications. The outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect the outcomes that other people may experience. Potential outcomes and possible variations will be discussed during your consultations
Cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and will most often require a general anaesthetic. All surgery will require a period of recovery before returning to normal activity, as outlined in the particular procedure information. Although uncommon, complications can and do occur, and may affect the final result of your surgery. The potential risks will be discussed fully during your consultations, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the various risks in your particular circumstances. Risks may include the general risks of surgery, as well as the risks specific to the procedure, and include poor quality scarring, excessive bruising and swelling, infection, bleeding, pain, asymmetry, nerve injury, anaesthetic complications, drug reactions, unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes, the need for further surgery, and permanent disability and death.
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Mr Morgan is appropriately trained and qualified to deal with complications of surgery, including the ability to admit you to hospital, if required.
Who should/should not consider receiving liposuction?
We believe that the best results are achieved for those with a clearly defined concern and realistic expectations about what cosmetic surgery can achieve. In situations where this is not the case, the outcome from surgery has the potential to be disappointing. You should not consider this type of surgery as a response to experiencing a personal or professional crisis, or under the encouragement of an outside opinion. We believe that any decision to undergo surgery needs should be made for the right reasons. All surgery entails an element of risk, and you should not make any decision regarding surgery at a time of stress or turmoil.
Liposuction
We believe that being healthy and happy with your decision can increase the chances of achieving a result that you will be happy with. Smoking, a variety of other medical conditions, and being overweight can make surgery unsafe. These and other risks will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation.
If you would like more information about liposuction, or to book an appointment, please contact us today.