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Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing
unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips,
buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although
no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise,
liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond
to traditional weight-loss methods.
Book your liposuction consultation
Candidates for liposuction
Any one or combination of the following conditions may indicate
that you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery:
- Areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion with the
rest of your body and do not go away with diet and exercise
- so called 'diet resistant fat'.
- Areas with minimal amounts of excess skin (Liposuction removes
fat not skin) and good skin elasticity.
Liposuction surgery may be considered to treat areas of excess
fat in the stomach, buttocks, hips, love handles, saddlebags,
thighs, calves, ankles, breasts (including male breast enlargement),
back, arms and neck. Liposuction is equally effective in both
men and women.
Consultation
During the initial consultation, you may be asked to look in a
mirror and point out exactly what you would like to see improved.
Pictures may be taken of you, especially if the areas that will
be treated are on your posterior aspect (back, buttock, etc.).
This will help your plastic surgeon to understand your expectations
and determine whether they can realistically be achieved. A determination
of the elasticity of the skin will also occur.
A discussion concerning your ideal weight and realistic weight
will most likely occur. Plans such as future pregnancies, etc.
may be discussed.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your
medical history including previous surgeries, past and present
medical conditions, allergies and current medications. It is important
for you to provide complete information. High blood pressure,
thyroid problems, diabetes, etc. should be reviewed as these medical
conditions may increase some risks associated with surgery.
About Liposuction Surgery
The basic technique of liposuction involves the removal of fat via
a hollow metal tube (cannula) that is passed through the fatty tissue.
One of the most common types of liposuction involves the removal
of fat by attaching a pump that generates a vacuum. This is known
as suction assisted liposuction (SAL). In addition, a motor may
be used on the cannula that causes the cannula to vacillate back
and forth thus performing much of the "work." This is
known as power assisted liposuction (PAL). An ultrasonic generator
may produce sound waves above audible frequency that "breaks"
the fat cells, and the broken down fat is removed by SAL. A laser
can also be employed to break down the fat cells. Each of these
methods have advantages and disadvantages. These methods will be
discussed with you at the time of the consultation. Additionally,
the above techniques may be combined to yield optimal results. The
decisions concerning the appropriate technique will be judged by
your plastic surgeon.
The results of liposuction surgery are usually long-lasting,
but they may be affected by weight gain, aging, pregnancy and
lifestyle factors.
Understanding the Risks of Liposuction
Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction surgery
are infrequent. Liposuction surgery is one of the two most common
procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Most often this surgery
is performed without experiencing any major problem.
The risks in most surgeries are similar. Some of the potential
complications that may be discussed with you include hematoma
(an accumulation of blood under the skin that may require removal),
infection, changes in sensation, scarring, allergic reactions,
damage to underlying structures, need for revisions, unsatisfactory
results possibly necessitating additional procedures, and medical
risks. Other risks more specific to liposuction may include
indentations and irregularities.
You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and
instructions of your plastic surgeon, both before and after your
liposuction surgery.
Pre-Operative
If you are a smoker, it is recommended to stop smoking well in
advance of surgery since smoking can impair the healing process
after liposuction. London clinic Nip N Tuck's surgeons advise
that certain medications increase the risk of bleeding, such as
Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Some vitamins/homeopathic
regimens should be discontinued before undergoing liposuction
surgery.
Liposuction surgery is usually performed as a day case . If this
is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home
after surgery and to stay with you for the next 24 hours. If you
are undergoing large volume of liposuction, it may be recommended
that you be hospitalised for the night.
Recovery from Liposuction Surgery
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for
recovery varies greatly among individuals.
During the first 48 hours following liposuction surgery, London
clinic Nip n Tuck's surgeons note that patients experience varying
degrees of swelling and bruising. The swelling persists longer.
Bruising typically disappears within seven to ten days. Stitches
are usually removed within a week of surgery.
Straining, bending over and lifting should be avoided during
the early postoperative period. In many instances, you will be
able to resume most of your normal activities within ten days
or less.
Liposuction Results
Liposuction surgery usually improves contours. In some instances
it may be used in a circumferential fashion, thinning an area.
Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait
at least several months to get an accurate picture of the results
of your liposuction surgery. London clinic Nip n Tuck's surgeons
note that the small incisions used for access of the cannula,
will fade over a number of months, usually becoming almost invisible.
If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very
pleased with the results of your liposuction. London clinic Nip
n Tuck's surgeons note that you may find that you are comfortable
in a wider variety of clothes, and more at ease with your body.
And, by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you
can help to maintain your new shape.
If you are contemplating liposuction, London based surgeon
Mohammad Jawad of the Nip n Tuck Surgery is able to discuss your
particular needs and goals in a private, one-to-one consultation.
Contact us to book your consultation.
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