Liposuction

Liposuction is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body, including the chin, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees and ankles. It is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localised fat that doesn’t respond to dieting and exercise. This brochure will give you a basic understanding of the procedure; when it can help, how it is performed and what results you can expect.

The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in particular areas. They should be physically healthy and have realistic expectations. It is important to have firm elastic skin as this will result in a better final contour. (Hanging skin won’t reshape to your body’s new contours and may require an additional procedure to surgically remove the excess skin). Liposuction by itself will not improve the dimpled skin known as cellulite, although ultrasonic liposuction may offer an improved result because of preservation of elastic tissue.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. Liposuction is normally safe, as long as patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is properly equipped and the surgeon is adequately trained in body contouring as well as general surgery. Infrequent but possible complications include fluid accumulation (seroma) and injury to the skin, infection or excessive fluid loss. Other cosmetic problems may occur such as a rippling or bagginess of the skin over the treated area, and pigmentation changes. Asymmetry (uneven contour or shape) sometimes requires a second procedure. Liposuction is a day procedure making it both convenient and helps keep costs down. But extensive procedures may require a hospital stay.

If you are having a small amount of fat removed then liposuction may be performed under local anaesthetic combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. This is known as Twilight Anaesthesia. You will be awake but relaxed and feel only minimal discomfort. General Anaesthetic may be used if you prefer or your surgeon advises it. In that case you will sleep throughout the procedure.
 
ULTRASONIC LIPOSUCTION  offers some new possibilities, larger volume liposuction is possible because of the unique effects of ultrasoumd on fat tissue. There is more preservation of the elastic supporting elements, this makes it possible to gain good results in an older and larger group of persons than was previously the case.  Surgeons at "In Shape" have gained experience with the new technology LYSONIX 2000 since 1997.
 

To begin the surgeon will make a small incision, just large enough to allow  the insertion of a hollow tube called a cannula. A mixture of salt water and local anaesthetic is injected into the area to be treated. A number of incisions may need to be made but these are strategically placed. The surgeon then inserts a slightly larger cannula which is attached to a machine that creates a strong vacuum and manipulates the cannula deep within the fat layers under the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. The incisions are closed with stitches that will be removed a week later.      Following surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and bleeding and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour you will be fitted with a snug compression garment to wear over the treated area. It is important not to remove this garment under any circumstance in the first  3 or 4 days.
You will be required to wear the garment for at least 4 weeks. Don’t expect to look or feel great immediately. The final result is not achieved for up to 6 months, although significant improvement is usually detected by 12 weeks. Healing is a gradual process. The suctioned areas may  be swollen and bruised, and you may feel stiff and sore for a few days. Your surgeon will
schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress.

Liposuction is a highly effective technique for giving you a new body contour with very little scarring. The results can be permanent, providing you eat sensibly and exercise regularly. If you do gain weight, you’ll probably gain it more uniformly throughout your body. As long as your expectations are realistic, you should be happy with your new shape.

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