Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure for removal of fat deposits that have resisted other means of removal eg. exercise and diet. An instrument (cannula) is inserted into the fatty area through a small incision and the fat then loosened with a fan shaped movement. This is then removed by vacuum suction through the cannula.

The method was reintroduced in Europe during 1976 and 1977, having been tried at an earlier date and discarded. During 1982 a group of American Surgeons visited Paris to observe the procedure directly and see follow-up results. Their quite favourable report stimulated a number of instructional seminars for surgeons in the United States.

The physical basis for body contour improvement is for shrinkage of the overlying skin when the fatty tissue is removed. One should understand that there must be sufficient elasticity, or skin tension present, so that contraction of the skin, rather than wrinkling, will take place afterward. In some respects the results are similar to those associated with generalised weight loss; older patients may show some redundancy or wrinkling of the skin, whereas younger patients' skin will contract more smoothly. The procedure is therefore best suited for younger patients.

Thighs, hips, abdomen, chin, knees, ankles (and, where suitable, brest size) may all be improved by this method, but some areas respond better than others. It is quite beneficial for localised fatty deposits; but is not a treatment for generalised obesity. Under some circumstances, the suction procedure may be combined with customary surgical procedures that stretch and remove excess fatty tissue. The combination will allow extension of the procedure for older patients and may also result in more limited surgical incisions that were otherwise required.

Part of the fatty tissue is removed by suction, and the remaining tissue removed surgically along with any anticipated extra skin that would not shrink easily. A number of such combined procedures may be utilised. Once example is the use of the suction method to reduce fatty tissue accumulation under the chin. In this case, the regular face lift operation is also required to removed the extra skin and tighten the facial muscles.

In removing fatty tissues from the thighs, a small incision is made in the vicinity of the button crease and a metal tube is passed under the skin to the side of the thigh. The abdomen fat deposits are removed through a small incision near the navel, located in a much the same position as for the tubal ligation.

It is important to understand that some problems may occur as a result of suction lipectomy. Bruising and swelling is normal, but a temporary condition, the degree depending upon the extent and location of the area treated. Following this procedure, a pressure dressing is used for four weeks afterwards to control swelling and prevent any accumulation of blood or serum under the skin. Generally there will be some numbness in the area treated, most of which should disappear in six to eight weeks. Rarely does significant numbness persist.

Some waviness in the surface contour may be permanent. This will depend upon the amount of tissue removed. However, even the circumstance will be a better situation than the fatty tissue and could be more easily concealed by whatever covering garment is utilised.

Generally speaking, the overall benefits of the suction lipectomy method are much greater in comparison to purely surgical procedure where unfavourable scarring and extensive operations are required. A judicious combination of the two procedure may be employed in selected circumstances.

Finally, the specifics are best discussed with your own surgeon for a complete understanding of the procedure.

Who is it for?
For individual who, having dieted and exercised close to their ideal body weight, find that some parts of their anatomy will not reduce in size and shape. Particular areas subject to excessive fat deposits include the hips, inner thighs, abdomen, buttock, and the problems familiarly know as 'love handles' at the waist and 'saddle bags' or 'riding breeches' at the thighs. 'Piano legs' in women are also typical examples of this type of excess fat.

The pear shaped syndrome, underarm deposits and dowager's hump also fall into this category. The male problem of the 'female breast' look 'gynaecomastica', can also be corrected with liposuction. The technique is also effective for the double chin, often combined with the receding chin that can be corrected at the same time with a chin implant.

It must be stressed that this technique is designed to alter the patient's shape rather that his or her overall weight.

How long does it take?
The amount of time varies considerably depending on the number of areas to be treated. or example, for hips and thighs the procedure takes approximately two hours. The procedure is generally performed as day surgery not requiring an overnight stay.

What will I look like immediately after the procedure?
When will I look good?
The area treated will normally be covered by a pressure bandage or corset. After removal the area will be reduced in size although some bruising and swelling will be evident. You will need to wear the pressure bandages or corset during the day for a further six weeks, if possible, and the bruising will normally disappear by two weeks.

If the fat removal permanent?
The fat cells are removed and cannot be duplicated. However, if weight is gained the remaining fat cells increase in size.

For further information and an initial complimentary consultation with a counselor, please contact your nearest Australian Aesthetic Surgery Centre.