Liposuction

We all have individual body types and structures that are determined by genetics and metabolism, yet also altered by lifestyle choices. Some people can lose weight easily, while others, even if they lead a healthy lifestyle and exercise regularly, have trouble getting rid of unwanted fat. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that easily removes unwanted fatty deposits while sculpting body shape.

Excess fatty deposits develop between the skin and muscle. For this reason, liposuction is most appropriately performed on people who have achieved a stable weight close to their ideal. Prior to liposuction, it’s worth attempting a general weight loss program through diet and exercise. You will lose fat, and will then be better able to determine areas of your body that most require liposuction. The contour and shape of your body will be improved by liposuction, but it isn’t a magical all-in-one cure. Liposuction doesn’t remove loose and sagging skin or cellulite. For this reason, many people undergo a tummy tuck or other related flab removal procedure at the same time as liposuction.

SUITABLE CANDIDATES FOR LIPOSUCTION

Localised fatty deposits can be stubbornly resistant to exercise and dieting, and are often a natural consequence of aging. Liposuction can help in a number of areas:

• Abdomen and waist
• Thighs
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Upper arms
• Back
• Inner knee
• Chest
• Neck, cheeks and chin
• Ankles and calves

Liposuction surgery can be performed in conjunction with a breast reduction, facelift, tummy tuck and a number of other cosmetic surgery procedures.

WILL FUTURE WEIGHT GAIN PILE THE FAT BACK ON?

Your bodily systems don’t cease after liposuction, and your body will respond as usual to weight gain. As the body gains weight, fat cells enlarge to accommodate the change. However, the area of your body that has undergone liposuction will now have fewer fat cells and other areas of your body may take up fat instead. With continued weight gain, enlargement will return to the liposuctioned area. Fortunately, the weight lost during liposuction will make motivation for your exercise program a whole lot easier than before.

WHAT DOES LIPOSUCTION SURGERY INVOLVE?

Modern and progressive liposuction techniques have made the procedure safer, easier and less painful than ever. Liposuction methods include:

• Tumescent liposuction: The area chosen for liposuction is numbed using an anaesthetic. The liposuction tube (cannula), although acting like a vacuum cleaner, is actually as narrow as a needle, and won’t cause ugly scarring. Anaesthetic solution is injected into the fatty tissue, followed by the liposuction.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: Ultrasound is first used to liquefy the fat, making it much easier to remove through the narrow cannula.
• Laser-assisted liposuction: This method also first liquefies the fat before it is removed.

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure, often without the need for an overnight stay in hospital. Local or general anaesthesia may be used depending on the procedure and patient sensitivity. The surgery will generally take between one and five hours, and if a large amount of fat is to be removed, several visits to your doctor may be required.

Liposuction – Dr Peter Laniewski