Ideal candidates for liposuction are women and men who are not overweight, but have isolated areas of fat that they cannot get rid of through diet and exercise.
Liposuction can be effective on many areas of the body: arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, ankles and under the chin
Optimum outcomes from this plastic surgery procedure are dependent on the quality of skin tone and elasticity which helps to achieve a smooth result following fat suctioning.
LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION
We will assess the quality of your skin and may ask you how your areas of localized fat were affected by weight loss in the past.
LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE
Fat is removed by first inserting a small tube (a cannula) through tiny incisions close to the area to be suctioned. Incisions are very small, usually under a quarter inch. It is not uncommon for a touch up to be required later to further improve an area that has been liposuction.
LIPOSUCTION SIDE EFFECTS
Occasionally, there is skin discolouration in the areas that have been treated. Irregularities of the skin surface, including depressions or wrinkling, can occur. There may be temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness or a burning sensation. Seroma that requires temporary fluid drainage from incision sites are common in the first few days after liposuction.
LIPOSUCTION RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS
Though infrequent, complications can include bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia. Skin numbness is to be expected and is usually only temporary. It is possible, however, for some numbness to persist or even be permanent.
Risks with the procedure include asymmetry, rippling or bagginess of skin, pigmentation changes skin injury and fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock, infection and thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device are the more uncommon side effects.
LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
You may have to wear a compression garment for the first several days to six weeks after surgery, so that the tissue can adapt to its new shape.
You can usually return to work in just a few days although you may still experience some swelling and bruising which usually subside within a couple of weeks.
More strenuous activity can be resumed in 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising takes between 1 to 6 months