While definitely not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular exercise, modern-day liposuction surgery (sometimes referred to as liposculpturing) can safely and permanently address those hard-to-lose fatty deposits that simply don’t respond to diet and exercise, creating big improvements in body contour and shape. For some of us, certain areas of the body are immune to exercise. No matter how many miles we run, sit-ups we do, weights we lift, or laps we swim, the fat remains, unless it is removed—with liposuction. Liposuction is appropriate for large, disproportionate hips, buttocks, thighs, the abdomen and “love handles”, as well as fat deposits on arms, back, knees, sides, and under the chin. Very often, many different areas can be treated during a single operation.
Surgery begins with a tiny incision inconspicuously located in a natural skin fold or crease in an area to be treated. Next, a salt water/anaesthetic solution is injected through a micro cannula. During surgery, the doctor moves the micro cannula back and forth under the skin. With the help of a high pressure suction machine, the unwanted fatty deposits are removed permanently and the desired shape is created.
After surgery a tight-fitting garment must be worn over the area. This will help your skin shrink and conform smoothly to the new shape of your underlying tissue. You will be up and around in a day or two after surgery but strenuous activities should be restricted the first week or two. For several days after surgery you may experience mild discomfort and stiffness, which can usually be controlled by medication. Some patients experience numbness or discomfort for varying periods of time. Your scars will be barely noticeable and will soon seem to disappear. To help your skin shrink properly, we will provide you with an appropriate garment which is to be worn for several weeks. If you had skin dimpling (cellulite) before surgery, you will still have it afterward, but it may be somewhat improved. Expect some swelling and bruising which will subside within a month or two. Sometimes the skin may have an uneven or slightly rippled effect. Occasionally, permanent sagging of the skin happens when the amount of fat removed exceeds the ability of the skin to shrink. Overweight patients who have localized areas of fat removed must be willing to accept a greater chance of contour irregularities and less than ideal skin redraping in exchange for improving the way they look in clothing.