Procedures

Liposculpture

The operation is undertaken for men and women where all other available forms of treatment have failed to remove localised areas of fat.

The physique which lends itself best to treatment by Liposuction is typically one in which there are well defined areas of persistent fat in people of normal weight where the excess fat is often a result of life changes and heredity rather than obesity. Selection for this surgery is therefore highly selective.

FAQs

What is liposuction?
Liposuction is the removal of fat within the body.

How is it done?
The technique is performed in two stages. The initial stage involves infusing a large volume of dilute local anaesthetic through a metal tube into the fat under the skin.

In stage two the fat is disintegrated and then extracted by inserting a special cannula and syringe. This procedure is repeated until the fat has been aspirated from all areas.

What are the particular risks involved?
Like any other surgery there is a risk of complications. Although these are rare they will be discussed fully when you attend for consultation with the surgeon.

The unique risks of this operation are that:

Haematoma or seroma formation (collection of blood or fluid) in the operation site could indicate remedial surgery. The risk of fluid collecting in the spaces evacuated of fat is minimised by wearing the pressure garment.
Numbness and loss of sensation is common in the first few months gradually subsiding after a period of time. A tickling and/or prickling sensation may accompany these symptoms.
Under corrective/over correction. About 5% of clients require additional minor surgery.
Lumpiness and unevenness of the skin is inevitable post operatively. Usually this gradually settles after about six months and is accelerated by massage and the application of skin cream.

How long does the operation take?
The time taken to complete this procedure is determined by the area involved and the volume of fat that can be safely removed during one session. As a general guide a maximum of 5 litres can be aspirated taking approximately two and half hours in the operating theatre.

Will I be asleep?
The procedure can be performed under a general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. You will be offered medication before you go to the theatre to help you relax.

How long will I have to stay in hospital?
This procedure can often be done as a day case. Alternatively you may prefer to be nursed overnight if the treatment is extensive and you will be discharged home the following morning.

Will I have stitches?
Usually the stitches are absorbable and will dissolve by themselves in 10-14 days.

Will I have scars?
Yes, very small.

What type of dressing will I have?
You will have an adhesive elastic bandage over the area of the treatment plus a pressure garment which will extend over and below the treated area. You can wash the garment on 40 degrees.

How long is the dressing left on?
The Elastoplast dressing should be removed seven days after your operation. The pressure garment must be worn constantly for a further 14 days. Although this may be bothersome you should only remove the garment temporarily during this time for the purpose of personal hygiene.

Will I be swollen and bruised?
Yes, this varies following your operation you may have noticeable swelling but wearing the pressure garment controls this. This usually subsides after the first 48 hours.

You can also expect extensive bruising which will gradually subside over the next 3 to 4 weeks.

Will I feel any discomfort?
You will have some discomfort after the operation. Pain relieving medication will be given to you after surgery to keep this to a minimum. You will be given a prescription for painkillers to take home with you when you are discharged from the hospital.

How long does it last?
The effect of the surgery should be permanent. The fat cells that have been aspirated do not regenerate. However a small percentage of these cells are left under the skin and muscle and will continue to store fat if excessive weight is gained.

Can I bath or shower after the operation?
Showering and bathing are permitted after the dressings are removed.

How long before I can go back to work?
After a small procedure you may return to work two to three days after surgery. For a larger area it may take up to a week or two.

When can I resume exercising?
You can do minimal exercise two weeks after surgery. But try to avoid any strenuous exercise for at least four weeks.

How do I find out more?
If you are interested in learning more about Liposuction surgery then please telephone 020 7403 1256 and speak to Alison King who will gladly arrange for you to have a Consultation with Mr Shiva D Singh FRCS(Eng) FRCS(Edin).