Liposuction

The procedure involves infiltration of a wetting solution containing local anaesthetic into the treatment area. This has been shown to reduce the amount of blood lost during the procedure and also help with pain control. A cannula is connected to a vacuum to provide suction. The fatty areas are then treated, and the fat is sucked through the cannula into the vacuum bottle.

The amount of fat that can be safely removed depends on your weight and is usually limited to a few liters in one procedure. A study published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal revealed higher rates of complications in patients having higher volumes of liposuction compared to their Body Mass Index.

Liposuction is considered to be a safe procedure when performed by a fully trained surgeon who is a BAPRAS or BAAPS member. Complications are rare but can occur, they may include:

Scars

You will have small scars where the device has entered to remove the fat. Sometimes you may have friction burns at the entry sites as the cannula has repeatedly rubbed against the skin.

Contour Irregularities and Asymmetry

There may be areas of irregularity where the fat has been removed. There will always be minor differences between differing sides that are treated. Results will be better where the skin has good elasticity. Generally, where the skin is loose or has poor elasticity then it will not contract or shrink as much, resulting in a more saggy appearance after treatment.

Emboli

There is a very small risk of blood and fat clots, also known as emboli. These clots could travel to the lungs resulting in a pulmonary embolus.

Organ Injury

There are reported cases of injury to organs in the abdomen (organ perforation). This is potentially life-threatening, and you may have seen reports of such cases in the media and press.

Liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in the area of treatment. These cells are removed permanently. If you, however, put on weight, then the remaining fat cells may increase in size and result in the recurrence of the fatty deposits.

The normal recommendation is six weeks for strenuous physical activity. Exercising earlier may cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate that may increase the risk of bleeding.

Patients are advised to wear a support bra for the first six weeks following breast implant surgery. The support bra should ideally have a zip at the front for easier changing. After six weeks, you should be able to wear normal under-wired bras again.

The cost of the procedure will vary slightly according to the number of areas. The prices start from £6250. To find out more information about the cost of liposuction, book a consultation with Mr Nassab.