Liposuction is the technique of removing unwanted fat from different areas of the body. The common areas suitable include: the abdomen (tummy); flanks (love handles); outer thighs (saddle bags); buttocks; hips; arms; and, neck. Liposculpture is the technique of sculpting the body be selectively removing fat from one area and adding fat to another.
Liposuction
Liposuction
Fat Removal
Liposuction is usually performed under a general anaesthetic although for small areas it can be done under local anaesthetic. There are numerous ways of performing liposuction with a variety of different devices such as: power assisted; ultrasound assisted; laser assisted; water assisted; and, traditional liposuction. Mr Nassab has written a book chapter on liposuction in a plastic surgery textbook exploring the evidence behind these techniques. In general, the overall cosmetic outcome for all techniques is very similar.
Duration – 1 Hours
Hospital stay – Daycase
Costs – from £6250
Return to work – 1 week
Location – Chester, Wilmslow, Manchester
Frequently Asked Questions
How is liposuction performed?
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.
How much fat can be removed?
The amount of fat that can be safely removed depends on your weight and usually limited to a few litres 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.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Liposuction is considered to be a safe procedure when performed by a fully trained surgeon that 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.
Will the treated fatty areas come back?
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 recurrence of the fatty deposits.
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Before
This is a male patient unhappy about the excess fat in the central abdominal region.
After
This is the result shown at 6 weeks following suction liposuction to the abdomen.