Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It is often considered when certain fat pockets do not respond to diet or exercise.

It can also be combined with other surgical procedures, such as:

• Abdominoplasty to enhance abdominal contouring
• Facelift surgery, where fat is removed from under the chin or neck to define the jawline

The goal of liposuction is to reshape and contour targeted areas, not to serve as a weight-loss method.

How liposuction is performed

Liposuction is generally performed under local or general anaesthesia, depending on the area being treated. The steps usually include:

1. Small incisions:
   • Tiny cuts are made in the skin near the treatment area.
2. Insertion of a cannula:
   • A thin, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted through the incision into the fat layer beneath the skin.
3. Fat removal:
   • The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen fat, which is then suctioned out using a vacuum device or syringe.
   • This creates small tunnels where fat has been removed.
4. Compression and contouring:
   • After fat removal, a compression garment or elastic dressing is applied to the treated area.
   • This helps collapse the tunnels, reduce swelling and bruising, and support the skin as it adjusts to its new shape.

Importance of compression garments

Compression garments are worn after liposuction to:

• Minimise swelling and bruising
• Provide gentle, even pressure to support healing
• Help the skin adjust smoothly, reducing the risk of sagging or irregularities

Your surgical practitioner will advise how long the garment should be worn for the best results.

What to expect during recovery

Recovery varies for each individual, but some common experiences after liposuction include:

• Bruising and discoloration:
  • The treated area may appear purple or darkly bruised in the first week.
  • Bruising usually fades significantly by two weeks but may take up to six weeks to fully resolve.
• Swelling:
  • Swelling is normal and may temporarily replace the fullness of the removed fat.
  • This can make it difficult to see immediate results.
  • Final contour improvements are generally visible only after the swelling has subsided.
• Ankle swelling:
  • If the abdomen or legs are treated, swelling may extend to the ankles, especially when standing for long periods or in hot weather.
  • Elevating your legs when sitting can help reduce this.
• Tracking of bruising:
  • Bruising may move downward from the treated area due to gravity.
  • In some cases, temporary swelling of the labia or scrotum may occur if fat is removed from nearby regions.

Timeline of healing

• 1–2 weeks: Bruising begins to fade, discomfort improves, and normal activities may resume (as advised by your surgical practitioner).
• 6 weeks: Most swelling and bruising have resolved, and the new contours become clearer.
• Several months: Final results become more apparent as the body fully adjusts.

Key considerations

• Liposuction does not replace healthy eating and exercise and is not a weight-loss treatment.
• Results can vary depending on factors such as skin elasticity, age, and healing response.
• A personal consultation is essential to determine if liposuction is appropriate for your needs and to discuss expected outcomes and risks.