PLASTIC SURGERY
Liposuction

Liposuction

Liposuction procedures have been performed for more than 30 years over the world. Liposuction is a method of aesthetic correction that helps to create an attractive body contour, but it cannot be considered a substitute for weight loss. Liposuction is performed aiming to improve the body contour in certain areas. Fat cells that are removed during liposuction do not grow back. If a patient gained weight after liposuction, newly accumulated fat would be deposited equally in all areas of the body. It is recommended to suction out the fat just from those areas of the body, where fat excess deforms the body contour. The amount of suctioned fat is not large but it is enough to improve body contours. The best candidates for liposuction procedure are persons of average weight having localized fat depositions and healthy elastic skin. In case of obesity, cellulitis or inadequate elastic skin, excellent results cannot be achieved. Liposuction can be performed together with other plastic surgery procedures in order to achieve an optimal result. It can be done in combination with breast reduction, abdominoplasty, thigh lift and upper arm lift. Liposuction is typically done on the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), neck, upper arm, areas around the armpit, abdomen, buttocks, outer thighs (saddlebags) and areas around the knee.

The amount of fat to be removed varies from several hundred mL up to 5 L.
How liposuction is performed?
Liposuction is typically performed under epidural or general anaesthesia, except in case of liposuction of small areas that can be performed under local anaesthesia. Time in surgery depends on the extent of surgery. It can take from several minutes up to several hours. Anaesthesia for liposuction is chosen depending on the type of procedure, patient status and wishes. All liposuction procedures use hollow stainless steel tubes with one or two suction openings, called cannulas, which are different in shape and size. They are connected to a powerful suction pump, which generates a negative pressure of 0.6 to 1.0 atm. The fat is suctioned through tiny incisions, which are around 1 cm in length. They are placed in less visible areas of the body, i.e., in natural skin creases and areas that are normally closed by underwear. The patient may need an overnight hospital stay after the surgery. Various compression garments are applied on the treated areas: elastic bandages, special compression pants, girdles. These compression garments should be worn approximately 10 days following surgery. They prevent fluid collection and help the skin to shrink. Following surgery, in the areas where undesirable fat was suctioned, bruising is seen, which disappears within a few days or weeks. The sutures are removed in the first week after surgery.

What should I expect after surgery?
As after all surgical procedures, pain intensity and degree of discomfort vary depending on an individual person. Medications to control the pain are needed within several days after procedure. Swelling and bruising disappear after 2 weeks. The final results of body contour correction will be evident after 6–8 weeks following surgery.

Is there any age limit for this surgery?
Candidates for liposuction, younger than 40 years, usually achieve better results.

Physical activity and working
Light massage is recommended on the 10th day after surgery, and exercising should be started on the 14th day. In this way, the adhesions between the skin and the deeper tissues are minimized.

When can I go back to work?
On the third-fifth day after surgery, you will be able to resume nonstrenous activities; after 14 days, you will be able to resume more strenuous physical activity. This will depend on the amount of fat removed and type of your occupation. After 2 weeks following surgery, you can exercise and participate in sports.

Diet
To achieve an optimal result and preserve it, consultation with a dietitian is advisable.

Can the procedure be repeated?
Yes, in certain cases, liposuction can be performed repeatedly.

Scars
The fat is suctioned through tiny incisions, which are around 1 cm in length. They are placed in less visible areas of the body, i.e., in natural skin creases and areas that are normally closed by underwear. As all surgical scars, scars from liposuction will go thought a maturation process. During the first few months, they may be red, raised and ugly. Over the time, after 6–12 months, they become soft, fade and hardly noticeable. In the suctioned areas, you can experience numbness, burning and other sensation.

PLASTIC SURGERY Liposuction

Liposuction

PLASTIC SURGERY
Liposuction