LIPOSUCTION
The operation of liposuction, or
liposculpture as it is sometimes known, sucks fat out of the subcutaneous tissues,
which should then be followed by skin shrinkage. It is an operation that can
be performed under local anaesthetic, as a day case, if only small areas are
involved. Larger areas require a general anaesthetic.
The technique is designed to remove
relatively small, stubborn areas of fat, which do not respond to diet. It is
not intended for weight loss and cannot be considered a substitute for dieting.
If your skin is dimpled to start with (cellulite) this will persist after liposuction.
The procedure involves placing a
metal tube through small incisions in the skin into the subcutaneous fat. A
vacuum is applied to the tube and fat cells are sucked out. It is thought that
these fat cells do not regenerate and so removal could be considered permanent.
Post-operatively there will be considerable
bruising, lumpiness, swelling and probably numbness. This can take up to six
months to settle down. It is advisable to wear some form of elasticated garment
for a couple of weeks to help reduce the swelling.
There will be absorbable stitches
in the small skin incisions. These wounds will be covered with adhesive tape.
These dressings are waterproof so you can bath and shower as required.
Removal of fat is not an exact science
and so it can produce unevenness. The empty space left behind is replaced by
scar tissue and this contracts, which can lead to dimpling and unevenness of
the skin. The appearance can be similar to that of cellulite. Skin that has
lost elasticity will not shrink and may need surgical excision.
Nerves are sometimes damaged during
the procedure and this can either lead to numbness (which may be permanent)
or tenderness, which generally settles over time although it too, in rare cases,
can be permanent.
It is sometimes necessary to perform
revison operations to reduce areas left behind at the time of the original liposuction.
Small areas can be done under local anaesthesia.
Liposuction can be performed as
fine tuning in association with other procedures such as a facelift, or breast
reduction.
You will be photographed before
the operation as part of the clinical record. These photographs remain confidential
and are kept securely.
Your GP will be given full details
of your surgery and progress.
The hospital holds a pre-assessment
clinic (PAC) which is run by the nursing staff. You will be invited to attend
one of these clinics a week or two before the operation. They are intended as
a medical screen to identify problems and carry out any necessary tests before
the day of your surgery. Sometimes it will be arranged for you to see the anaesthetist
at this clinic.
Before leaving hospital you will
be given an outpatient appointment but if you have any problems, worries or
concerns after discharge from hospital please feel free to telephone me for
advice. I can generally be contacted on 07850 484 672 but if I cannot be reached
immediately a message can be left on my office answerphone (0208 463 0019) and
I will get back to you as soon as possible.
COMPLICATIONS
No operation on the human body is
without risk. A few of the more common problems are listed below. This list
is intended to inform rather than frighten and it does not cover every thing
that can go wrong.
1. Anaesthesia. The small risk of an anaesthetic applies as in any operation.
Smoking and the oral contraceptive pill increase this risk.
2. Infection. Although a risk from any surgery it occurs only rarely after liposuction.
3. Haematoma. This produces excessive bruising and lumpiness, which may take
several months to resolve completely.
4. Numbness. Generally this settles within a few months, but in rare cases it
can be permanent.
5. Asymmetry/uneveness. An uneven contour or difference between the two sides
of the body can sometimes need further liposuction.
1. DVT. There is a risk of deep vein thrombosis occurring during any operation.
08/03/05