Body Surgery

Liposuction
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Liposuction

Liposuction is often performed in combination with other surgical procedures. Liposuction is not a replacement for good nutrition or exercise, but there are there are some cases where surgery provides an appropriate remedy for excess skin and liposuction enables the removal of excess fat. 

About the Procedure

Liposuction

The area in question is marked before surgery. The choice between general and local anaesthesia, with or without sedation, depends on the size and position of the area in question and also the patient’s wishes. We use the tumescent technique which entails the fat to be removed, being first injected with an infiltate of local anaesthetic, hyalase (an enzyme which breaks the bonds between fat cells) and adrenaline to minimise bleeding. Deposits of subcutaneous fat are then removed using a special canula (tube) attached to a suction pump. Several litres of fat can be safely removed in a single session with minimal blood loss. Often several incisions are made around the same fat deposit in order to allow the tracks of the canula to intersect with each other and minimise the potential for ridging or unevenness. The edge of the area being treated is then bevelled off (so-called ‘feathering’) and a single suture or steristrip is applied to cover the wound. Specially made compression garments are worn for four to six weeks afterwards to help to sculpt the remaining fat into a smooth natural shape. Patients sometimes choose to purchase two garments, one being slilghtly looser-fitting for the first two weeks post-operation, the other being tighter for weeks three to six when some of the swelling has gone down.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power assisted liposuction (PAL) is a wonderful way of improving the efficiency and evenness of liposuction as well as encouraging shrinkage of the overlying skin. Using a reciprocating or rotating cutting head, large volumes of fat can be removed. This technique is the primary way that Mr McDiarmid performs liposuction and he feels that it represents the best balance of safety and effectiveness for his patients.

FAQs

What are the scars like?

Tiny marks are left which are less than five milimetres in length and almost always imperceptible.

How painful is it?

The treated area can remain sore for several days following surgery but the pain is rarely severe and usually subsides rapidly. Patients are offered a short course of pain killers on discharge form hospital.

What happens after surgery?

Patients should limit their activity for the first few days after surgery as they will be bruised and sore. Specially made compression garments are worn for four to six weeks afterwards to help to sculpt the remaining fat into a smooth natural shape. This is absolutely crucial in order to minimise the possibility of irregularity. Ordinary lycra cycling shorts or vests are simply not adequate as they crease and fold very readily and can permanently indent the healing fat underneath. The small additional cost of a bespoke compression garment is only a tiny fraction of the overall cost of the surgery and is a worthwhile investment. After two weeks, patients are reviewed in the clinic and all steristrips and sutures removed. A final follow-up is performed at three months for post-operative photography.

What could go wrong?

Irregularities, lumpiness or asymmetries occur rarely and are usually prevented by wearing a compression garment. Bleeding, infection and seroma (collection of a quantity of clear fluid under the skin) are all extremely rare complications.

First Steps?

Your Consultation

Your first step is to book a consultion with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. On your first visit, your surgeon will listen to what procedure you are interested in undertaking and will answer your questions. Your surgeon will explain the alternatives that are available to you in order to achieve the result you desire.

Should you decide to proceed, our Patient Coordinator will then be able to provide you with a price and date for surgery, with options to personalise your stay.

You will be provided will practical information about what you will need to know about before, during and after the operation. Your surgeon will be available to discuss any queries you have prior to surgery.

 

On the Day?

Your Surgery

On arrival, you will be greeted by one of our team and taken up to your ward room. This is where you will be based during your stay with us.

You will meet your surgeon and your anaesthetist on the morning of your operation. Your surgeon will mark up the surgery area and take photographs of this. Liposuction is often combined with other surgical procedures. The time taken for liposuction will be determined by the extent of fat removal required and whether it is combined with other procedures. Liposuction is always performed under general anaesthesia.

And Afterwards?

 

Your Recovery

You will stay on the ward for one night, or in some cases two nights if liposuction has been combined with another procedure. You may be provided with a supportive garment to wear for the first weeks after the operation. You will need to attend a follow-up consultation approximately a week after surgery for an initial check up and to remove stitches.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, you will need to remain off work for between one to three weeks and to refrain from exercise and heavy lifting for the first three weeks. The final contour will be evident between three to six months post-operatively.