Liposuction

What is liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, liposculpture (fat remodelling), or suction lipectomy (suction assisted fat removal), is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from certain areas of the body such as the stomach, buttocks, thighs and knees. The quantity of fat is expressed in volume and not in weight. The aim is to correct your shape, not to make you lose weight. In general 2 litres of fat are removed, but you can have up to 5 litres removed. If you have a lot of fat removed, then two separate operations will be necessary.

Before the intervention
A preliminary consultation of about 20 to 30 minutes with the surgeon and the anaethesist is obligatory. You will be prescribed a homeopathic anti-bruising treatment (arnica) and will need to buy special compression pads to avoid oedema (swelling) and to limit the risk of phlebitis (inflammation of the veins). Check that the cosmetic surgeon is qualified and experienced, and that the establishment they work for is registered and genuine. For more information check out the Department of Health’s website www.dh.gov.uk.

Is it suitable for me? 
Liposuction is not advised for teenagers, obese people, heavy smokers, women on the Pill (because of the high risk of phlebitis) and people with pulmonary embolism.

The operation
The surgeon makes tiny incisions (2 to 5mm) in the skin and then slides a cannula (a hollow metal tube) into the skin to suck out the fat. The procedure is carried out under general or local anaesthetic depending on the number of areas to be treated. It takes 2 hours for the thighs and stomach, 1 hour for the buttocks and 30 minutes for the inside of the knees. At the end of the operation the surgeon will put on compression pads to reduce post-operative swelling. For minor liposuction, you remain in hospital just for the day; for more major liposuction a night in the hospital/clinic is necessary.

After the operation
- You need to keep the pads on day and night for 3 days to limit swelling and bruising, then reduce this to nighttime only for 3 weeks to a month.
- You will have aches and pains for a week (this feels as if you've done hours of bum/tum exercises). 
- When done properly, liposuction does not damage the skin. It’s not a good idea to have it done if you have very loose skin, as you could be left with saggy rolls. The older and heavier you are, the less likely the skin will spring back into shape.

Risks
Like all operations, liposuction comes with risks of vein complications (phlebitis), anaesthetic complications, allergies, shock and infections.

Advice
- 15 days after the operation, have a massage to aid lympahatic drainage.
- Take up gentle exercise such as stretching, yoga or Pilates. Avoid tennis, which is too violent.
- Avoid exposure to the sun (including tanning salons) for at least a month while the bruising disappears.

The result
- The effect is spectacular after a month, and superb after a year.
- Liposuction that is correctly done is radical and definitive. The fat does not come back. To stop it coming back (note that this is very rare), make sure you adopt a healthy lifestyle, get regular exercise and eat a balanced diet.

How much does it cost?
It depends on the area. Prices include the surgeon's fees, the anaesthetic and clinic fees, and range from £1000 to £5000.