Fast Facts about Liposuction

What are the types of liposuction available?

There are so many types. But broadly speaking there is conventional liposuction, and there are power-assisted liposuction methods.

Conventional liposuction just means fat is removed via the cannula by the actions of the surgeons arm and the negative pressure of the suction.

Power-assisted liposuction uses “power” either in the form of high-frequency sound waves, mechanical vibrations of the cannula, water-jets, or lasers to assist in dislodging the fat before being sucked out. This in theory lightens the elbow work of the surgeon and hence a more fat can be removed. In practice however, the best liposuction is based not on the machine or the technology, but on the experience of the surgeon. Some surgeons using conventional liposuction can do excellent work and in record times as well.

What’s involved during the procedure?

Several steps are involved in liposuction, which is usually performed in a day surgery.

• First there is sedation which is administered by a separate doctor, and anaesthetist.
• Secondly a solution called tumescent anaesthesia is injected into the treatment areas. The tumescent solution distends the area making it easier to remove the fat in a later step. This also has the benefit of reducing bleeding and post-operative pain.
• Then if a power-assisted method is used, this will precede the actual suction. For example with VASER, high-frequency sound waves are used to dislodge the fat to prepare for suction.
• Lastly, suction is applied through a cannula which the surgeon moves within the target areas to remove the fat, not dissimilar to conventional liposuction methods.

After the patient wakes up from the anaesthesia, a compression garment is applied and the patient goes home.

What are the common areas of treatment?

Abdomen and flanks are common for both men and women. The arms, and the saddle backs (thighs) and inner thighs are more specific to women. Rare areas include the male “breasts”, back, calves, double chin and face.

How long is the downtime?

This may differ with different surgeons. I’ll give my patients’ liposuction experience.

Obviously, the more extensive the liposuction, the greater the post-operative discomfort. However, all my patients are mobile and can go out to run errands the next day. We normally see our patients the next day in the clinic for a change of dressing. I prefer that they mobilize and all of them have no problems making the trip down to change dressing.

I normally recommend that they take 3-7 days off work.

There is some swelling and bruises which usually peaks at one week and may take anything from 4-12 weeks to completely subside. Compression garments help to minimize the swelling, and provides comfort during recovery.

Compression garments do not affect the final results much, contrary to common believe. The results are completely determined by the quality of the surgery.

The final results are evident immediately after waking up from the surgery, before the swelling sets in. Or else after several weeks when the swelling has subsided.