Liposuction
Liposuction
What is it?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, is a surgical procedure in which fat is aspirated through cannulas introduced through small openings in the skin. It can reduce body-fat volume when moderate amounts are treated; removing too much may leave excess skin and subsequent laxity. It should therefore be performed by an accredited plastic surgeon and should not be regarded as a simplistic procedure.
Liposuction is not a substitute when there is excess or redundant skin. In those cases, open surgical techniques such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty or facelift may be more appropriate. Liposuction is used to treat accumulated fat deposits that are resistant to diet and weight loss, within the expected limits of postoperative skin elasticity and retraction. A balanced weight, ideally close to the ideal weight, is desirable.
Control of blood loss and postoperative analgesia are also important. For this reason, our team infiltrates saline solution with anaesthetic and adrenaline before fat aspiration, increasing the safety of the procedure and reducing blood loss.
The most commonly treated areas are the abdomen and flanks, upper arms, back, the side of the buttocks and hips, thighs, knees, legs, and the neck and jowl area.
The aspirated fat can be processed and reintroduced into other areas of the body to increase volume and improve contour, including the buttocks and breasts, or used as a filler in the face and the female genital region, including the labia majora.
Videos
Videos
Procedures that may be combined
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to common questions about liposuction.
What is liposuction?
It is a surgical procedure that aspirates fat through cannulas introduced through small openings in the skin. It may also be called lipoplasty or liposculpture.
What is liposuction used for?
It is used to improve body contour by reducing unwanted fat deposits in moderate amounts.
Is liposuction a substitute for weight loss?
Its purpose is to treat localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and weight loss. A balanced weight, ideally close to the ideal weight, is desirable.
Why is having a balanced weight important?
A balanced weight supports appropriate patient selection because liposuction works within the expected limits of postoperative skin elasticity and retraction.
Which areas of the body can be treated?
Common areas include the abdomen and flanks, upper arms, back, the side of the buttocks and hips, thighs, knees, legs, and the neck and jowl area.
What can happen if too much fat is removed?
Removing too much fat may leave excess skin and lead to subsequent skin laxity.
When may skin-removal surgery be more appropriate?
When there is excess or redundant skin, open surgical techniques such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty or facelift may be more appropriate.
Can the removed fat be reused?
Yes. It can be processed and reintroduced into the buttocks or breasts, or used as a filler in the face and female genital region, including the labia majora.
How long does liposuction take?
The duration depends on the areas treated and whether fat grafting is planned. It can range from 1 hour to 3 hours 30 minutes.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
General anaesthesia is used.
What are the scars like?
The scars are small and are placed in naturally folded or wrinkled areas where they can be concealed.
Is a hospital stay required?
Small areas can be treated as an outpatient procedure. More complex procedures may require one day in hospital.
When can work and exercise be resumed?
Work can usually be resumed after 2–3 days and physical activity at 4 weeks. Specific compression garments may be required depending on the treated areas.
What are the main risks and possible problems?
Possible problems include swelling, tenderness, drainage, skin laxity, overcorrection or undercorrection, haematoma and irregularities. Less frequent risks include fluid retention and excessive loss of blood and fluid; postoperative pulmonary embolism is rare.
Are liposuction results long-lasting?
The effect usually lasts for many years. Treated areas are less likely to re-accumulate fat than untreated areas because they contain fewer adipocytes and develop fibrosis.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
