Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to remove unwanted fat from specific areas of the body that have proved difficult to reduce through exercise regimes or dieting. Liposuction allows the surgeon to sculpt the body to a more desirable shape or contour and can help men and women of different ages to overcome the embarrassment caused by localised areas of excess fat. This process is also known as liposculpture.

In women, commonly treated areas include the hips, waist, abdomen, thighs, neck, chin, jowls and arms. Men tend to have liposuction on the waist, abdomen, breasts and under the chin. Liposuction can be used in other areas where improvement in the contour is required. However, liposuction is not used for treating obesity or for losing weight. Nor is it a substitute for healthy lifestyle and exercise.

Traditional liposuction involves permanent removal of fat by suction through fine hollow tubes. The tubes are inserted under the skin through tiny incisions that leave behind very small and inconspicuous scars. There are several different techniques of liposculpture and the method employed depends upon the specific needs of the patient.

Laserlipolysis is a relatively new method of liposculpture. Fat is dissolved using laser, before it is removed. The special laser beams are introduced via fine thin metal tubes similar to but thinner than conventional liposuction tubes. The laser also has more tightening effects on the skin than other techniques and is therefore useful for smaller specific areas such as under the chin, the “love handles” of the waist and the lower part of the tummy.

Liposculpture can be performed under general or local anaesthesia, as a day case or with an overnight hospital stay. This primarily depends on how much liposuction is carried out. Duration of surgery depends on the number of areas treated. A compression garment is sometimes worn after the procedure. Your consultants will give you impartial advice and have a thorough discussion with you on the nature of the procedure, your suitability for it and the type of liposuction that can produce the optimum result in your case. You will be fully informed about the implications of having liposuction including the limitations of the technique and any possible short-term or long-term complications. The final decision to have surgery is your own personal choice.