Liposuction (suction lipectomy) is a procedure designed to improve body contour and shape by removing protruding or uneven areas of fat with specialized suction tubes (cannulae) connected to a specialized vacuum device.  Liposuction yields the best results in areas of fat deposit which are resistant to reduction by exercise.  Such areas would include the lower abdomen, "saddle-bags", double-chin and neck, buttocks, hips, outer or inner thighs, inner knee area and even calves.  There are a number of modifications to the original technique of liposuction which facilitate a more efficient and less traumatic removal of the fat with less bleeding and less chance of post-operative irregularities in contour.  The most common of these techniques is called tumescent liposuction.  In this technique, the fat deposits which are to be removed are infused with a solution containing saline and local anesthetic.  Ultrasonic liposuction is another modification which requires specialized equipment and is generally used for fibrousy areas (e. g. the back) or very large volumes of fat removal.

The results are usually permanent, provided there are no major fluctuations in weight.

Before Surgery:

Some issues considered at the time of your consultation include:

• Your general health

• Smoking

• Your current weight and any prospective weight loss or nutritional and exercise regimens

• The specific areas of fat deposition

• The overall quality of your skin (this affects the amount of skin contraction that will occur after a reduction in the volume of fat)

Liposuction may be performed under a general anaesthetic, epidural block or under local anaesthetic depending on the extent and area being treated.  The patient usually may go home the same day.  If however extensive liposuction is carried out an overnight stay may be required.

The incisions used are small stab incisions 1 cm or less in length and are generally placed in well hidden areas.  Depending on the extent and the area being treated, a liposuction procedure may take anywhere from less than an hour to two hours.

There are risks and complications with all surgical procedures, such as bleeding and infection, although these are very rare with liposuction.  These, as well as other complications specific to liposuction surgery, such as contour irregularities, pigmentation changes and skin laxity will be discussed in detail at the time of consultation.

After Surgery:

A compression garment is worn from two to six weeks after the surgery (depending on the operative site and extent of the liposuction).

Pain, swelling, numbness and bruising in the area are temporary and generally resolve within two to four weeks.

• 1st post-operative visit within 48 hours after surgery to check for bleeding, level of discomfort, to answer any immediate concerns

• 1st week after surgery; swelling has reached maximum and begins to subside, resume normal daily activities, no heavy lifting or working out

• 10 - 14 days after surgery; return to work, bruising gone, swelling reduced, "presentable", vigorous activity (exercise, heavy lifting) restricted

• 4 - 6 weeks after surgery; resume normal exercising activity, lifting etc. Can stop wearing compression garment

• 3 - 6 months or more (varies with individual patient), last of swelling resolves

[Top of Page]