Liposuction / Liposculpture
A cross-section of skin, underlying superficial fat, deep fat, and muscle tissue.A gain in weight of a person can lead to an uneven distribution of fat around the body. These deposits of fat may be resistant to change with dieting or exercise. There are certainly differences between men and women in their fat deposition. Liposuction can be used to reshape body; it should not be seen as a method of significant weight loss.
Liposuction is used as an adjunct to many cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
After liposuction, an elastic compression garment may be reccommended to help reduce the thickness of the fat layer and reduce swelling.Liposuction consultation
will involve discussion of the areas of fat deposit that the patient is concerned about. An assessment of the quality of the patient's skin quality especially its elasticity as this will effect the outcome of liposuction. Areas with loose skin or poor elasticity are not suitable for liposuction.
Measurements will also be taken for compression garments that will be worn after the procedure.
Liposuction surgery
involves a general anaesthetic unless the area to be treated is quite small when local anaesthetic is used. Dr Mills uses a tumescent technique in which a solution of fluid and local anaesthetic to reduce localized bleeding. Small 1cm incisions are then made to insert a tube which is connected to suction. It is important to remove the fat at multiple levels and different directions to ensure a regular contouring. In areas in which the fat is associated with fibrous tissue, (such as the back or male breast/gynaecomastia) ultrasonic assisted liposuction may be used.
Once the desired amount of fat is removed the incisions are closed with either tapes or sutures and a compression garment is put on.
After Surgery
most patients can go home the same day unless they have had particularly large volumes of fat removed. Pain and discomfort are normally controlled with paracetomol. The patient needs to wear compression garment for 4-6 weeks. Bruising tends to be maximal at 4 days and is usually resolved by 10 days. Depending on the extent of the liposuction determines when a patient can return to work or normal activities and ranges from a few days to 2 weeks.
Images contained in this page have been reproduced courtesy of RACS and Mi-tec Medical Publishing. The complete pamphlet "Liposuction" is available from Dr Stephen Mills