Liposuction
AVERAGE COSTS :
On Consultation
DESCRIPTION
Liposuction is a technique used to remove unwanted fat deposits. It was developed in the 1970's and is therefore well tested and gives predictable results.
It is best suited to removing localised deposits of fat from the hips, tummy, waist or thighs. It can also be used in combination with other procedures such as facelifting, to remove fat from the neck, or with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) to remove fat from the waistline. It is a technique for improving body shape rather than helping with weight loss. More recent developments, known as liposculpture, have added considerable refinement to our ability to reshape the contour of the body.
However it is not a substitute for a controlled diet and results are best in patients who are not overweight but who have localised collections of fat. Good results also depend on elastic skin that will adapt to a new contour when the underlying fat is removed. With age skin becomes less elastic but the condition of the skin rather than your chronological age is the most important factor. This will be carefully assessed at your consultation.
AVERAGE COST
On Consultation
LENGTH OF PROCEDURE
An hour to an hour and a half
IN/OUTPATIENT
Inpatient
ANAESTHESIA
General
RECOVERY TIME
Four weeks
VISITS REQUIRED
One
RISKS
Complications following liposuction/liposculpture in correctly selected patients are extremely uncommon BUT some irregularity in the skin is occasionally seen although with modern instrumentation this is rare. However in the period after surgery it is not uncommon to see some waviness in the contour of the skin which is related to swelling and this resolves over 2-3 months.
Infection is a theoretical risk of any operation but extremely unusual after liposuction. Bruising and some swelling is to be expected after liposuction. Some people bruise more easily and so will see more discoloration in the skin than others. This almost invariably resolves soon after surgery. Deep venous thrombosis (blood clot in the deep leg veins) is a potential risk of any operation and so is a potential risk with liposuction. Its risk can be lowered by mobilising after surgery and this will be encouraged following your operation.
DURATION OF RESULTS
Permanent – if steady weight is maintained by the patient
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