LIPOSUCTION

To plan for liposuction book a consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss your expectations so that you have a good understanding of what can be achieved and what the realistic expectations should be.

I will examine the areas for treatment, and evaluate your general health status as well as any pre-existing conditions.

Liposuction in excess can lead to serious complications. I limit myself to 5 litres per procedure. I follow strict guidelines as laid down in “The Practice Advisory on Liposuction” by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

To prepare for liposuction, you may be asked to stop smoking for 2 – 4 weeks prior to the procedure. Nicotine retards the healing process, and quitting for as long as possible before surgery helps improve blood flow.

You might also have to have a blood test before surgery is performed.

You should stop taking certain medications, like aspirin and some anti-inflammatory drugs. You may need to stop taking some vitamins and supplements so be sure to disclose what you are taking. Let your surgeon know whatever medication you use since you may need to adjust these. Avoid recreational drugs.

Be sure to arrange for transport to and from the clinic, since you will not be able to drive yourself after the procedure.

A compression garment might be worn over the treatment areas to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body shape.

Do not place any excessive force on the incisions as they heal, and avoid excessive movement. Treat the area gently for the first few weeks.

You will also be advised on how to care for the treatment area.

You may have quite a lot of swelling after the surgery, which may last several few months, so the results will not be visible immediately. After about a month, once the swelling subsides, you’ll see the results. You might wear a compression garment for the first 2 weeks after your procedure to minimize swelling, and help with pain control.

The healing time varies from patient to patient but you can probably return to work after a couple of days and resume regular activities within 2 weeks.

The risks of liposuction, as with any surgery, include a (low) risk of post-operative infection, bleeding, and swelling.

Some risks and side effects of this surgery include skin discoloration, rippling skin, persistent swelling, unsatisfactory wound healing, asymmetry or irregular contours, and thermal burn from ultrasound when this technique is used.

Other possible risks include local anaesthesia related complications, nerve damage, damage to muscles, lungs, blood vessels, and abdominal organs, as well as deep vein thrombosis and cardiac and pulmonary complications.

Your surgeon will discuss all the risks with you before the procedure.