Liposuction / Liposculpture
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 the 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.
Liposuction consultation
will involve discussion of the areas of fat deposit that the patient is concerned about. An assessment of the patient’s skin quality is undertaken, 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 then local anaesthetic is used. Dr Mills uses a tumescent technique which is 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 in different directions to ensure 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 paracetamol. The patient needs to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks. Bruising tends to be maximal at day 4 and is usually resolved by day 10. 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.
