The Plastic and Cosmetic Laser Surgical Centre – Procedure: Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to improve body shape by removing excess fat deposits using a “vacuum system”. All parts of the body, including the cheeks, lower back, hips, knees and ankles, can benefit from undergoing procedures that include neck liposuction, buttocks liposuction, arm liposuction, thigh liposuction and tummy liposuction.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

Women and men who are not overweight but have isolated areas of fat in their neck, arms, tummy, buttocks or thighs that they cannot get rid of through diet and exercise are good candidates for liposuction. Liposuction is for body contouring and is not an effective treatment for weight loss or reducing cellulite.

How does the surgical procedure work?

Fat is removed during liposuction by inserting a small tube called a cannula through tiny incisions close to the area to be suctioned. Incisions are very small – usually under a quarter of an inch. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

What are the side effects of liposuction?

Though infrequent, some complications can occur following liposuction, including bleeding, infection and reaction to anaesthesia. Skin numbness is usually temporary, however, it is possible that some numbness will persist or even become permanent. Patients occasionally notice skin discoloration in treated areas. Irregularities of the skin surface, including depressions or wrinkling, can result from liposuction. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days of undergoing this cosmetic surgery procedure. Any remaining swelling and bruising should subside within two weeks.

You may be asked to wear a compression garment for the first several days following liposuction so that the tissue can “learn” its new shape.