Liposuction

Liposuction is relatively simple and with the correct indication and performance also a procedure which is relatively not too strenuous, which is able, sometimes dramatically, to improve the contour of the body. The principle of the operation is sucking out of subcutaneous fat by means of a thin cannula, which is inserted into the area being treated via one or more very short incisions in the skin.

Who is a suitable candidate for liposuction?

Any patient with a localised excess of fat, who has sufficiently elastic skin, which is capable of adapting to the new shape of the subcutis after liposuction, is a suitable candidate for the operation. Another condition is the absence of serious overall diseases or unsuitable local conditions such as extensive scarring or skin disease in the area to be operated on. Liposuction should not be performed on obese patients. Extension liposuction in the case of corpulent people does not provide the required aesthetic effect, but above all significantly increases the likelihood of sometimes even serious complications.

How does consultation take place?

The overall state of health and any possible contraindications to the procedure are ascertained in terms of consultation. After examination of the local finding, it is determined whether the condition is suitable for surgical resolution and which technique will be used in terms of the operation. The patient is familiarised with surgical procedure, the course of the post-operative period, care and possible complications. The most frequently used techniques include: conventional liposuction, vibration assisted liposuction, ultrasound liposuction, laser or so-called water assisted liposuction. The procedure is usually performed on an out-patient basis under local anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is suitable for more extensive procedures, where the amount of local anaesthetic used would already present a risk, as well as for operations where liposuction is combined with other procedures (e.g. tummy tuck or breast reduction) or in the case of patients who simply do not want to undergo the procedure under local anaesthesia. Tumescence is a term for the procedure when the operative field is “boosted” with a tumescent solution. This mixture on the one hand releases the fat cells so it is possible use cannulae with a smaller diameter and thus minimise post-operative unevenness, and on the other hand it decreases bleeding and thus also the scope of post-operative hematomas and pain. Local anaesthetic can also be added to the tumescent solution. Elastic underwear, wearing of which is an integral part of post-operative care for most procedures, is also tried during consultation. It is always necessary to inform the doctor of all medicines which the patient uses. This especially relates to medicines which affect coagulation.

Essential pre-operative examination

Apart from standard pre-operative examination, which is performed by a general practitioner approximately seven to ten days before the procedure, no other special examination is necessary. Pre-operative examination is not required before procedures performed under local anaesthesia.

Hospitalisation

Hospitalisation may be advisable in the case of risk patients and patients for whom liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia. Patients mostly spend only one night in hospital. Photo documentation is created before the operation and the operative plan is marked out on the patient’s body before each liposuction procedure. Prevention of thromboembolic diseases by injection of preparations and equipping the patient with elastic tights goes without saying in the case of procedures performed under general anaesthesia. The length of the actual operation may differ greatly according to its scope. Operations usually last from one to two hours.

Post-operative care

Post-operative pain is not usually great and reacts well to regular analgesics. Too much physical activity is not recommended in the period immediately after the operation. Showering is possible practically immediately. Elastic underwear is worn for two to six weeks according to the scope of the procedure. After this period, the condition is usually fully stabilised and in most cases no restrictions are then necessary.

Complications

Complications after liposuction are not frequent. Early post-operative complications include hematomas or accumulation of blood in the wound. Small amounts of blood are no problem – they are spontaneously absorbed. Larger hematomas sometimes need to be sucked out via the skin through a needle. From the list of later complications, we must above all mention asymmetry and unevenness, which could occur especially in the case of patients with lower skin elasticity. Changes in sensitivity may occur in the area operated on. These changes are temporary and subside fully over the course of a few weeks or months.