Liposuction

LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that focuses on removing excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It can be utilised in many regions including but not limited to the hips, thighs, buttocks, abdomen, back, upper arms, breasts, neck and face to create more shape and definition. Different Liposuction techniques may be utilised to provide the best results for fat removal and body contouring.

 Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures, such as a Facelift, Breast Reduction, or Abdominoplasty to further optimise the results.

During your personalised consultation Dr Watts will assess your unique anatomy and discuss your goals and desires to help you determine whether Liposuction is right for you.

Remember

This procedure is not a weight-loss option but rather a way to address stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

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TYPES OF LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURES

Dr. Guy Watts uses Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL). This technique uses a cannula with a vibrating tip to break up fat cells, which are then removed via suction. PAL allows for more precise fat removal, especially in areas with denser fat.

Other types of liposuction techniques include:

Tumescent Liposuction: which involves injecting a sterile solution — a mixture of salt water, (which aids fat removal), a local anaesthetic (to relieve pain) and a drug that contracts blood vessels to reduce blood loss and bruising — into the area being treated.

Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction: This technique uses ultrasound vibrations to liquefy fat cells. After the cells are liquefied, they are vacuumed out.

Laser-assisted Liposuction: As the name suggests this technique uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE SURGERY?

Good candidates for Liposuction are typically individuals who are close to their ideal body weight but struggle with localised fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Criteria for suitable candidates include:

• Overall Health: Candidates should be in good general health, without any life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing.
• Realistic Expectations: It’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about the results of Liposuction. It is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss solution.
• Stable Weight: Candidates should be at a stable weight. Large fluctuations in weight post-surgery can affect the long-term results of the procedure.
• Skin Elasticity: Good skin tone and elasticity can contribute to the end results after fat removal. Liposuction does not address skin laxity.
• Non-smokers: Smoking can hinder the healing process, so it’s vital for patients to be non-smokers or those who can stop smoking well in advance of the surgery and throughout the recovery period.

Dr. Watts evaluates each patient’s individual circumstances, health status, and aesthetic goals during the consultation to determine their suitability for Liposuction.

WHAT CAN LIPOSUCTION DO FOR ME?

Liposuction can offer several potential benefits:

• Targeted Fat Reduction: Liposuction may be particularly effective in removing fat from areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips and arms.
• Small Scars: The incisions used in liposuction are small, resulting in small scars compared to other surgeries.
• Body Contour: Liposuction can be an effective way to remove stubborn fat deposits, resulting in a more defined and balanced body shape.
• Long-Lasting Results: As long as patients maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise, the results of Liposuction can be long-lasting, as fat cells removed during the procedure do not typically regenerate in the treated areas.

It’s important to note that Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It does not treat cellulite or loose skin. Dr. Watts makes sure that patients have a clear understanding of what Liposuction can realistically achieve.

HOW IS THE SURGERY PERFORMED?

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia, or sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure and Dr. Watts’s recommendation. The steps generally include:

• Anaesthesia: The choice of anaesthesia is determined based on the patient’s comfort and the requirements of the procedure
• Incision: Small incisions, just a few millimeters in length, are made in the targeted areas.
• Fat Removal: A thin tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.
• Fluid Replacement: Due to blood and fluid loss during the procedure, fluids are often administered intravenously to maintain fluid balance.
• Closing Incisions: The incisions may be stitched or left open, depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.

Dr. Watts tailors the surgical approach to each patient’s unique needs, to optimise the aesthetic outcome while prioritising safety and comfort.

RECOVERY AFTER LIPOSUCTION

The recovery period following Liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual’s general health. Here are some aspects to consider:

• Initial Recovery: Patients will experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas. Compression garments are often worn to help reduce swelling and support the healing tissues.
• Pain Management: Any pain or discomfort can usually be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
• Activity Restrictions: While light activities can be resumed within a few days, strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks to allow the body to heal properly.
• Follow-up Appointments: Post-operative visits are scheduled to monitor the healing process, remove any stitches if necessary, and address any concerns.
• Visible Results: Initial results can be seen once the swelling and fluid retention subside, but the final results may take several months to fully develop as the body adjusts to its new contours.

Patients are advised to follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Watts and to maintain a healthy lifestyle to sustain the results of the Liposuction.

RISKS OF LIPOSUCTION

Like all surgical procedures, Liposuction carries certain risks and potential complications. Dr. Watts makes sure all his patients are fully aware of these risks, which may include:

• Anaesthesia Risks: Complications related to anaesthesia, though rare, can include allergic reactions and respiratory issues.
• Bruising and Swelling: are to be expected after Liposuction and usually subside within a few weeks.
• Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites, which may require treatment.
• Irregular Contours or Asymmetry: There may be unevenness or bumps in the skin. Sometimes a touch-up procedure may be necessary.
• Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): Temporary pockets of fluid can form under the skin, which may need to be drained.
• Numbness: Temporary loss of sensation in the treated area is to be expected, although feeling usually returns within a few months in rare cases sensation may be permanently altered.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism: These serious complications are rare but can occur.
• Persistent Pain: In some cases, patients may experience ongoing pain in the treated areas.

Dr. Watts discusses these risks in detail during the consultation and informed consent process.

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PLEASE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.