Introduction > Plastic surgery > Liposuction > Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction Surgery
Preparing for surgery
After the initial consultation, our ART MEDIC surgeon will examine you and the areas considered for liposuction. He will discuss the factors that may affect the procedure—such as your age and elasticity of your skin—and the possible changes in your appearance as the result of the surgery.
ART MEDIC surgeons will also give you instructions how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Our surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the effect that the surgery will have on your body. Our specialists will also explain the effects of the anaesthesia that will be used, will show you the operating theatre where the surgery will be performed, and will inform you about all the costs involved. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications of your surgery.
Description of surgery
Opposed to common belief, liposuction surgery is a serious procedure, which can be done under local or general anaesthesia. At ART MEDIC Cosmetic Surgery, we recommend local anesthesia for small areas and general anesthesia for complex cases of multiple liposuction. If the procedure is done under local anesthesia, you can leave the clinic the same day, but if it is done under general anesthesia, you are required to spend the night at our clinic under supervision.
Liposuction surgery is a procedure that involves the use of a small stainless steel tube, called cannula. This cannula is connected to a powerful suction pump and inserted into the fat through small incisions (1cm) in the skin. Fat removal is accomplished as the suction cannula removes fat cells and creates tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After liposuction surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse and thus result in an improved body contour. In the last decade, the traditional vacuum liposuction has been further developed with laser, radio frequency, ultrasound and mechanic vibration technologies. At our clinic, we use the vibration technique, which is faster, more effective than other traditional methods and leaves your skin surface smoother after the treatment.
After the surgery
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up.
To control swelling and to help your skin fit its new contours, you will be required to wear an elastic dress over the treated area for 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain killers to control the pain.
Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will wear off as you begin to look and feel better.
Healing is a gradual process. Your ART MEDIC surgeon will tell you when to start walking around to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after a week and you can return to your normal everyday routine soon after that. The stitches will be removed 7 to 10 days following surgery.
You should avoid strenuous activities for at least a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.
If you have any unusual symptoms between control visits—for example, heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in pain—or any questions about what you can and can't do, call us at ART MEDIC and we will be there to provide you with professional advice.
Immediate result would not be seen straight after the surgery, the long-term effects will be visible after a couple of months. The change in your body contour will be measurable in centimeters, rather than kilogramms. The incisions being 1cms only will not leave visible scars on your skin.
In most cases, liposuction does not cause complications. However, rarely blood accumulation (5-7%), infection (10%), thrombosis (3-5%) and fat embolia problems (1%) can occur following the procedure. ART MEDIC surgeons do their best to minimise the possibilities of complications through every step of the procedure.
