Liposuction Surgery

What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a technique used to remove stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is best suited to removing localised deposits of fat especially from the neck, tummy, hips or thighs.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells which are never replaced and hence the change in body shape can be permanent. However, the remaining fat cells can increase in size as weight is gained and so weight loss may not be permanent unless a healthy lifestyle is adopted.

What does the operation involve?
Liposuction to remove excess fat deposits up to 3 litres can generally be performed as a daycase under local anaesthesia with total intravenous sedation. However, for greater volumes (4-5 litres) or in patients with medical conditions, general anaesthesia and an overnight stay are advisable.

Mr Ng performs both Tumescent Liposuction and Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL). Both are performed through small (4mm) incisions, which usually heal to form fine, barely perceptible, scars.

In Tumescent Liposuction, fluid is first infiltrated into the fat to make it turgid, making it easier to work with. This fluid also compensates the body for the volume of fat removed. In addition, it also contains local anaesthetic and adrenaline, which acts to minimise bleeding and reduce the amount of bruising and pain post operatively. Long narrow tubes are then inserted via the incisions to remove and shape the fat.

For UAL, a special cannula and machine are used that produce ultrasonic energy. The energy breaks down the fat making it easier to remove fat. UAL improves the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper abdomen or the enlarged male breast.

Is it right for me?
You should be realistic in your expectations before deciding on liposuction. Know that there is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely. The surgery will be of benefit if you have unwanted, localised areas of fat around the face, neck, tummy, hips, thighs and knees. You should be fit and well and within approximately 7kg (1 stone) of your ideal body weight. If you are generally overweight, you should consider diet and exercise to reach a lower weight before considering this operation. It is not a ‘Quick Fix’ method for losing weight.

What are the risks and long term implications? 
Complications are RARE but you should be aware of them so that you can make an informed decision.

Every operation carries with it the risk of bleeding, infection and delayed healing, but these are very rare in liposuction. There may be skin irregularities not unlike cellulite. Cellulite is not improved by liposuction and can actually be worsened by it. There may be larger contour irregularities or areas of asymmetry, that require further ‘touch-up’ or revision procedures at a later stage.

Ultrasonic liposuction is sometimes used, particularly for the chest in men, and for the upper abdomen. It utilises high frequency sound waves to shatter the fat cells. Heat is generated as a by-product, and there is a risk of burns to the skin with ultrasonic liposuction.

As mentioned above, the scars heal very well in most patients, but please be aware that if you have dark skin, freckly skin or red hair, there is a greater risk of persistent lumpiness and hypersensitivity in the scars. This is known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

Finally, and very rarely, the instruments in liposuction can penetrate deeply to injure vital organs in the body, sometimes even resulting in death.  This is extremely unusual.

What should I expect following surgery?
You may find bruising and swelling, which, due to gravity, will descend below the areas operated on. There will also be numbness, which may persist for several weeks, and on occasion, may be permanent.

The recovery period is between 10 days to 4 weeks, depending on the areas treated. During your recovery, you will wear a compressive garment, day and night, which helps to reduce the swelling.
           
Oral painkillers, prescribed following your surgery, will control any discomfort you have.  You will be able to move around at home in the first week, venture out in the second week, and gradually adopt your normal routine again from the third week onwards. You should avoid driving until you are confident you can perform all necessary manoeuvres safely.

Our practice nurse will keep in close contact with you whilst you recover at home. Generally, you will have a follow up appointment at the clinic at one week and one month postoperatively. However, if there are any problems or concerns, you will be seen more frequently than this, or as often as you wish. In the longer term, you are welcome to see Mr Ng for a check up at any time. All follow up appointments are free of charge whether they be at 2 months or 2 years post operatively.