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Liposuction while improving the silhouette does not necessarily eliminate the subtle puckering of the skin called cellulite. Cellulite results from the pull of fibrous tissue that connects skin to underlying muscle. What we do see is a reduction in the degree of cellulite because new techniques tend to sever the attached fibres allowing the skin to bounce up and return to a more smooth appearance. This is actually a “bonus” that one gets from the procedure but without any guarantee.

The operation

Liposuction sculpts or recontours the body and it must be stressed that the aim is to alter the patient’s shape, rather than his or her overall weight. It is certainly effective in the removal of unwanted bulges and in improving the silhouette, but it is not a method for the treatment of general obesity. Fat cells removed by liposuction are permanently removed. Fat can never regenerate in the specific area thus treated. However, by eating to excess one may still gain excess weight and fatty bulges in other areas.

Particular areas of the body that can be helped by liposuction are the hips, inner thighs, outer thighs (‘saddle-bags’ or ‘riding-breeches’), the abdomen or stomach, the buttocks, the waist (‘love-handles’ problem in men) upper arms, knees, ankles, the over-developed male breast, the ‘dowagers hump’ problem, and the double chin. Liposuction may be carried out in a number of areas at the same time or be combined with another procedure.

Procedure	Liposuction (Liposculpture)
Anaesthesia	General or Twilight with local
Hospital stay	Depends on amount removed. Day stay or 1 night
Removal of stitches	5 - 7 days
Return to work	1 week
Full recovery	3 months
After care	Massage to area Abdominal corset to be worn

For example, it may be done with a facelift where excess fat is present under the chin. The amount of fat removed is up to the surgeon but between one and two litres is considered safe.

The operation may be carried out under general or twilight anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case. Operation time will depend on the number and extent of areas treated. The length of stay in hospital will also vary for the same reasons, from a day case to one night.

Pressure bandages or a corset will normally be applied immediately after surgery to control swelling and prevent any accumulation of blood or serum under the skin. We want to encourage the skin to attach snugly to the muscle wall. Bruising, swelling and discomfort after the operation is a normal, but temporary condition, the degree depending upon the extent and location of the area treated.

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Post-operative care instructions given by the surgeon must be followed carefully and will include massage to the area and the wearing of pressure bandages or a corset. Patients usually return to work after seven days, possibly before, although as mentioned, pressure bandages/corset will need to be worn under clothing for up to six weeks.

Suitability for this type of treatment, as with any other treatment, will be assessed by the surgeon at consultation, but is based on several factors, such as the quality and elasticity of the skin, the amount of fat requiring removal and the general condition of the patient and past medical history. The specifics are best discussed with the surgeon for a complete understanding of the potentials in any individual case.

Finally, fat removal by liposuction is one of the most exciting and effective treatments of modern cosmetic surgery. It is an excellent technique that produces very favourable results - it can also be judiciously employed with other procedures to enhance their effects.

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