What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a technique for removing unwanted fat deposits from areas of the body which prove resistant to exercise and improved diet.

Typically, these include the abdomen, waist, arms, thighs, face, neck, back, buttocks, hips, knees, and ankles.

It should be noted that liposuction is a body reshaping procedure and not a cure for obesity.

It is also unsuitable for treating cellulite or excess skin caused by extreme weight loss.

How does it work?

The unwanted fat is first liquefied by injections of saline solution combined with local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor ( a substance which restricts local blood flow).

Then the surgeon makes a tiny incision and inserts a hollow, stainless-steel tube called a cannula into the deep fat layer.

Working on this layer is safer than working on the superficial layer because there is less risk of injuring the skin.

The surgeon pushes and pulls the tube through the fat layer and, as the cannula moves, it breaks up the fat cells, which are sucked out with a vacuum pump or syringe.

How long does the procedure take?

Surgery takes between 30 minutes and three hours depending on the complexity of the case.

What happens after surgery?

Most cases don’t require a stay in hospital. However, surgery involving very large areas will require general anaesthesia and an overnight stay in hospital.

In all cases, a special bandage will need to be worn for approximately two to three weeks.

The wounds heal after three or four days and stitches are usually removed after seven days.

Bruising usually occurs after this and can take up to ten days to subside.

How long before I can resume my normal activities?

A minimum of 24 hours rest is recommended following liposuction.

Most people are able to resume their work and social lives after three or four days.

However, depending on the size of your operation, you should expect to wait between two weeks and a month before undertaking physically demanding activities.