Cosmetic surgery - liposuction

Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery in which deposits of fat are removed to reshape or reduce one or more areas of the body. Common areas targeted include thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms, neck and under the chin.

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction or a cure for obesity. Having liposuction will not help prevent cardiovascular disease or improve your general health and wellbeing. Another name for this procedure is suction assisted lipectomy.

Liposuction can be used to remove ‘pockets of fat’
Body image concerns are the main reason people consider liposuction. Some people of normal weight have localised pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Common sites include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arm, neck and beneath the chin.

You need to be fit and healthy
Liposuction is best suited to normal weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of fat in certain areas. To be suitable for liposuction you must be physically healthy, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. Although age is not a significant concern, older people may have less skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger person with tighter skin.

Things to consider
Before you opt for liposuction, there are some important issues to keep in mind:

• Choose an appropriately qualified surgeon. Ask them about their training and experience in performing the procedure.
• Inform yourself fully of the possible risks, side effects and complications of the procedure.
• Think carefully about your expectations. Liposuction may improve your appearance and self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily deliver your ‘ideal’ body image or change your life.
• Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction or a cure for obesity. Having liposuction will not help prevent cardiovascular disease or improve your general health and wellbeing.
• Think about the impact on your financial situation, as cosmetic surgery does not usually qualify for rebates from Medicare or private health insurance companies.
• You should have a ‘cooling off’ period after attending your first consultation. This will give you time to think about your decisions.

• Medical history – since some pre-existing conditions may influence decisions on surgery and anaesthesia
• Possible risks and complications – liposuction carries greater risk for people with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be treated
• Any medications you take on a regular basis – including over-the-counter preparations and vitamin supplements
• Any previous bad reactions – or side effects from any drugs.

• A tiny incision (cut) is made and a cannula (narrow tube) is inserted.
• The cannula is pushed and pulled through the fat layer to break up the fat cells, which are then vacuumed out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or large syringe.
• The person is given intravenous fluids (directly into the vein) during and immediately after surgery to replace the fluids lost when the fat is removed.
• Depending on the number of areas receiving treatment, the procedure can take up to two hours.

• Ultrasound-assisted – an ultrasound device is used to melt the pockets of fat to make them easier to remove.
• Tumescent – fluids containing a local anaesthetic are injected into the fat pockets.
• Super-wet – the surgeon injects approximately the same quantity of water as there is fat to be removed.
• Fluid injection – a combination of local anaesthetic, epinephrine and saline solution is injected into the fat pocket. Epinephrine helps to constrict blood vessels and limit blood loss and bruising.

• Bruising and swelling
• Possible numbness and minor pain
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Insertion of a small drainage tube – this may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up
• To start walking around as soon as possible – your doctor may advise this to reduce swelling and help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs
• A pressure garment – this may need to be worn over the treated area to control swelling and help the skin adjust to the new underlying shape.

• In ultrasound-assisted liposuction – injury to the skin or deeper tissues due to the heat from the ultrasound device that is used to liquefy fat cells
• In the tumescent and super-wet techniques – complications caused by the injection of anaesthetic fluid can include lignocaine toxicity (if the solution’s lignocaine content is too high) or collection of fluid in the lungs (if too much fluid is given)
• Excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shock
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection – this is a serious complication, as infections that develop in fatty tissues are difficult to treat
• Delayed healing
• Friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves
• Irregular skin surface
• Asymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surface
• Numbness
• Skin pigmentation changes
• Perforation injury to the vital organs
• Allergic drug reactions
• Formation of blood clots or fat clots, which may migrate to the lungs and cause death.

• Strenuous activity should be avoided for about one month as the body continues to heal.
• You need to see your doctor one week to 10 days after surgery to have your stitches removed.
• You may need to continue wearing your pressure garment for several weeks.
• Any bleeding, unusual symptoms or severe pain should be reported to your doctor.

• Eating a healthier, low fat diet
• Exercise
• Massage
• Accepting yourself as you are.

• Your doctor
• Plastic surgeon
• The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons Information Hotline Tel. 1300 367 446.

• Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery in which localised deposits of fat are removed to reshape or reduce one or more areas of the body.
• Liposuction is most likely to be successful for healthy weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas.
• Liposuction is not a substitute for good diet and regular exercise.

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