Definition and objectives

Liposuction evacuates any excess fat from the hips, abdomen, thighs, knees, calves, ankles and arms.

Liposuction is carried out using a foam cannula with a rounded, non-sharp and perforated edge which is introduced into the skin through micro-incisions.

As a result of improved techniques, liposuction can now be applied to the face and neck (double chin, oval of the face) and skin in the treated zone is not damaged (the blood vessels and nerves are intact).

It should be pointed out that liposuction is neither a slimming method nor treatment for obesity.

Prior to surgery

A preoperative examination is carried out in the course of which the patient tells the surgeon of his or her medical and surgical history and informs the surgeon of any treatment taken. No medication containing aspirin should be taken for 10 days prior to the operation.

Liposuction can be carried out under local anaesthesia, deep local anaesthesia (using tranquilisers administered by intravenous route), general anaesthesia and, possibly, locoregional anaesthesia (the entire body is made insensitive but the patient is kept awake).

The patient decides with the surgeon and anaesthetist which type of anaesthesia will be used.

The hospital stay ranges from a few hours for minor liposuction to one to two days for more major liposuction.

The operation

The incisions are short (3-4mm) and unnoticeable (most often hidden in a natural skin fold). Fat is aspirated using a foam cannula. The treated zone is contained within a dressing using elastic strips or in liposuction pants. The operation takes from 20 minutes to 3 hours depending on the amount of fat to be removed.

After the operation

Ecchymoses and oedema of the treated zone occur but disappear 10 to 20 days later. Compression clothing should be worn for 2 to 4 weeks.

Sporting activities can be resumed 3 weeks after the operation. Treated zones should not be exposed to the sun for at least 3 weeks.

Result

The result is not visible until 2 to 3 weeks after the operation. It is considered to be satisfactory after 4 to 6 months.

After liposuction, surface irregularities may persist. The surgeon can touch up these from the 6th month.

Possible complications

is considered to be one of the most delicate operations in cosmetic surgery. Using a qualified plastic surgeon is a guarantee against such complications or at least gives you the assurance that complications will be treated if need be.

The following are amongst the possible complications :

- infection: usually prevented by taking antibiotics before and after surgery.

- thrombo-embolic incidents (phlebitis, pulmonary embolism): wearing anti-thrombosis tights, minimum mobility and anti-coagulant treatment help minimise this.

- bleeding: this is nothing to worry about except in cases of coagulation disorders.

- haematoma and lymph effusion: these are rare.

- cutaneous necrosis: this prolongs the healing period and can leave scars although this is rare.

- metabolic problems: can occur when excessive liposuction has been carried out.