Liposuction

 

Liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures:     A way of permanently removing pockets of stubborn fat from areas such as neck, upper arms, breast, tummy, hips, bottom, thighs, knees, calves, ankles or face. You have to corcern that liposuction is not an alternative to loosing weight. 
The scars remaining after the suction  are very small (5 mm) therefore hardly visibles.

Anaesthetic: local or general anaesthetic;  Duration of the treatment: 1-2 hours 
Hospital stay: out-patient or 1 day ;  Proposed stay in Cyprus: 2 days after surgery

What should I expect during the post-operative period?

After surgery you generally should be able to be transferred to your accomodation but you will need someone to drive you. In the first few days after surgery it is common for the incisions to drain fluid and you will have to change dressings frequently. Fresh blood is not usual and if you have any bleeding you should call your doctor immediately. You will be limited to sponge baths until the dressings are removed. After that you may take showers but no baths for 2 weeks. You may experience pain, burning, and numbness for a few days. Take pain medicine as prescribed by dr. David. You may notice a certain amount of bruising and swelling. The bruising will disappear gradually over 1 to 2 weeks. Some swelling may last for up to 6 months. If you have skin sutures they will be removed in 4 to 7 days. You should be able to be up and moving around the house the day after surgery but avoid any strenuous activity for about 1 month. Most people can return to work in a few days. Dr. David may want you to wear some type of elastic garment over the areas that were treated for a few weeks.

Every surgical procedure involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand the risks involved with breast augmentation. Although the majority of patients do not experience the following complications, you should  understand all possible consequences of liposuction surgery.
 

More information and risks on Liposuction/Liposculpture

Liposuction is a plastic surgical technique to remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the body, including the face and neck, upper arms, trunk, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, and the knees, calves and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method for removing localized deposits of fatty tissue that does not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction may be performed as a primary procedure for body contouring or combined with other surgical techniques such as facelift, tummy tuck, or thigh lift procedures to tighten loose skin and supporting structures.

The best candidates for liposuction are individuals of relatively normal weight who have excess fat in particular body areas. Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour after liposuction. Hanging skin will not reshape itself to the new contours and may require additional surgical techniques after liposuction to remove and tighten excess skin. Body-contour irregularities due to structures other than fat cannot be improved by liposuction. Liposuction by itself will not improve areas of dimpled skin known as “cellulite.”

Alternative treatments for body recontouring
Alternative forms of management consist of not treating the areas of fatty deposits. Diet and exercise regimens may be of benefit in the overall reduction of excess body fat. Direct removal of excess skin and fatty tissue may be necessary in addition to liposuction in some patients.

RISKS of LIPOSUCTION SURGERY
Every surgical procedure, including liposuction, involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand the risks involved with liposuction. An individual’s choice to undergo a liposuction is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit. Although the majority of patients do not experience these complications with liposuction, you should discuss each of them with Dr. David to make sure you understand the risks, potential complications, and consequences of liposuction.

• Patient selection- Individuals with poor skin tone, medical problems, obesity, or unrealistic expectations of what may be achieved with liposuction, may not be candidates for liposuction.

• Bleeding- It is possible, though unusual, to have a bleeding episode during or after liposuction.  Do not take any clot-system related medications for 14 days before surgery, as this may increase the risk of bleeding.

• Infection- An infection is quite unusual after liposuction surgery.

• Change in and skin sensation- Temporary changes in skin sensation may occur after liposuction, which will usually resolve. Diminished or complete loss of skin sensation infrequently occurs and may not totally resolve.

• Skin scarring- Although good wound healing after a liposuction is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues after liposuction.

• Skin contour irregularities- Contour irregularities and depressions in the skin may occur after liposuction. Visible and palpable wrinkling of skin can also occur after liposuction.

• Asymmetry- Symmetrical body appearance may not result from liposuction surgery. Factors such as skin tone, bony prominence, and muscle tone may contribute to normal asymmetry in body features. These usually exist prior to liposuction surgery.

• Surgical shock- In rare circumstances, liposuction can cause severe trauma, particularly when multiple or extensive areas are suctioned at one time and excessive fluid loss can lead to severe illness and even death. Should surgical shock occur after liposuction, hospitalization and additional treatment would be necessary.

• Pulmonary complications- Fat embolism syndrome occurs when fat droplets are trapped in the lungs. This is a very rare and possibly fatal complication of liposuction. Should fat embolism or other pulmonary complications occur following liposuction, additional treatment including hospitalization may be necessary.

• Skin loss- Skin loss is very rare after liposuction.

• Seroma- Fluid accumulations infrequently occur in areas where liposuction has been performed.

• Long term effects- Subsequent alterations in body contour may occur as the result of aging, weight loss of gain, pregnancy, or other circumstances not related to liposuction.

• Allergic reactions- In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture material, or topical preparations have been reported. Systemic reactions which are more serious may occur to drugs used during liposuction surgery and prescription medicines.

• Other- You may be disappointed with the results of liposuction surgery. Infrequently, it is necessary to perform additional surgery to improve your results.

• Surgical anesthesia- Both local and general anesthesia involve risk. There is the possibility of complications, injury, and even death from all forms of surgical anesthesia or sedation, including liposuction surgery.

ADDITIONAL SURGERY NECESSARY
There are many variable conditions in addition to risk and potential surgical complications that may influence the long term result from liposuction. Even though risks and complications occur infrequently, the risks cited are particularly associated with liposuction. Other complications and risks can occur but are even more uncommon. Should complications occur after liposuction surgery, additional surgery or other treatments may be necessary. The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there cannot be any guarantee or warranty expressed or implied, on the results that may be obtained after liposuction surgery.

Fortunately, major complications from liposuction surgery are uncommon.  Every year, thousands of people undergo liposuction surgery and experience no significant problems.