What is the procedure of Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure involving fat removal with minimal scarring. That can be accomplished with the introduction of metal cannulas under the skin through very small stab incisions. The cannulas are attached to an external suction device. The surgeon can control the size of the cannula, the depth of tissue removal and the pressure on the suction device. There are different types of liposuction. I have been using the water-assisted liposuction (body jet) for over 15 years. My experience has taught me that the liposuction surgical technique is more important than the type of liposuction used. The secrets of successful liposuction lie with the plane and the size of the cannula. In general, the deeper the plane and the finer the cannula, the less visible any possible irregularities on the skin surface. That requires surgical skills and more operating time, but this is my commitment to you for a bespoke result.

A fine liposuction cannula is introduced on the deep surface of the fat tissue. The thickness of the fat tissue is reduced from deep to superficial and not the other way round.

Who is a good candidate for Liposuction?

Any person who has areas of fat not responding to diet and exercise

Any person who wants to improve their body contour

People with genetic conditions and abnormal distribution of fat

In combination with other procedures in order to enhance the final outcome. For example, it can be part of a lipo-abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), it is the first stage of a brachioplasty (arm lift), it is used in combination with thigh lifts and for the correction in one stage of male gynaecomastia (open resection or male breast tissue and liposuction together)

In combination with lipofilling for fat transfer. I use this Sidney Coleman fat transfer technique to restore loss of facial volume and change in shape due to ageing, in cases of breast augmentation with patient’s own fat as well as in order to correct skin irregularities or abnormal changes in contour.

Which body areas have a more predictable response?

The areas that respond best to liposuction area areas with a flat or near flat base and when the concern is local. Flanks, abdomen, hips, male breast are such areas.

Areas that respond less well are tubular structures like arms and thighs when the concern is generalised.

What is the effect of Liposuction on skin?

Liposuction has an immediate effect in fat volume-reduction due to its removal. Liposuction also has a secondary effect due to the internal scarring produced. That has as an effect a degree of further shrinkage of the tissues and can become obvious 3 months after the procedure. The degree of this secondary beneficial effect varies from patient to patient
Liposuction does not remove any excess skin but has the potential to make the skin tighter.

What is fat transfer?

Fat transfer involves liposuction techniques under low suction and with a small cannula in order to harvest viable fat tissue that can be processed and then injected to another part of your body to restore or enhance contour and volume. I use this technique routinely for lip and cheek augmentation, facial rejuvenation and autologous fat breast augmentation with or without an implant. I also use this technique to conceal irregularities like the fat atrophy secondary to steroid injection sites for hay fever.

Your bespoke liposuction transformation overview.

Consultation and Planning: 45-60 minutes
Surgical procedure: 1-2 hours on average
Hospital stay: day case or 1 night
Follow up appointments: 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 months
Time off work: 48 hours
No Driving: 48 hours
Exercise and Gym: 2 weeks

Consultation and Planning

Once you book your appointment with me, I will see you at your chosen time in my clinic. Your consultation will last 45-60 minutes. During this time, I will listen to your wishes, examine you, access aby medical conditions you may have and focus on your specific issues of concern. Your tissues will be assessed and eventually a bespoke plan will be presented to you. If you have hernias in the area to be liposucted, I will refuse to carry out the procedure and will inform your GP to channel your care in the correct direction.
The consultation process is the first step, but in my opinion, the most important as it is the cornerstone of your journey.

Surgical Procedure

Your bespoke liposuction procedure will take on average 1-2 hours and is under general anaesthetic. When you wake up in recovery, you will have been fitted with the appropriate garment.
You will stay in the hospital for a few hours after your procedure or for 1 night if you wish.

Aftercare and follow up

I will see you one week after your surgery and at 2 weeks. After that everything has usually settled, the initial swelling and bruising has gone and we will have to wait and see the secondary effect of liposuction at 3-6 months.

Risks

Overall, liposuction is a safe procedure.

1. Early: Bruising and swelling, some discomfort
2. Intermediate: Seroma
3. Late: Fat necrosis, scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularity

Bruising and swelling take about 2 weeks to go away. The commonest long-term risk of liposuction is contour irregularity. That may require a minor imperfection touch-up if possible. If that is the case, I will offer it to you.

Photo Gallery

Targeted lateral hip liposuction with liposculpture of the buttock area.
Removal of approximately 1000cc of fat in total or 500cc per hip
Result before and 3 months after

 

 

Targeted abdominal and flank liposuction with abdominal liposculpture.
Removal of 2200cc of fat in total
Result before and 3 months after

 

 

 

Large volume liposuction. 4400cc of fat removed from flanks and abdomen.
Result before and 3 months after

 

 

Abdominal liposuction. Patient had abdominoplasty elsewhere and wanted to improve anterior abdomen aesthetics. 2200 cc of fat removed from anterior abdomen.
Result before and ONLY 1 week post liposuction. My surgical markings and suture strips still visible.

 

Patient had mastopexy, abdominoplasty and mons pubis elevation 3 months before as a combined procedure. Also underwent abdominal liposuction 3 months after the combined procedure. 1800cc of fat removed.
Before picture is at the very start of her journey. After picture is at 1 week post liposuction which was her last procedure. The patient wished to maintain a small feminine curve below the tummy button but wanted to be totally flat above. Bespoke liposculpture achieved that.

 

 

Request for very subtle liposuction. Patient expressed the wish for slimmer thighs and specifically the inner knees not to come into contact. Had bespoke circumferential thigh liposuction of only 1000cc in total or 500cc per thigh. I met her wishes and that was a challenge.
Pictures before and 3 months after

 

 

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