1. science
2. medicine
3. surgery

Executive Level E1, Excen Centre, 119 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest 2065
Tel: 02 9817 7585
www.mycosmeticclinic.net
“AFFORDABILITY WITH EXCELLENCE”
Liposuction
Breast Augmentation
Abdominoplasty
Eyelids Surgery Face Lift
Neck Lift
Thread Lift
Eyebrow Lift
Anti-­‐wrinkle Injections
Facial Fillers
LIPOSUCTION
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
1. What is Liposuction or Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL)?
Liposuction or Suction assisted lipectomy is an aesthetic body contouring
procedure designed to remove localised fat deposits, such as that which
occurs on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen and hips, as well as the arms, neck
and under the chin.
2. Can liposuction be considered as an alternate of diet and exercise?
Liposuction is not a substitute for a good diet and a healthy exercise program.
It is however, an excellent way of getting rid of unwanted localized fat
deposits and bulges resistant to diet and exercise and permanently changing
the undesired contours.
3. How is Liposuction performed?
With the liposuction method, localised fat deposits are removed through
suction cannulae which are passed into small incisions. A vacuum apparatus
applies a negative pressure and the fat is literally sucked out from the area of
involvement. The whole procedure is done under local anaesthesia and
twilight sedation. At the end of the procedure a pressure garment is usually
worn for 3-6 weeks post-operatively in order to decrease bruising and swelling
and to encourage the skin to contract to the new shape.
4. What is the Tumescent technique?
The Tumescent Technique of liposuction was developed in 1985. The
Tumescent technique involves the use of large volumes of a dilute solution of
lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) in combination with the vasoconstrictive drug,
epinephrine, which shrinks capillaries.
Local anaesthesia used in the tumescent technique for liposuction is so
effective that patients no longer need intravenous sedatives, narcotic
analgesics, or general anaesthesia. This technique is now considered the
safest form of liposuction for removing very large amounts of fat because
there is virtually no blood loss. Not only has the tumescent technique proven
to be safer than the standard technique using general anaesthesia, but it also
has proven to be less painful, has minimal post operative recovery time, and
produces optimal cosmetic results.
With the Tumescent technique, infiltrating the local anaesthesia is associated
with minimal discomfort. Once the area has been completely numbed, surgery
in that area is essentially painless. In addition, because the numbness
remains in the treated area for more than 12 hours, there is no pain
immediately after surgery.
5. What results can I expect?
Liposuction works on the principle that people are born with a defined number
of fat cells. If you get fatter, your individual fat cells get fatter rather than
multiplying (not totally true with extreme obesity). Thus, if you have an
undesired deposit of fat producing an undesired contour (most commonly 'pot
belly' or 'saddle bag thighs' in females or 'love handles' in males) then these
can be permanently changed or eliminated by liposuction removal of the fat
cells producing that undesired contour because fat cells generally don't
multiply and that contour is permanently changed.
Suction lipectomy is ideal for patients who have bulges which persist after diet
and exercise. It is not a substitute for weight loss. Usually the overlying skin
will contract following suction lipectomy however in some circumstances a
procedure designed to remove excess skin may also be required. With
liposuction alone the skin is not surgically tightened. Therefore it is best suited
for people who are in good physical shape and have 'youthful' skin qualities.
6. Who is the best candidate for Liposuction?
Paradoxically the best candidates for liposuction are usually people who are
not that overweight or even at ideal body weight but have an area of fat that
just won't shift despite how much exercise or dieting they do. Any age can be
appropriate for liposuction but the younger the patient, usually the more
capacity for skin uptake.
7. Is Liposuction suitable for me?
The decision to go ahead with an aesthetic procedure is a very personal one.
The first step is a consultation with the cosmetic surgeon. Whatever your
reasons you should frankly discuss your personal goals and expectations with
respect to the outcome of the procedure (both physical and emotional) with
your surgeon. As with any aesthetic surgery you should always keep in mind
that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.
It is an operation that, in experienced and properly trained hands, produces
excellent results routinely with a minimum of potential risks or complications.
Thus, liposuction has a very high satisfaction rate.
8. What limits how much Liposuction I can have?
The first determining factor is the quality of the skin over the area to be Liposuctioned. After the fat is removed, liposuction relies on the skin contracting
down to prevent any looseness or sagging. A younger skin tends to have
more tone and allow more aggressive fat removal. Different body areas have
different quality skin and allow more or less aggressive fat removal.
Any number of specific areas can be done in one setting. However, large
volume liposuction means greater blood loss and fluid electrolyte blood
changes making it a more significant procedure. All the major common areas
are able to be treated at once in the good candidate.
9. What areas are good for Liposuction?
Basically any area that contains fat can be lipo-suctioned. The classic areas
treated include the outer thighs (saddlebags), abdomen, flanks, hips, inner
thighs, knees, ankles, breasts (in appropriate patients), and the neck and chin
region.
10. How long will the procedure take?
Depending on the extent of the procedure, suction lipectomy surgery may last
anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. However, please keep in mind that this is only
actual surgical time. In general, you would need to allocate up to a full day of
your time to allow for pre-operative procedures, the surgery itself and
appropriate post operative care.
11. How long will it take to recover from Liposuction?
Although each patient is different, in general, you will need complete bed rest
for the first 24 hours following the procedure. As with any operation the first 48
hours are the most uncomfortable. When possible, a commercially made
support garment, such as long-legged panty girdle, support tights, abdominal
binder or surgical bra will be used. Normally some form of support dressing
will be utilised for between four to six weeks. Most activities may be resumed
within 2-3 weeks however strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to 6
weeks. Bruising associated with the liposuction may take 2-3 weeks to
disappear and although a lot of swelling is gone after several weeks, it may
take several more weeks to see the final result.
Many patients choose to return to work after one week and some even sooner
depending on the extent of the procedure.
12. Will the procedure leave any scars?
Because of the small size of the incisions (less than 1cm), scars are not
usually significant after liposuction. Any scarring that does occur will fade over
time, albeit there is some variation from patient to patient.
13. What are the side effects and potential complications of this
procedure?
Although side effects vary from one patient to another, in general significant
bruising and swelling are common. The bruising usually subsides in 3-6
weeks and the swelling in 8 weeks. Most patients experience discomfort and
at times pain which may last from several days to one week after the surgery,
this depends greatly on the patient and the extent of the procedure.
Numbness may also occur but usually disappears after some months. Slight
irregularities such as minor grooving (or dimpling) under the skin may occur.
Other complications such as infection and prominent scars are unusual. Your
surgeon at the Aesthetic Day Surgery will discuss the side effects and any
potential complications directly with you at your initial consultation.
14. What if I put on weight?
If you put on weight after liposuction you will get fatter, but globally. You won't
selectively regain the contour that has been corrected by the liposuction.
15. Is a general anaesthetic necessary for this operation?
Not really. Twilight sedation and tumescent local anaesthetic is a preferred
method of most of the surgeons performing liposuction. It has an advantage of
reduce risk of complications and faster recovery. With a tumescent technique,
a large volume of fluid and local aesthetic are infused which allow the
anaesthetic to run light and this provides good pain relief after the operation.
16. What parts of the body are best suited to Liposuction?
Areas of contour defect that can be improved by liposuction include: the face
(chin and neck), abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, ankles, arms
and breasts, lateral breast/chest wall and breast enlargement in men. Better
results are able to be obtained when fat deposits are localised.
17. What is a successful liposuction surgery?
A liposuction surgery is a success when the surgeon and patient are both
happy with the results. The surgeon's goal is to obtain an optimal aesthetic
result rather than to maximize the amount of fat removed. One of the most
common causes for disappointment in the results of liposuction surgery is the
removal of too much fat, which produces an abnormal or unusual appearance.
The cosmetic success of a liposuction surgery is often the result of removing
an amount of fat equivalent to less than a pound or two of butter from a
woman's saddlebag area or from a man's love handle area. While this amount
of fat is relatively small compared to a person's total body weight, it does
produce a dramatic change in the patient's silhouette.
18. Does liposuction always remove cellulite?
Liposuction improves the silhouette of the body, but does not necessarily
eliminate the pre-existing subtle "puckering" of the skin that is often referred to
as "cellulite." Liposuction does reduce the degree of cellulite to a minor
degree but it is unlikely to produce a significant improvement or to completely
eliminate cellulite.
19. Does liposuction cause dimpling or indentations in the skin?
Dimpling and indentations in the skin is a known risk of liposuction. However
skin irregularities are unusual in the hands of a skilled surgeon. The use of
large diameter cannulas tends to increase the risk of irregularities, while the
use of microcannulas (less than 2.8 mm in outside diameter) reduces this risk.
The use of microcannulas and multiple adits (very tiny 1.5 mm round holes
placed in the skin) allows the surgeon to make a criss-cross pattern of tiny
tunnels throughout the fat which produces smoother liposuction results
compared to using larger cannulas and only two or three entrance incisions.
20. How do I schedule an initial consultation for liposuction?
Dr. Ansari is an experienced surgeon who is dedicated to helping patients
achieve the results they desire. If you are interested in experiencing the
benefits of liposuction for yourself, contact My Cosmetic Clinic.
You can call us on 0298177585 during working hours. You can book your
appointment online via our website www.mycosmeticclinic.net or you can
send an inquiry through our website and we will come in contact with you as
soon as possible.