Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure to alter body contour.
It is NOT a weight reducing procedure and, ideally, patients should be within their healthy body weight for height range (BMI 19-25).
Most patients elect to have the procedure under local anaesthetic with sedation, as a day patient. However, if the patient so desires, the procedure can be performed under general anaesthesia.
The amount of fat removed at any one session is restricted to 2,5 – 3 litres; this is to minimise the chances of postoperative complications (shock).
The “tumescent technique” of injecting a large volume of fluid containing local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictive agent (to minimise bruising and bleeding) is used.
Post operatively
Patients are required to wear a support garment for approximately 6 weeks. This helps minimise swelling and bruising.
There is normally some bruising in the treated areas, and the severity varies from patient to patient. Bruising usually disappears within 10 – 14 days but may persist a little longer.
Post operative pain is minimal and usually adequately controlled with oral pain medication. The skin overlying the treated areas may feel numb for some time before returning to normal.
Physical activity should be restricted for the first 24 hours post operatively.
After this, light exercise is encouraged but strenuous exercise should not be resumed for at least 4 weeks.
NOTE: It takes at least 6 weeks for all the swelling to subside and the final result to become apparent.
