LIPOSUCTION

Overview

Liposuction is a procedure designed to remove localized fat in the body by using a hollow cannula connected to a powerful vacuum device. Liposuction commonly performed on abdomen, back, hip, thigh, buttock, arm, chin, calf and enlarged male breasts. Liposuction is one of the commonest cosmetic surgical procedures performed worldwide. To ensure patient’s safety and optimal results, the patient must be medically fit, liposuction should be performed by qualified and experienced surgeons, and liposuction conducted in appropriate surgical environment.

Liposuction is an effective technique to remove fat localized in one or more parts on the body. It is not a treatment for generalized overweight or obesity which require diet control and exercise.

Fat harvested during liposuction can be used for fat transfer (see Fat Transfer section)

Objectives

Remove excess fat from targeted area in the body (e.g. tummy bulges, love handles around the flanks and saddle bags around the thighs)
Sculpture the body to desirable contour and shape
Eliminate fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise

Preoperative Preparation

• Treat and stabilize all existing medical conditions, if any.
• Stop smoking at least one week before surgery
• Stop one week before surgery

All supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginko, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that encourage bleeding during surgery
Medicine that exacerbate bleeding during operation such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. You may first need to consult the physician who prescribed the medicine

Surgery

Duration of Surgery: Average 1.0-1.5 hours per part. Total duration depends on the amount of fat and the number of parts of body involved
Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia
When to Go Home after Surgery: Usually go home the same day, extensive liposuction may require overnight stay in hospital.
Back to work: Average 3-7 days, depends on the extent of liposuction
Technique: small incisions are made around the target areas to introduce cannula (2-4mm in diameter). Tumescent fluid is infiltrated into the target area to control pain and blood loss. Fat is suctioned with liposuction cannula.

Recovery

• Actual recovery time depends on the extent of the liposuction
• Swelling and bruises may be present for around one to two weeks
• Most patients are able to ambulate from day one after operation
• Patient is to complete the antibiotics prescribed
• Compression garment is required to help support the skin for at least one month
• Continue to control diet and exercise to maintain the desirable body weight and body shape