Body Contouring - Liposuction and Liposculpture
Liposuction is a simple procedure to perform. However, to get that beautiful, smooth result you need a surgeon with a high level of skill and technical ability. Cannulae are put under the skin and attached to suction apparatus to remove unwanted fat.
Satisfied Client
"I have been going to the gym for the last 5 years but just couldn't get rid of those saddle bags. After my liposuction I have a new, more youthful shape and I can wear anything in my wardrobe and feel fantastic."
Liposculpture can be used anywhere on the body and is particularly popular on the tummy, thighs, arms and buttocks. Dr Flood performs liposculpture as a day stay procedure, usually under a light anaesthetic. A compression garment is worn for about 4 weeks after the procedure, which will help support your new shape.
Most of Dr Flood's patients return to work 3-7 days after and there may be some slight bruising or swelling for a few weeks.
Dr Flood performs liposuction with very thin cannulae measuring between 2.0 and 3.5mm in diameter. Performing liposuction with thin cannulae, allows one to remove fat in the more superficial layer and affords the surgeon greater precision in the way the fat is removed. Liposuction using thin cannulae also allows the overlying skin to contract, improving the final contour.
Liposuction
Ultrasonic liposuction involves the use of an ultrasonic cannula which acts as a heating probe to melt the fat prior to the fat being suctioned. This enables the surgeon to remove more stubborn fibrous fat which is found around the back region and, in cases of revisional liposuction, where scar tissue has been laid down. There tends to be a little more pain post-operatively following this technique. Ultrasonic liposuction does help the overlying skin to contract to improve contour. However, there are risks associated in the form of burning the overlying skin.
The tumescent liposuction technique involves preinjecting the area to undergo liposuction with fluids containing normal saline, a vaso-constrictor and a local anaesthetic agent. This significantly reduces the amount of blood that is lost in the liposuction procedure, as well as reducing post-operative bruising and discomfort.
The Initial Liposuction Consultation
At the time of your initial consultation a thorough assessment will be performed on the tissues requiring liposuction. A decision would be then made whether you are appropriate for ultrasonic liposuction or fine cannulae liposuction. At times to improve the final contour, Dr Flood will decide to re-inject some of the aspirated fat at the time of liposuction into other areas to improve the final contour.
Photographs will be taken at the time of the procedure which Dr Flood will analyse to aid him with his operative plan.
Patients can prepare themselves for liposuction surgery by avoiding smoking for at least four to six weeks pre-operatively. Patients are encouraged to avoid aspiring, non steroidal anti-inflammatories, Vitamin E, Ginkgo Biloba, which can increase the risk of bleeding and subsequent bruising.
Dr Flood encourages patients to take Arnica tablets, commencing two weeks pre-operatively until two weeks post-operatively, which helps reduce swelling and bruising. Patients should maintain a healthy diet. Their weight should be stable to avoid post-operative weight fluctuations.
Liposculpture Operation
Liposuction is performed as a day surgery procedure. If only small areas of liposuction are required, then the procedure can be performed under local anaesthetic and oral sedation. If larger or multiple areas are required, then usually a general anaesthetic is more comfortable for the patient. Compression garments are worn for at least 4-6 weeks post-operatively. Patients are encouraged after two weeks post-operatively to commence a massage regimen. This helps with lymphatic flow to reduce any minor irregularities that can occur.
Most patients find that they require taking oral analgesia for a period of 24-36 hours post-operatively. Thereafter the next four days most patients have some discomfort that does not require any medication. Bruising usually takes 7-10 days to subside. Swelling may take 2-4 weeks to subside. Most patients have a very good idea at the six week mark post-operatively about their contour. Final contour may take up to 4-6 months depending on the areas of liposuction involved.
Areas of the body that can be improved by liposuction are: - Face (chin and neck) - Breasts - Fatty areas above the breasts near the arm crease - Waist area - Buttocks - Outer thighs (jodhpur deformity) - Inner thighs - Knees - Calves - Arms (both inner and outer) - Abdomen
Complications associated with liposuction include skin irregularities when too much or too little fat has been removed. Persistent tenderness or numbness for up to four months over the area of liposuction can occur. Wound infections are rare, given perioperative antibiotics are given.
Liposuction is an excellent procedure removing areas of unwanted fat that are resistant even to diet and exercise. Dr Flood has had many patients who have found that liposuction has been the "kick start" to change their lifestyle. Prior to their surgery they felt that there was no point in dieting and exercising as they would never be able to see any change in their body shape. Following liposuction they admit that there has been an incredible boost to their self-esteem and they feel the need to improve further other areas of the body which are amenable to change through a good diet and regular exercise.
Dr John Flood also provides the following related services: Facial Surgery » Breast Augumentation » Scar Revision »