Questions Answered

 

What Is Liposuction?

When is Liposuction desirable?

How would this procedure help me?

How important are psychological factors in relation to this procedure?

How is Liposuction performed?

Will I be hospitalised for the procedure?

Are there any side effects of this procedure?

What results can I expect?

Will the procedure leave any scars?

When can I resume normal activities?

The Cost?

Are you a good Candidate?

 

Before Surgery

 

During your consultation, you and Dr Flynn will discuss the areas of your body you would like to change. You will undergo an examination to thoroughly assess your fat storage, skin elasticity and review your medical and health history. Dr Flynn can discuss the placement of incisions and what other procedures may need to be performed to achieve the proper result. He will discuss what medication you should avoid, such as any that affect blood coagulation, and you may be asked to stop smoking for one to two weeks before an after surgery.

 

Although you'll be mobile immediately following your Liposuction surgery, you will want to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help out around the house for a day or so.

 

The Surgery - How It is Done

 

Although an overwhelming majority are performed on an outpatient basis, some extensive Liposuction procedures may require a brief hospital stay. Newer Liposuction techniques involve injecting the area to be suctioned with special fluid/anaesthesia combination prior to suctioning. This is called tumescent liposuction. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless, while minimising the pain. The use of micro-canulae allows us to further refine the procedure and helps with a speedier recovery.

 

Liposuction begins as your surgeon makes small incisions, approximately 2-3mm in length near the area where fat is to be removed. A thin, hollow tube, called a cannula is inserted, and is attached to a machine or syringe that creates a strong vacuum. Your surgeons will then strategically manipulate the cannula under the skin to remove the unwanted fatty deposits.

 

Depending on the type of anaesthesia, you may feel pressure, movement, or an occasional stinging sensation during the procedure, but not actual pain. Your surgeon will determine the amount of fat to remove by feeling and pinching the skin throughout the surgery.

 

After Your Surgery

 

Most patients are mobile immediately after Liposuction, although an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat are removed. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will want you to begin normal activity as soon as possible to reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light exercise is usually permitted within a few days.

 

Your surgeon may recommend that a tight-fitting garment, similar to a girdle, be worn after surgery to reduce swelling. This may need to be worn for up to six weeks. Any stitches, however, will be removed within a week and a half it they are not the type that dissolve.

 

You may not feel great just after your surgery. You've been given extra fluids during the procedure, and you'll likely experience swelling and some bruising, but this is only temporary. You may feel a little bruised and sore as if you'd overexercised that part of the body, but you should be able to resume work in a few days. Your doctor will recommend the exact timing, given your particular circumstances.

 

The New You

 

Remember, Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and your body has to heal before you see the full benefits. Your results will likely be visible within two or three weeks, but the full effect may not be fully evident for six months to a year after surgery in some cases.

 

You should maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to fully enjoy the new you for years to come. Many patients find that their Liposuction is such a psychological boost that it gives them the incentive to exercise even more than before to improve other parts of their physique. With realistic expectations, most patients are pleased with the improvements from their Liposuction procedure. The goal is for you to e more comfortable with your body and happy with your new shape.

 

There Are Risks in All Surgical Procedures

 

Liposuction is a very popular procedure that is a normally safe and effective method of removing excess fat. Like all surgery, any cosmetic surgery involves some level of risk. To help ensure a successful outcome, the patient should be a good candidate, the surgeon should be well-trained in Liposuction techniques, the surgical facility should be properly equipped and the patient should follow the doctor's instructions and advice.

 

Even with the most skilled surgeon, however, variations from the ideal result are possible. Complications include uneven skin surface, especially in patients with poor skin elasticity, bleeding, infection, discolouration, fluid accumulation beneath the skin, numbness and scarring. Although complications with this surgery are extremely rare, infection and excessive loss of fluid can lead to serious and even death.

 

Liposuction can offer a new shape for people who never thought it was possible. Discuss the benefits and risks with your surgeon given your particular circumstances.

 

What Is Liposuction?

 

Liposuction is an aesthetic (cosmetic) surgical procedure designed to remove localised collections of fat, such as occur on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen, as well as the arms, neck and under the chin.

 

When is Liposuction desirable?

 

Liposuction may be used to improve your overall body appearance by reducing and re-contouring localised collections of fat. It is not a substitute for weight reduction nor a cure for obesity.

 

How would this procedure help me?

 

A consultation with Dr Flynn is the first step in considering Liposuction. You should frankly discuss your goals and expectations, and Dr Flynn will explain to you whether this operation is right for you. Surgical lipectomy, which involves removal of excess skin, as well as fat, may be advised instead, or in addition to Liposuction. You should always keep in mind that the desired result is improvement, not perfection.

 

How important are psychological factors in relation to this procedure?

 

Emotional stability is the primary factor to be considered before any aesthetic surgery is performed. A "new body" does not guarantee a new life or an end to all personal problems. It is mostly the mental attitude of the individual that determines a successful outcome. Liposuction can improve you appearance and renew your self-confidence; the rest is entirely up to you.

 

How is Liposuction performed?

 

Either local or general anaesthesia may be advised, depending on the extent of the procedure. A cannula attached to a high powered suction pump is inserted through a small incision and the bulging fat removed. A pressure garment is usually worn for 6 weeks post-operatively in order to decrease bruising and swelling and to encourage the skin to contract to the new shape.

 

Will I be hospitalised for the procedure?

 

Liposuction can be performed as a Day Case. Twilight sedation is used and the areas needing suction will be anaesthetised. You will be able to go home after the procedure, however you will not be able to drive so you should have some one available to take you home.

 

Are there any side effects of this procedure?

 

Bruising and swelling are common – the bruising usually subsiding in 3 weeks and the swelling in 6-8 weeks. Other complication such as infection and prominent scars are unusual. Slight irregularities such as grooving under the skin may occur and this may be accompanied by looseness of the skin – although the skin does usually contract over a period of time.

 

What results can I expect?

 

Liposuction is ideal for patients who have bulge's which persist after diet and exercise. It is not a substitute for weight loss. Usually the overlying skin will contract following Liposuction, however in some circumstances a procedure designed to remove excess skin may also be required.

 

Will the procedure leave any scars?

 

Although Dr Flynn will make every effort to keep them as inconspicuous as possible, scars are the inevitable result of any surgery. Because of their small size (usually about 1 cm) scars are not usually significant after Liposuction.

 

When can I resume normal activities?

 

Returning to your normal activities is an individual matter. Dr Flynn will advise you on your schedule, but most activities may be resumed within a few weeks. Many return to work after one week, and some even sooner.

 

The Cost?

 

Fees vary depending on which area or combinations of areas are treated. Dr Flynn will discuss this cost prior to your procedure.

 

Liposuction, also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery technique developed by cosmetic surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise. These fatty bulges are most commonly found in the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, knees, ankles, calves and arms. They are also found in the facial areas such as the chin, cheeks, jowls and neck. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as facelift or chin augmentation to achieve the desired result.

 

Are you a good Candidate?

 

The best candidates for Liposuction are healthy men and women with good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for Liposuction. "Realistic" means that improvement, not always perfection, is the goal. The fatty bulges should be localised to a few areas and the individual should be near their ideal body weight. Cellulite, or waffled skin, will not be cured by Liposuction.

 

It is natural for women, in particular, to accumulate fatty deposits on the hips, buttocks and abdomen; and fat in men tends to accumulate around the mid-section. Some men experience gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.

 

Liposuction can enhance the appearance of men and women of all ages while boosting self esteem. This procedure is not for obese people. It is not meant to replace good eating and exercise habits, or to counter obesity, however, Liposuction can offer help to remove unwanted fatty deposits in many areas of the body.

 

Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your condition to see of Liposuction is right for you.