What is the liposuction procedure?

The procedure will start with your surgeon marking the areas to be treated with a special marker pen. He or she will then make
a series of small incisions in those areas. Hollow needles or cannulas are inserted into these incisions and are pushed and pulled in order to break down fat cells.

These fat cells are loosened and then suctioned out by means of a vacuum pump or a suction syringe.

The maximum amount of fat that can be removed is 3000 cc.

This procedure is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic – for larger areas or a local for small areas. You may be treated as a day case but this depends on the amount of liposuction you are having. In many cases, you are looking at a one night stay in hospital.

Liposuction can take from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the extent of fat removal.

There are several different techniques for liposuction which are:

  • Tumescent Liposuction

This is where fluid is injected into the area to be suctioned off. This causes the fat to become ‘firm’ which helps to prevent blood loss.

The advantage of this procedure is that the patient does not require a general anaesthetic and an IV drip.

  • Dry Liposuction

    • This is the traditional method of fat removal. Fat cells are broken down by the forceful movements with the cannulas and are siphoned off by a syringe or pump.

    It can cause a great deal of bleeding and bruising and as a result of this is used less frequently.

  • Wet Liposuction

    • This requires a general anaesthetic. Fluid is injected into the area of fat to be removed.

  • Super-Wet Liposuction

    • Very similar to Wet Liposuction but it uses less fluid than the other technique.

  • Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

    • The cannulas are attached to a power supply which makes it easier to break down fat cells. This means less physical work for the surgeon. The broken down cells are suctioned off as usual.

  • Ultrasonic Liposuction (UL)

    • The surgeon uses an ultrasonic paddle or probe which emits ultrasound waves to the areas to be treated. This liquefies the fat and allows it to be removed more easily.

    But, it can take longer and as a result of this, may be more expensive than other techniques.

  • Laser Liposuction

    • This is one of the least invasive liposuction techniques. A laser is used which emits a high frequency beam of light to liquefy stubborn fat deposits. These liquid deposits are then siphoned off as usual.

    Whichever method you choose there will be scarring although these will take the form of a series of small scars which will fade over time.

    Liposuction Surgery Guide Index:

    COSMETIC SURGERY TREATMENTS

    Medic8® Guides

    © Medic8® | All Rights Reserved
    We have updated our cookie policy to reflect new guidelines. I agree I want to learn more