Liposuction

Liposuction & Liposculpture

Liposuction, commonly known as liposculpture, involves removing unwanted pockets of subcutaneous fat. Traditionally liposuction is solely a fat reduction procedure. However, the recent terms liposculpture and body contouring more specifically define newer techniques utilizing energy (eg ultrasound, laser, radiofrequency, highly pressurized water spray) at the same time as the traditional suction to obtain enhanced improvements in skin tightening and body shaping.

Overall, fat removal while simultaneously re-contouring, creates an aesthetically pleasing improve body. Those with significant stretch marks, loose skin prior to liposuction can often have worsening of the skin laxity and should avoid overly aggressive liposuction procedures or consider skin removal surgery at the same time. Those with significant cellulite prior to the procedure should have a complimentary targeted treatment for this condition at the same time as the liposuction procedure. People often think of liposuction as a weight loss procedure, although it is not. Whilst liposuction selectively removes fat and contours skin, these fat pockets are in persistent localised areas that are unable to be rid with diet and exercise alone. Those who have a significant amount of fat from obesity will not benefit from liposuction and will be unhappy with results.

Bothersome fatty deposits are found in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as the face, neck, breast, abdomen, upper arm, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles. The procedure can be performed in multiple areas at a time and however Dr Tran follows strict guidelines regarding safe volumes. Multiple staged procedures may be necessary for full body contouring.

Goals for a liposuction or liposculpture procedure:

improvement in body disproportion and shape
reduction in fat in the treatment areas
muscular defining and shaping with a hi-definition procedure such as vaser liposuction
reduction of symptoms such as pain or swelling in fatty areas in patients with lipedema
improvement in contours, indentations, skin induration or hardness in those with poor previous outcomes (eg revision liposuction)

Final results may not be evident for six to twelve months for most procedures. During this time, your body balances fluids and the skin and remodels underlying tissues. Final results also depend on proper nutrition and exercise.

Dr Tran begins the procedure begins by making small incisions in hair bearing areas or natural skin folds to limit scarring. A special tumescent solution (with anaesthetic medication) is next placed within the fatty areas to be removed. This solution provides numbness to the areas and limits blood loss. Fat is then carefully removed from the areas of concern using a surgical instrument called a cannula, which is attached with tubing to a suction machine. A cannula is a small blunt-ended instrument with specialised openings at the end to allow for easy removal of fat with limited bruising and swelling.

The time for completion of the procedure depends upon the total amount of fatty tissue removed and the detail of the procedure. Traditional tumescent liposculpture procedures can take a few hours to take place. At the end of the procedure, the skin openings will be left open to to drain residual fluid and will heal naturally with our significant scarring. The patient is placed in a compression garment that is worn for approximately 4-8 weeks.

While recovery is easy, you should expect some initial drainage along with swelling, bruising and discomfort. Your compression garment will minimise the swelling, bruising, discomfort and assist in the retraction of any loose skin.

While some results are noted immediately, your final shape and form will continue to improve as your swelling subsides. You will be encouraged to be up and about the night of your surgery and progressively increase your activities. Usually light work duties may be resumed within 5-7 days and vigorous exercise by 2-4 weeks.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Patients desiring fat removal in problem areas such as the facial, neck, abdomen, breast, arms or legs.
Patients looking for a more athletic or contoured body shape.
Patients of most ages who are healthy and living an active lifestyle with diet and exercise.
Patients who understand that this is not a weight loss procedure.
Patients with realistic expectations.

Procedure Description for Liposuction

Recuperation and Healing

You will be discharged home to the care of a responsible adult.
You are encouraged to be up and about the first night.
Some blood-tinged drainage is expected for usually the first 1-2 days.
Light household duties may be resumed in 3-5 days.
Most patients resume standard pre-operative activities with 2 to 4 weeks after their surgery.

Notes

The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for a given individual can only be fully determined at the time of consultation with Dr Tran. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications, which rarely affect the overall cosmetic results, occur occasionally such as swelling, bruising, and skin numbness. Major complications are rare, but include cosmetic irregularities such as lumps and bumps, poor contouring or body shape, indentations, scarring, skin necrosis or skin death, discoloration of the skin, infections, bleeding or hematomas, fluid build up or seromas.