Liposuction

Although fat cells that have been removed do not grow back, the remaining fat cells do continue to store fat if the patient puts on weight. An increase in fat cell mass can therefore not be ruled out. Liposuction is therefore not suitable for those who are very overweight or morbidly obese.

Additional procedures may be required if the skin is very saggy, e.g. tightening of the stomach, arms or legs.

One positive side effect of liposuction is that orange peel syndrome (cellulite) is also reduced by the removal of fat cells. Liposuction technique also improves the surface of the skin, and orange peel syndrome (cellulite) is often eliminated entirely. The tiny incisions are usually no longer noticeable after 3-4 weeks.

According to scientists, liposuction is the best method for ridding the body of fatty deposits, but it is not suited to reducing fat in people who are generally overweight. Liposuction can be considered once the patient has lost the majority of their weight. A surgical liposuction procedure can permanently remove fatty deposits located under the skin in almost all areas of the body, including the face and neck.

Smokers should reduce their cigarette intake to a minimum for four weeks before the operation. Certain painkillers should be stopped at the latest 14 days before the planned procedure.

Before the procedure, the doctor marks the positions on the body from where fat is to be removed. The operation area is disinfected, covered in a sterile dressing and small skin incisions are made in unobtrusive positions. Thin tubes are inserted into the body through these 3 mm incisions. A vacuum pump is then used to remove the loosened fat cells by suction. The small incisions are then sewn up and a tightly fitting bandage is applied. This helps to counter the swelling. A compression garment is also applied to help support the new result.

The length of the operation essentially depends on the quantity of fatty tissue to be removed, the type of anaesthetic, and the operating technique being used. The procedure most commonly lasts between one and three hours.

Fat removal by liposuction can often be performed on an outpatient basis. Anaesthetic is only required for a more extensive treatment. The final result can only be assessed between a few weeks and 3 months after the procedure.

The skin adjusts to the new contours of the body after liposuction. Additional surgical procedures to tighten the skin may be required if the elasticity of the skin is no longer adequate. A tightly fitting compression garment should be worn for 1 - 2 weeks after the procedure. An ultrasound or lymphatic drainage treatment before and after liposuction can also be helpful. The patient requires three to four days of downtime from work. Any heavy physical strain and exercise should be avoided for 1 - 2 weeks.

Alongside anti-wrinkle treatment, liposuction is one of the most common forms of plastic surgery. No more than 5 litres of subcutaneous fatty tissue may be removed per treatment to avoid placing excess strain on the body. If this is not sufficient, several treatment sessions can be performed.

The skin's sensitivity to touch may be slightly reduced after liposuction. It is essential that the patient wears a compression corsage after treatment. In rare cases, internal scarring may occur through the accumulation of blood and tissue fluid. This generally evens out again within 6 months. Also, liposuction often causes bruising, redness and swelling. These side effects disappear completely after 4 weeks. You may also feel a slight muscle ache on the day after the procedure. In rare cases, liposuction can also cause indentation of the skin and uneven patches. These can be corrected by means of an additional treatment.