Liposuction

What Is Liposuction Surgery?

Patients typically undergo liposuction surgery when they want stubborn areas of body fat removed. The aim of the procedure is to contour the body and produce a slimmer, flatter figure. For example, you may have an area of fat on your abdomen or hips that you can’t get rid of, despite a healthy diet and exercise. If this is the case, then liposuction may be right for you.

Before you come to a decision about whether you want to proceed with liposuction surgery, you will have a full consultation with Mr Sierakowski. He will listen to your desired goals and talk you through the available options, to help you achieve them. In addition, he will talk you through the potential risks of the procedure and answer any questions you may have about liposuction surgery.

What To Expect From Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction surgery involves sucking out deposits of fat using a device called a cannula, which is attached to a suction machine. The fat is sucked out into a canister, which is then discarded, or may be used as fat graft in a technique called lipofilling. Areas commonly targeted by liposuction include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks and upper arms.

What Happens During Fat Removal Surgery?

Fat removal by liposuction usually takes place under general anaesthetic. The length of the procedure will depend on the areas that are being treated, but will typically last between 1 and 2 hours. Before the operation, Mr Sierakowski will mark where the fat is going to be removed from. This is done whilst you are awake so that you can help identify any areas that are particularly bothering you. Once you are asleep, the area to be treated by liposuction will be injected with a special solution. This helps with the fat removal and also contains local anaesthetic for pain relief. The fat is then removed by inserting the cannula through small 5mm incisions. The number of incisions required will depend on the size of the areas being treated. The cannula is attached to a special machine which causes it to vibrate as it is moved back and forth – this helps break up the fat deposits.

Following liposuction surgery, patients will be fitted with an elasticated support garment, or sometimes compression bandages, in order to reduce swelling and bruising. Patients are required to wear this for at least 6 weeks after the procedure.

Are There Any Potential Risks From Liposuction Surgery?

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with liposuction, which Mr Sierakowski will discuss with you before you decide to go ahead with the procedure. After liposuction, it is normal to have some bruising and swelling. This will settle down in the coming weeks, helped by wearing the support garment.

There are some other less frequent, but more serious, risks that you should be aware of, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Contour irregularities
• Seroma (fluid collection)
• Persistent swelling (oedema)
• Nerve injury
• Asymmetry
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolus
• Fat embolus

Please speak to Mr Sierakowski for more information about these potential risks and complications, to help you make an informed decision regarding your liposuction surgery.

What To Expect From Recovery After Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction can be carried out as a day case procedure, or with an overnight stay. You will be required to wear a supportive pressure garment for at least 6 weeks after the surgery; this will help to reduce swelling and tighten the skin over the area of fat removal. Depending on the amount and type of liposuction performed, you may need 1 to 2 weeks off work and you may not be able to drive during this time. Mr Sierakowski will advise you depending on your particular circumstances. It is recommended that you avoid the gym and other strenuous activity for the first 6 weeks following liposuction surgery.

At Essex Plastic Surgery, you will be supported from your first consultation right through to your recovery, as we understand how important your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery is. After your liposuction surgery, you will be seen by Mr Sierakowski at regular follow-up appointments, usually at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months after the procedure.

Liposuction Surgery In Essex

If you are looking to undergo fat removal surgery, Mr Sierakowski performs liposuction in several locations across Essex. These include the Wellesley Hospital in Southend, Phoenix Hospital in Chelmsford, and Springfield Hospital in Chelmsford. For more information about liposuction surgery, get in touch with our experienced team, today.