Lipoplasty

Lipoplasty in all its various guises has always been one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures after breast enlargement. It is part of the group of body-contouring procedures, which also includes tummy tuck (abdominiplasty), Skin-Tightening procedures (arm, thigh and buttock lifts) and Muscle enhancing procedures (calf, buttock and pectoral implants, and abdominal six-pack etching).

Lipoplasty is the term that might be applied to a group of operations that are intended, in broad terms, to suck out the excess fat content of localised areas on a person’s body. Their purpose is, in almost all situations, to improve the contour or shape of the body.

In this sense, the term can be considered to encompass all the following operations:

• Liposuction is the original form of fat removal. It usually involves the use of much larger cannulae and conventional suction machines. The aim is generally to remove only the deeper layer of fat. As a result, it is often associated with residual fat deposits.

• Liposculpture is a more modern refinement of conventional liposuction. It uses far smaller cannulae and involves the plastic surgeon suctioning fat from much nearer the surface of the skin. As a result, it leaves far less fat behind, and in experienced hands produces much more smooth aesthetically pleasing results. The suction may be applied either by a machine or in a much gentler fashion by a simple hand-held syringe (so-called superficial syringe liposculpture). By using such small instruments, the plastic surgeon really is able to sculpt the body in a gentle controlled way.

The plastic surgeon uses whichever technique, or combination of techniques, that he feels is necessary.

Why do patients seek lipoplasty?

Our patients have often battled for many years to either reduce localised fat deposits, to improve the shape and tone of their body through exercise, or to improve the appearance of cellulite etc. For many of these problems, Lipoplasty is the only answer.

What to think about at this stage

It is important that before you see the surgeon, you consider what you are trying to achieve from your surgery. In particular, you must understand that Lipoplasty is most definitely not a treatment for weight loss or obesity.

How is lipoplasty performed?

• Lipoplasty may be performed under either local anaesthetic, local anaesthetic with sedation, or general anaesthetic.

• Small (5mm) stab incisions are made in the skin.

• Anaesthetic fluid is injected throughout the area to be operated upon.

• The fat is aspirated through fine cannulae.

• The operation takes anything from thirty minutes to two hours or more depending on the volume of fat to be removed.

• Many patients go home the same day. Larger cases remain in hospital for one night.

• Patients wear tight support dressings for several weeks.

• If your work is not physical, expect to return to work after seven to ten days.

• Expect to be back to normal physical exercise after six to eight weeks.

At consultation, Mr Rezai will advise upon a highly personalised treatment plan.

Following the operation

As with all surgery, you must expect to feel bruised and sore. The treated areas are likely to be swollen. You will have to wear a tight support garment for several weeks. Most patients are able to fully resume normal activity within three to four weeks.

As with almost all surgical wounds, the wounds related to lipoplasty continue to heal for more than one year. It is important to remember that the ‘wounds’ in question relate to the whole area operated upon; and not to the small incision sites.

Risks & Complications

Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely free from risk.

For further information concerning the risks and complications associated with Lipoplasty, please refer to Risks and Complications of Liposuction.

At Consultation, Mr Rezai will discuss these risks with you.

How long will the results of your lipoplasty last?

The very considerable benefits of lipoplasty last extremely well. The result is permanent, since the removed fat cells will not regenerate and by maintaining a sensible weight, and preferably also exercising, the patient will be doing all they can to both maintain and even improve the result of their surgery.