Liposuction

It is everyone’s aspiration to become fit and trim. Exercise and dietary control are the best ways to achieve it. Localized deposits of fat are sometimes resistant and some people cannot put in effort to reduce weight. Liposuction removes fat accumulated between the skin and the muscles. Fat can be removed from unwanted sites. Up to 10 to 15 litres of fat can be removed in a single sitting depending on the amount of fat accumulated and the fitness of the person. Liposuction is also the best method to treat male breast.

How is liposuction done?

Liposuction in done under local or general anaesthesia. Through tiny holes small canulae are passed and fat is removed by suction.

What is PAL?

Pal is power assisted liposuction. A small motor moves the canula a few thousand times per minute and helps to remove more fat in a given time, reduces the bleeding and helps in shrinkage of skin.

This is the best liposuction method available at the present.

Is the procedure painful?

Liposuction is done under anaesthesia and it is painless. Like any other surgical procedure some amount of pain after liposuction is expected and it can be controlled with drugs.

What about hospital stay?

Hospital stay depends on the amount of fat removed. Discharged in the evening after minor liposuction and may have to stay for two days after major liposuctions.

What are the precautions to be taken before surgery?

Smoking, Aspirin or Aspirin containing drugs, Vit. E and birth control pills should be stopped two weeks before surgery.

What are the precautions to be taken after surgery?

Pressure garments are to be worn for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery to reduce edema and to allow skin shrinkage. Avoid exercises for two weeks.

Does the fat accumulate again?

Fat is less likely to accumulate at the liposuction site as we remove most of fat cells. If the person indulges in eating and avoids exercises, fat can accumulate at other places.

How much weight can be reduced with liposuction?

During liposuction fat is removed along with some body fluids. For each litre removed, approximately 700 gm weight is lost. Weight loss is not obvious immediately after surgery due to edema. One has to wait for 4 to 6 weeks to see the actual result.

What will happen to the extra skin?

In most cases the extra skin will shrink. In a few cases, the extra skin is removed.

What are the complications of liposuction?

Complications associated with anaesthesia are common to all surgical procedures. Minor complications like fluid collection, irregularity, skin laxity, numbness and skin discoloration can occur. Major complications are very rare.

When can I go back to my work?

Depending on the amount of fat removed, it will take 1 to 14 days to go back to work.