What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure used to remove stubborn fat resistant to diet and exercise. It targets specific areas like the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, knees and chin, to help sculpt and contour the figure. (1)

There are different types of liposuction, each with its pros and cons. The most common types are VASER liposuction and laser liposuction.

Candidates

Anyone with stubborn fat deposits in specific areas may consider liposuction, but certain criteria can help ensure the best outcomes: (2)

• Stable weight close to ideal: The individual should be close to their ideal body weight, with no more than a 30% excess. For instance, if the ideal weight is 70 kg, the person's weight should range between 70 kg and 91 kg (no more than a 30% increase). Liposuction is not a solution for obesity, but rather a method to sculpt and contour the body.
• Good Health: Should be generally fit and not have serious underlying conditions that could complicate the procedure.
• Elastic skin and good muscle tone: It is preferable to have elastic skin and good muscle tone for the body to adapt to the new shape after liposuction.
• Non-smoker: It’s advised to quit smoking before and after surgery as it can hinder recovery.

Common Treatment Areas

Liposuction can be done on nearly any part of the body, including the: (1)

• Abdomen.
• Thighs.
• Arms.
• Buttocks.
• Hips.
• Neck and Chin.
• Waist and Back.
• Breasts.
• Calves.

Results

Results from liposuction can last for a longtime if a healthy weight is maintained. With firm and flexible skin, you can achieve a smooth, natural look. However, if there’s significant sagging skin, additional procedures like a skin lift may be needed. (1)

Risks

While generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, liposuction does have potential risks, including: (3)

Side Effects

• Swelling and bruising: Swelling peaks with in the first 48–72 hours and gradually decreases over a couple of weeks, but itmay persist for longer. Final results might take 3 to 6 months to appear.
• Fluid Leakage: Fluids may drain from the incisions for the first few days.
• Numbness: Temporary numbness may occur in the treated areas, which can last a few weeks.
• Infection: Following the surgeon’s post-care instructions helps minimize infection risks.
• Fluid Accumulation (Seroma): Fluid pockets can develop under the skin, which might resolve on their own or require aspiration with a special needle.

Less Common Complications

• Uneven results: Due to uneven fat removal or poor skin elasticity.
• Fat embolism: A rare but serious condition where fat clots can enter the bloodstream and cause blockage, potentially leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
• Skin discoloration: Hyper-pigmentation or discoloration of the skin might occur over the treated area.
• Nerve or tissue damage: This can result in numbness or chronic pain.
• General surgical risks: Include infection, excessive bleeding, and a severe reaction to anesthesia.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

It’s essential to choose a surgeon with proven experience and an excellent medical record. At Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, our team of plastic surgeons uses the latest body contouring techniques to achieve optimal results while minimizing risks.

Preparation

• Consultation: The surgeon will explain the process and discuss the expected results.
• Physical exam: Several tests are conducted to ensure that you're fit for the procedure.
• Medication adjustment: You may be instructed to stop taking certain medications, like aspirin and blood thinners before surgery.
• Fasting: You may be required to fast the night before the operation. (4)

Surgery Steps

In all types of liposuction, a solution is injected into the target area through a thin tube, fat is broken up, and thensuctioned out. Here’s a breakdown of the main steps: (4)

• Anesthesia: Depending on the area, general or local anesthesia is used.
• Incisions: Small incisions, less than a centimeter, are made through which a thin tube (cannula) can be inserted.
• Fluid Injection: A solution containing a local anesthetic and other medications is injected to minimize bleeding and soften the fat.
• Fat Breakdown: Depending on the type, different energy sources like ultrasound (VASER), laser, or others are used to break down the fat.
• Suction: The fat is then suctioned out through the cannula.
• Drainage: Any excess fluid is removed, with drainage tubes possibly left in place for a few days.

Recovery

The recovery period after liposuction varies depending on the size of the area treated. However, here's a general outline of what to expect: (5)(3)

First 3 days

• The area will be wrapped with compression garments or special bandages that help reduce swelling and pain and shape the area evenly.
• It's common to see fluid, mix ed with blood, draining from the incision at first, which turns clear over time.In some cases, drainage tubes may be inserted to help remove excess fluid—your doctor will explain how to care for these tubes and when they can be removed.
• Mild to moderate discomfort is expected, but pain relievers can help manage it.
• During this time, it's crucial to rest as much as possible and avoid unnecessary movement.

Week 1-2

• Swelling and bruising will still be present but should begin to subside gradually.
• You can return to light daily activities and work, but it's important to avoid strenuous work.
• You'll need to keep wearing your compression garments.
• Your doctor may recommend lymphatic drainage massage to get rid of excess fluids and reduce post-surgical swelling, thereby accelerating the healing process.

Week 3-5

• Swelling will have reduced significantly, though it may linger for several months.
• You'll start seeing the initial results of the procedure, which will continue to improve over time.
• Your doctor may allow you to resume more intense physical activities.

6 weeks and beyond

• Most of the swelling and bruising will have disappeared, although some mild swelling might persist.
• Around the 6-week, you can usually stop wearing the compression garments.

Long-Term Recovery (3-6 Months)

• At this stage, any remaining swelling should have fully subsided.
• You'll see the final results of your procedure.
• To maintain the results, it's important to follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and adhere to any other instructions your doctor provides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Vaser and laser liposuction?

The overall steps of both VASER and Laser lipo are similar, but the energy used to break down the fat differs.(4)

• Laser liposuction: Uses laser heat to break up fat and is more suitable for small areas like the chin or neck.
• Vaser liposuction: Uses ultrasound waves for more precise fat removal, particularly in larger areas that require the removalof more fat. Vaser also allows for fat transfer into other areas of the body, while laser doesn't.

Your doctor will decide which method is best for you or may even combine both techniques depending on your needs.

Does fat return after liposuction?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated area. However, it'simportant to maintain a healthy weight to preserve the results. If you gainweight after lipo, fat may accumulate in other areas of the body, including thetreated areas, though to a lesser degree. As a result, your body should stilllook better than it did before the surgery, even with minor weight gain. (6)

Will there be scars after liposuction?

Scarring from liposuction is rare, as the incisions made for fat removal are very small. Typically, any scars that doappear will fade gradually over time. (6)

Does liposuction remove sagging skin or cellulite?

Liposuction's primary goal is to remove fat from targeted areas of the body; it doesn't tighten skin or eliminate cellulite. However, newer techniques like Vaser and laser liposuction can provide a slight skin-tightening effect, but they are not a solution for significant sagging. (4)

References

1. International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery - Procedure: Liposuction
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons - Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
3. NHS - Liposuction
4. Mayo Clinic - Liposuction
5. American Society of Plastic Surgeons - What you need to know about your liposuction recovery
6. American Society of Plastic Surgeons - LIPOSUCTION