Questions and answers

• What are the first steps?

  Before meeting with your surgeon, you may want to take the opportunity to discuss your concerns and expectations with one of our specialist nurses. She will give you information about this procedure and discuss what is involved in detail, including post operative care and recovery. She will show you photographs of patients who have had this surgery to help you understand what can be achieved.

  During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss with you any areas of concern and your suitability for this procedure. He will assess the quality of your skin and the amount of fatty tissue.

  Photographs will be taken before and after your surgery to plan the procedure and to record your results.

• What does the treatment involve?

  This operation is performed either under a local anaesthetic for smaller areas, or deep sedation or general anaesthetic for more extensive areas.

  Before surgery, the areas to be treated are marked with you in a standing position. This allows the surgeon to accurately locate where the liposculpture is to be applied.

  A wetting solution of very dilute local anaesthetic is introduced to reduce bleeding and make it easier to move the liposuction cannula back and forth. This is also sometimes referred to as the so called “tumescent technique”.

• What is the recovery process?

  When fat tissue is suctioned from under the skin, it leaves small tunnels and empty pockets that need time to heal. You will need to wear a compressive dressing or girdle to help this process to minimize bruising or swelling, to provide a degree of support for loose skin and to even out any irregularities.

  The girdle is normally worn continuously for one to two weeks, and then as much as possible for the a further two weeks.

  Generally areas treated with liposculpture are tender to pressure but there is usually little pain. Although there may be a feeling of stiffness when moving about, this discomfort usually subsides after a few days.

  Bruising usually starts to settle after a week and has faded by two weeks. However, it can take four to five weeks for all the bruising to disappear. Swelling resolves more slowly, with the final result becoming apparent only after three to six months.

  In the more extensive or complex cases of body contouring by liposculpture, a second stage, fine-tuning procedure will enhance the results. It is best to put off this decision for at least six months, while you are getting back to an active lifestyle and your optimal body weight.

• When can I return to work and other activities?

  Returning to work and other normal activities depends on the number of areas treated and the nature of your job. If a single area is treated, you may be able to return to sedentary work almost immediately.

  Returning to exercise is a gradual process, beginning with slow walks to encourage circulation and aid healing, progressing to your normal routine.

• How much will it cost?

  Costs vary according to the severity of the condition, the combination of procedures undertaken, the amount of surgical time involved and the facility at which the procedure is carried out. We cannot offer an accurate cost estimate without seeing you. However we do offer complimentary no-obligation nursing consultations as a first step towards helping you understand your options and the approximate costs involved.

  A more accurate costing will be made after the first consultation.

This page provides an overview. More detailed information can be obtained during a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Please contact the Institute for a consultation.

Pre and post operative photographs of all procedures are available to view at the Institute during your consultations.