In this blog post, consultant surgeon Mr Geoffrey Wilson answers the most common questions asked by men and women regarding liposuction.
Liposuction or liposculpture is a type of cosmetic surgery used to remove unwanted body fat. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells to change body shape and improve appearance. It can also be used to treat problems such as fat fractures, lymphoedema and asymmetry. Liposuction can’t remove cellulite or stretch-marks, isn’t a treatment for obesity, and is not an alternative to losing weight.
Many people find they can lose weight, and reduce fatty areas with diet and exercise. Liposuction can treat stubborn fat pockets in the neck, arms, chest, tummy, thighs, hips, buttocks and ankles. Having cosmetic surgery including liposuction is a big decision. Before having liposuction, your surgeon should discuss the procedure with you and decide which technique is most suitable. Liposuction can be carried out under General Anaesthetic or Local Anaesthetic, and this should be discussed.
Liposuction can be “traditional” or “mechanically-assisted”, or use ultrasound microwaves or laser to “break-up” fat cells before they are removed from the body by suction. Some techniques have brand names, but all can be used to get great results. After fat is removed, the skin shrinks to fit the new contour. If the skin has lost its elasticity, it will not shrink and liposuction will not work. In this situation, other surgical techniques such as abdominoplasty, face-lifting, thigh-lifting, arm-lifting may be more appropriate. After the operation, the treated area will be stitched and dressed, and you may need to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling. It takes about two weeks to recover, but it may take six months to see the final results.
Q1: Liposuction for different age groups. Does age matter? Is the recovery time and final result different for 25 year old than for 55 year old?
Age is a factor with liposuction because after removal of fat the skin has to take up and tighten again, and this is less likely with increasing age, so there is a small risk of loose skin. However, there are no problems with healing and recovery. Garments are worn post operatively to reduce swelling and tighten the skin.
Q2: Liposuction on inner thighs. How well the skin adhere? How much fat is removed and if the skin is droppy after that?
Good question! The thigh can be the most problem area for loose skin following lipo. Only a relatively small amount of fat is usually removed. In the very worst case an operation to tighten the skin might be needed. This is called a thigh lift. Sometimes this procedure is preferable to just thigh liposuction as it involved liposuction of fat plus tightening.
Q3: Liposuction on abs without a tummy tuck. What can be expected? How safe it is if you are planning to have children?
Liposuction on the abdominal area depends on again the quality of the skin. Most often it will tighten and be fine; adhering to post-operative guidelines and wearing of the pressure garment is most important. There is no problem with pregnancy.
Q4: Liposuction with tummy tuck. Can it be done in the same time?
Liposuction in our clinic is always done with a tummy tuck procedure. It helps to sculpture the area and create definition to the abdomen.
Q5: What is the most common part of the body to have liposuction for female and men?
Female I would say hips and thighs and for men liposuction of fat deposits on chest (gynaecomastia surgery) is always popular.
Q6: Can I get ankle liposuction?
Possible of course, but results can vary.
Q7: Is liposuction priced per area or per amount of fat sucked out or time taken?
Liposuction is priced per area.
Q8: Is liposuction helping with cellulite or it may make it look worse?
Sometime it can make it look worse if the skin elasticity is poor. All of these concerns would be discussed prior to liposuction taking place.
Here you can find our guide prices for liposuction
Read more cosmetic surgery blog posts to find answers from our consultants to the most common questions including: best place for breasts implants, breastfeeding and implants, cosmetic surgery after weight loss surgery.
About Mr Geoffrey Wilson:
Mr Geoffrey Wilson is a Plastic Surgeon at Ashtead Hospital in Surrey.
Mr Wilson has over 25 years experience as a Plastic Surgeon, specialising in reconstructive plastic surgery, cosmetic procedures and hand surgery. He is a member of the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) Chairman at Ashtead Hospital Surrey, The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH).
Additionally, Mr Wilson runs a successful Mole Screening Clinic at the hospital and treats skin cancers and skin lesions using surgical techniques and non invasive Photodynamic Therapy.
Read more about Mr Wilson’s qualifications, background and clinical interests.
About Ramsay Health Care UK Cosmetic Services
Cosmetic Surgery from Ramsay is a leading provider of cosmetic surgery and non-surgical treatments in the UK.
Please contact us if you would like to discuss any cosmetic surgery procedure in more detail.