Liposuction

Liposuction or Liposculpture...

Liposuction or Liposculpture procedures may be carried out on both men and women whose fat is distributed unevenly. It is not a method of reducing weight, rather an alternative for removing fatty deposits which persist, no matter how much exercise, massage or dieting is undertaken.

Please discuss your requirements fully with Mr Armstrong who will advise you of the possibilities of your expectations and whether it may require one; two or more liposuction sessions in order to ensure you achieve your cosmetic goal.

Diabetics are not excluded from liposuction treatment and the removal of fat has, in cases, reduced their insulin requirements.

Liposuction - The operation

Liposuction contouring is a technique whereby fat is removed permanently and is usually performed under general depending on the site to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed. It may be utilised in most areas of the body either as a sole procedure or as an adjunct to other procedures i.e. facelift, breast reduction or abdominal reduction. Before any fat is removed, the area to be treated is injected with a buffered salt solution containing adrenaline, which controls bleeding and a long-acting local anaesthetic to ensure you will experience less discomfort after the liposuction operation.

Liposculpture employs the use of a fine cannula allowing the removal of fat in a controlled manner causing less trauma to the tissues and can be used close under the surface of the skin giving superior results. Liposuction surgical time varies from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the extent of the procedure.

Less extensive liposuction is possible as a day-case, but normally an overnight stay at the hospital is recommended. It is normal practice for the anaesthetist to give intravenous fluids to replace those lost during the liposuction procedure.

Liposuction - After your operation

Immediately after surgery the operated parts will be dressed with dressings which will remain in place for one week (showers will be possible during this period). The most important aspect of liposuction treatment post-operatively is the wearing of pressure garments which may be used for up to six weeks.

It is important to realise that although only tiny incisions (~3 mm in length) are made in unobtrusive areas, liposuction creates a large wound hidden under the skin and adequate rest in the days and weeks after surgery will be required as well as regular gentle exercise. This should be balanced with early mobilisation such as walking. Bruising and some moderate swelling occur after liposculpture, but this subsides over a period of 2-3 weeks.

Liposuction postoperative discomfort may be relieved by mild analgesia such as Paracetamol (Aspirin should be avoided). Once the swelling has subsided, hardening of the treated area is usual. Massage is advised at this stage to soften and flatten the area. Beauty therapists or physiotherapists should be considered for this task and many previous patients consider the results obtained, more than justified for the relatively small expenditure for professional massage.

It is possible however, that some difference of fat removal will be apparent, necessitating a minor secondary tidy-up liposuction procedure, usually after six months.

Some patients are fortunate and have elastic skin which contracts well, whereas others (usually those with stretch marks) may require skin tightening procedures in addition to the liposuction. Some procedures include thigh and abdominal tucks and Mr Armstrong will be able to inform you of the likelihood and nature of the secondary operations. Time away from work depends on the areas treated and varies from 7-14 days.

Testimonials

Hi, I am 41 years old female, I recently had a breast reduction surgery at Spire Thames Valley Hospital carried out by Mr Armstrong. Being a medical practitioner myself I wanted to make sure that I would receive the best possible health-care, so I had to make a big search to find the right surgeon and that was not easy with too many choices available!

However from the first consultation with Mr Armstrong, I felt that I had made the right choice. Mr Armstrong was so understanding and supportive, as well as very confident and a knowledgeable doctor. He provided me with all the necessary information and was approachable to answer all my questions at any time.He helped me to make an informative decision and to go ahead with surgery, with no rush or pressure.

Mr Armstrong works with an excellent team of Nurses and Anaesthetists which made my whole experience to be very smooth.The result of the surgery was more than excellent and my whole experience was fantastic. I am honoured to have known Mr Armstrong, the care I have recieved from him and his team before, after and during the surgery was so great that, I highly recommend him and his team for anyone who is considering a plastic surgery.