Liposculpture
Liposculpture is one of the most popular procedures of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery aiming at the permanent fat removal from various areas of the human body such as the neck, abdomen, waist, thighs, buttocks, hips, knees, and lower legs.
Liposculpture is considered the evolution of liposuction as, aside from fat removal, it also offers a harmonious figure as it improves skin quality as well. Based on individual needs, the plastic surgeon ensures the best suited technique for each patient so as to achieve the best possible results.
This procedure is addressed to anyone wishing to remove excessive fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Also, many women undergo liposculpture after their pregnancy to improve and regain their pre-pregnancy figure.
Technique
Liposculpture patients usually undergo local or epidural anesthesia, depending on the number of areas being treated.
During the procedure, small incisions are made in which thin cannulas that remove fat are inserted. Usually, a saline solution is inserted into the area under treatment, containing local anesthesia and epinephrine, which allows for easier passage of the cannula through the fat cells, making it easier to remove fat.
These thin cannulas are used as a “sculpting tool” to reshape the body. They allow the plastic surgeon to remove the necessary amount of fat both from the deeper layer of the tissue and underneath the skin, helping reshape and tighten loose skin in the areas being treated.
As there are areas of the body in need of more fat, your plastic surgeon may recommend to remove excess fat during liposculpture from specific areas and then graft it to areas in need of refinement, or even to add projection and roundness to the buttocks, thus creating a more harmonious body shape.
What to expect after surgery:
- During the first 3-4 post-operative days, you might experience pain, which is usually minimal and easily controlled with painkillers and antibiotics.
- You should avoid standing up for long and restrain from long walks.
- Possible bruising gradually fades and disappears within 2-3 weeks post-operatively, while incisions take a month to disappear.
- An elastic compression garment to areas treated is required for 2-6 weeks post-operatively.
- If only one small area is treated, it might take a weekend until you feel comfortable to return to work. In case of multiple treatment areas, patients are recommended to take a week off work.
- In about 2 months, there will be no sign of the procedure.
Risks and Side Effects
There are no serious complications following liposculpture. Rare side effects include possible asymmetries in the area under treatment, which can easily be corrected.
Useful Information
- Skin quality is of great importance for the final result. Cases with good skin elasticity and no loose, sagging skin determined by genetic factors have the best possible results.
- Liposuction stimulates the skin in such a way, so as to achieve its tightening and secure it in its new place, without hanging loosely over the treated area.
- Cellulite may be improved after surgery; however, liposuction should not be considered as a technique to get rid of fat, as these cells cannot be surgically removed.
- In case you gain weight following the procedure, your body image will not return to what it looked like before the operation, as fat will be distributed proportionally throughout the body.
