Liposuction
Are you thinking of a liposuction?
Liposuction or lipoplasty is an operation that can help you shape the body by removing unwanted fat on particular areas, such as stomach, thighs, buttocks, hips, knees, upper arms, chin and neck. There has been a great progress in the last years in the technology that is used in liposuction, so that it is much easier than before to control the outcome and expedite recovery. This method of removing stubborn fat has proven successful where other conventional methods have not worked even though liposuction does not replace a healthy diet and regular physical exercise. If you are thinking of liposuction the information on this page could provide you with some basic understanding of the procedure, when it can help, how it is performed and what results to expect. You might not necessarily find answers to all your questions as there are many things that are individual when it comes to beautifying procedures. Ask your doctor if you want to know more.
Are you the right person to have a liposuction?
Liposuction has proven a successful operation on people who are close to normal weight, with a firm and elastic skin and accumulated fat on specific places. Your age is not the main issue but the older we get, the elasticity of the skin is reduced and the outcome is possibly not the same as with younger people with very elastic skin. Keep in mind that a liposuction can improve your appearance and confidence but it does not completely alter your appearance or lead to people confronting you in a different way afterwards. To get the most out of the procedure you need to have realistic expectations regarding the outcome. Before you decide to have a liposuction it is important that you discuss your expectations with your doctor.
Risks involved with liposuction
Liposuction usually does not involve many risk factors. Side effects are very rare, but do occur every now and then when a considerable amount of fat is removed. It is especially important to watch out for dehydration or allergy to drugs. The scars after liposuction are very small and hardly visible. However, the texture of the skin can be uneven among older patients. Also, there a possibility of temporary numbness and different color shades in the skin. You can reduce the risk of side effects and risks by following the instructions of the patient thoroughly, both before and after surgery, especially in regards to movement and exercise after the operation.
To decide an operation
During your first visit to the doctor evaluates your medical condition, and where there is the most fat accumulation and examines the structure of your skin. He explains what method suits best for your needs. If the accumulation is most at the stomach area it is possible that a tummy tuck is a better option or even both. Trust your doctor to want the best results for you and he will consider your safety, cost and maximum result when different approaches discussed. Discuss openly your expectations with the doctor. In the same way expect him to be open with you regarding the benefits and the shortcomings and the risks of the operation. During the first examination the doctor will explain what anesthetic method he prefers to use, where the operation will take place and how much it costs. Top of page
Preparation before surgery
The doctor will prepare you for the operation, regarding food and drink, smoking and drugs. Usually, the rule applies to fasten from midnight from the night before. Stop smoking for at least four weeks before the operation. If you catch a cold or some sort of an infection, the operation need to be postponed. Make sure that somebody picks you up at the medical clinic. Don't forget to take elastic pants and a medical girdle to use after the operation. Top of page
The operating room, general anesthetic and the operation
It depends on how extensive it is whether a local Anastasia is used or whether the patient is anaesthetized. If somewhat more fat needs to be removed and if the liposuction is performed parallel to for example a tummy tuck the patient need to be admitted to a hospital overnight. It varies how long a liposuction takes, on how the extensive the operation is. A tiny incision is made and a tube is put in the area that needs a fat removal, to suck out the fat underneath the skin. If more than one area needs a treatment the doctor moves from on area to another for the same procedure. When the fat is removed water is released from the body and the patient needs to be watched carefully to avoid dehydration. The patient usually receives an VÖKVI Í ÆÐ (iv?), both during the operation and shortly after. You need to put on an support pants before you go home, and you need to use them support the treated area. You should expect to use that for up to and about six weeks. Top of page
After the surgery
After the surgery you can expect liquid to leak from the incision for about 24 hours. Sometimes the doctor prescribes antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Don't expect to look too good or feel perfectly well right after surgery. You could feel pain, twinges, swelling and temporary numbness. It is possible to reduce the pain with pain killers (the doctor will give you a prescription) but it still quite possible that you will be stiff and sore for few day. Top of page
Full recovery
Show patience on way to recovery. The doctor will advise you to get on your feet and walk about as soon as possible to reduce swelling and increase the blood flow in your body. In one or two weeks you will start to feel somewhat better and should be able to go to work a few days after surgery. The stitches are removed about one week after the operation. Do not lift any heavy objects or perform any strenuous exercise (at home, outside or in the gym). Bruises and swellings usually disappear within three weeks but it takes occasionally up to six months or more to finally get rid of all swellings. If you feel any unusual symptoms, such as bleeding or severe pain, contact your doctor. Top of page
Your new appearance
Shortly after the operation you will see a great difference in the outlines of your body. The change will be more visible after about four to six weeks when the swelling has gone. In about three months the effects of the operation have fully developed and the outlines of the body more even than before. You will most likely be satisfied with the outcome if your expectations were realistic. You should be more comfortable with yourself and you will notice that your clothes look better on you than before. You can maintain this new shape with a healthy diet and a regular exercise.