LIPOSUCTION

Liposuction involves the removal of excess fat by means of suction cannulae inserted through small skin incisions of 3 to 5 mm in diameter.

Liposuction can be used to "reshape" the silhouette in those points (outer thighs, hips, abdomen, inner knee in women, abdomen in males) where characteristically, even in rather slim patients, fat accumulates.

In these cases a new body contour can be obtained which as such appears more appealing. If the patient gains weight, weight increase harmonically distributes throughout the body, without accumulations in the previously treated areas.

Although the best cosmetic results are obtained in normo-weight patients with localized fat accumulations, liposuction can also be performed in overweight patients to reduce overall body fat.

In these cases ultrasonic liposuction is typically performed mainly when significant amounts of fat are to be removed as it allows to obtain the retraction of overlying skin.

In these patients the loss of weight along with the body reshaping obtained, encourages these patients to maintain or improve the result achieved through a suitable diet.

Examination
During examination the areas to be treated are highlighted take into account the needs and desires of the patient

Surgical procedure
Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia, unless the areas to be treated are extremely limited (e.g. in the knees). Cannulae from 2 to 4 mm in diameter are normally used, which allows accurate reshaping of the areas to be treated, leaving minimal scarring. If significant amounts of fat must be removed, ultrasound cannulae are used. This means larger incisions, which are normally concealed in hidden areas (pubis, buttock or knee folds, inguinal area). The actual surgery time depends on the amount of fat to remove.

After-surgery
After surgery the patient remains in hospital a whole day. If a large-volume liposuction (over 5 liters) is performed the patient will ha to stay in hospital for a couple of days. After surgery an elastic garment is applied which will be worn for about a week without ever removing it. This operation is not painful and all throughout the following week the patient may experience soreness of the treated areas. After a week sutures are removed from the small cannulae entry areas; some bruises will still be present but will disappear in about ten days.

Surgical complications and side effects
The main complication of a liposuction is represented by inadequate removal of fat tissue or by the appearance of skin irregularities. It is important to remember that skin irregularities already present before surgery may not appear corrected after surgery. Residual scars are minimal, but if some scarring is not optimal quality, they may be still visible after some time.

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BEFORE AND AFTER