Liposuction FAQ

The genesis of liposuction began in 1920 when Dr Charles Dujarrier attempted to remove subcutaneous fat on the calves and knees of a ballerina, he unwittingly gave birth to liposuction. Since then, liposuction has come a long way and is set to be the most popular procedure for the future of plastic surgery.

FAQ:

What is liposuction?
Liposuction removes excess subcutaneous fat from the body. This type of fat is the fat that cannot be removed even through diet and exercise.

Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
A common misperception about liposuction is that it will fix their weight loss problem.
Unfortunately, this is not so. To undergo liposuction, it is important that you are within 10–15pounds/5–6kgs of your ideal weight.

If lipo is not a weight loss procedure than why does it involve fat removal?
There are two types of fat — visceral and subcutaneous fat.

Visceral fat: stored with the abdominal cavity — around the organs.

Subcutaneous fat: is stored beneath your skin — you are able to pinch this type of fat.

Liposuction will only remove subcutaneous fat. The only way to get rid of visceral fat is through diet and exercise alone.

How much fat will be removed during liposuction?
It is important to note that doctors will not suction more than 10% of subcutaneous fat, this is to prevent the body from going into shock. On a brighter note, once the fat is removed, it is gone forever but there is a catch to this. If you gain weight after the surgery it will be from the visceral fat and the remaining subcutaneous fat — but reversible by losing weight. For best results of liposuction, maintain your weight.

What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?
If you gain weight your results will not be as dramatic. When you gain weight, the subcutaneous fat will not come back to the area that has been liposuctioned, rather will gain weight everywhere on your post-lipo body shape.

Where can liposuction be performed?
Abdomen
Thighs
Arms
Hips
Buttocks
Double chin
Cheeks
Love handles
Breasts

How can I maintain the results of liposuction and fat grafting?
As a whole, keep up a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Hydrate regularly and try to avoid doing crash diets. Do not remove taped bandages until your doctor says you can. Avoid smoking or drinking for 6weeks and avoid going to the sauna or hot tub for a month.
Wear compression garments up to 1–3months. Use ice packs diligently for the first 3days.

What are the complication and risks of surgery?
Liposuction and fat grafting is a relatively safe procedure. However, as any surgery risks involve: bleeding, reaction to anaesthesia, bumpy, wavy appearance due to fat removal or poor skin elasticity. In order to avoid the risks, it is best to follow doctors instructions and for tighter skin elasticity — may require additional procedures.

What are the post-liposuction precautions?
Take medications prescribed by your doctor.
Bruising will last up to 3weeks, swelling will last up to a month. A lot of swelling & bruising 70–80% will dissolve by the 3–4month.
Wear the compression garment for 1–3months. (Wear the compression garment for 24hours/2weeks — after just wear it for half a day — it is recommended to wear the garment at night.
When you shower, you must put on a water-proof bandage on top of the incision before taking the shower.

Liposuction before and after: VIEW hospital