What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, in which, using a specialized suction device, fat is removed from the desired body part through small dot-like cuts. Areas for liposuction can be, for example, the stomach, thighs, sides, limbs, neck, or multiple areas at once.
Liposuction is not a weight loss method, and it doesn’t suit those who solely want to lose excess weight.
Liposuction – the procedure and recovery
Liposuction is done in either anesthesia or local anesthesia with relaxing medication. If the procedure is done in anesthesia, eating and drinking are not allowed for six hours leading up to the operation.
Before the surgery, the surgeon illustrates the plan into the patient’s skin with a marker while the patient is in an upright position. The goal is always the most natural and symmetrical result as is possible.
The procedure
The procedure typically lasts 1-3 hours depending on the size of the area. The procedure can almost always be done during one day, meaning that the patient can go home the same day; spending the night at the clinic is not needed. However, while going home after surgery, you must have a person to help you and stay with you for the first night (after anesthesia).
In liposuction, small cuts (around 5 mm) are made to the skin areas operated on. A mixture of salt solution, adrenaline, and local anesthesia is sprayed into the adipose tissue through these cuts. This results in the area going numb and the blood vessels contracting, minimizing bruising.
After this, a thin cannula is inserted into the adipose tissue, and it carefully sucks out the suitable amount of fat. The amount of fat removed can be controlled, and the body shaped.
After the procedure, a compression textile is placed onto the operated area to squeeze the tissue, resulting in less swelling and the tissue recovering faster. The compression textile is recommended to be worn for the following 2-4 weeks.
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Recovering from liposuction
There is no severe pain after the procedure, but painkillers may be needed for the first few days after the surgery.
The most uncomfortable thing is that the area operated on will be tender and partially numb for approximately 1-2 weeks.
The operated areas, depending on the area, can be painful for several weeks after the procedure, and the adipose tissue might be slightly unevenly operated on. However, these possible uneven areas typically even out with time. The complete recovery, smoothing, and softening of the tissue takes 6-12 months.
Physical Recovery and Exercise
The length of recovery varies individually, but it is typically approximately 1–2 weeks. The recovery time needed before returning to work depends on the nature of your work, but it is usually short, only a few days.
Normal movement is allowed immediately after the procedure. Exercise can be started gradually according to how you feel, approximately one week after surgery. Heavier physical activity should be avoided for two weeks.
Stitches and Supporting Tape
Dissolving stitches are mainly used to close the wounds, and they do not need to be removed.
Supporting tape can be continued for 1–2 months after the procedure to make the scars as unnoticeable as possible. We will provide instructions for scar treatment after supporting tape to optimize the aesthetic result.
Possible Complications of Body Liposuction
Surgical procedures always involve risks. In liposuction, the greatest risks of complications are related to hematomas in the tissues and possible infections.
Hematomas
After liposuction, the treated area typically has bruising and swelling for approximately 1–2 weeks.
Sometimes, hematomas can be larger. In rare situations, they may even need to be removed in a new surgery. This does not affect the final aesthetic result, but it may slightly slow down recovery from surgery.
Infections
Although surgery is performed under sterile conditions, bacteria on the skin can pass through the surgical wound and cause infection in the tissues even after surgery.
Minor infections can often be treated with medication. In rare cases, a more severe infection may even lead to revision surgery, in which the tissues are cleaned in the operating room.
You will receive more information about possible complications during the surgical evaluation appointment.
