Liposuction

Liposuction, often shortened to lipo, is a fat-removal procedure used in plastic surgery. Fat is removed through a cannula, a hollow tube, connected to an aspirator that applies negative pressure to suck out the fat, and the operation may be carried out under general, regional, or local anaesthesia. It has two broad uses. Cosmetic liposuction changes the body's contour or shape to improve the appearance of particular areas, and is generally considered most effective in people of near-normal weight with good skin elasticity. Reconstructive or medically necessary liposuction is used to treat conditions such as lipedema, to remove excess fat in lymphedema, and to remove lipomas. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or weight loss: evidence does not support an effect on weight beyond a couple of months, and it does not improve obesity-related metabolic problems such as insulin resistance. Although the suctioned fat cells are permanently removed, studies show that after a few months overall body fat tends to return to its former level despite an unchanged diet and exercise routine; the returning fat is distributed more toward the abdomen, and the increase in visceral fat around the internal organs has been linked to conditions including diabetes, stroke and heart attack. Several techniques exist, categorised by the amount of fluid injected and by how the cannula works, and surgeons often combine two or more in a single session and pair liposuction with other body-contouring procedures.

If you have a general anaesthetic, someone will need to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. How long it will be before you're able to return to work will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of job you do and how much of your body was treated. The same will apply to how long it will be before you're able to drive. You should discuss this with your surgeon. The bandage or corset can be taken off while you shower. You'll be able to walk and general movement should be fine, but try to avoid anything more strenuous for the first couple of weeks. The results of the procedure are not always noticeable until the swelling has gone down. It can take up to 6 months for the area to settle completely. As a general guide: - your stitches will be removed after about a wee

*Reference text adapted from NHS UK under the Open Government Licence v3.0.*