Liposuction in South Africa

Liposuction is a common cosmetic surgery performed to remove stubborn fat from the skin. It is also known as lipoplasty and suction-assisted lipectomy. This procedure is performed by an experienced cosmetologist or anaesthetist to give a sculpted look to the body and beautify the overall look of the individual with proper contouring.

Liposuction is not meant for weight reduction. Large amounts of fat cannot be removed by this process. A maximum of a quart (litre) can be removed through liposuction surgery. It is not meant for cellulite removal. For such results, liposhaving is more effective. However, many surgeons believe that the areas containing cellulite may improve in appearance after liposuction is performed.

There can be regions of the skin that have localized fat. Such regions may include calves, abdomen, thighs, and arms. If these regions are resistant to diet and exercise, then a liposuction surgery is performed to remove them.

Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic treatment among both men and women. It aims to extract the extra fat through a suction device to give a more toned look to the body. The finishing of such surgeries is extremely important.

Liposuction surgery is performed by creating small and really inconspicuous incisions. A typical liposuction procedure involves the following steps:

• Specific medications are administered to relieve any discomfort that may be experienced during the procedure. This may include local or general anaesthesia or a sedative.
• A diluted local anaesthesia is administered to the target body part.
• A thin hollow tube or a cannula is inserted into the vein to loosen excess fat. This is done using back and forth motion.
• The dislodged fat is then sucked out of the body using a surgical vacuum or a syringe that created effective suction.

These days, the use of laser lipo and vaser liposuction is quite common. Both of these are advanced techniques that allow for minimal invasion and discomfort and faster recovery. 

In laser lipo, laser light is used to break down the fat cell walls, which allows the fatty oil to seep out and distort the cells that are subsequently removed. The laser light also coagulates the small blood vessels in the deeper layers, thus minimizing the risk of bleeding and bruising.

In vaser liposuction, also known as liposelection, ultrasonic energy is transformed into vibration energy, which is transferred to the fat cells. These cells are then shaken and mixed with a fluid prepared by the surgeon prior to the surgery. This emulsified mixture containing fat and water is then removed through suction with the help of small cannulas.

• The person must wear a support garment for the next two to three weeks after the surgery.
• In case calves and ankles have been treated, supportive hose must be worn for at least 6 weeks.
• The support garments are allowed to be removed while bathing 24 hours after the surgery. The support garments can prevent swelling, which is obvious after the surgery for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
• Metal stitches and staples used to close the incision will be removed a day or two after the surgery.
• Minor bleeding and seepage are common. It can be reduced by wearing an elastic garment.
• There may be slight pain and soreness in the operated regions. However, it should subside within 10 to 14 days and people can resume duty after two weeks.