The Liposuction Procedure

October 22, 2009

With any surgical procedure, especially considering the liposuction cost,  it helps to know exactly what you can expect before it takes place. This includes the risks and benefits, which you can view on this website, as well as how the procedure works. The exact method will depend on the type of liposuction being performed, so ask your surgeon if you have any questions.

The Procedure

The procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic for larger areas of fat, or local anaesthetic for smaller areas. The time you will be in hospital will vary from case to case. You could be treated as a day patient, though if you are having more liposuction then you may need to stay for the night.

Liposuction procedures start with surgeons making an incision in the area that needs to be treated. The number of incisions to be made will vary. After the incision has been made, needles or cannulas are inserted into the area – which is what works to break down the fat cells, making them easier to remove.

After the fat cells have been loosened they are then suctioned out using a vacuum pump. This is a process that the various types of liposuction all have in common. No matter what kind of liposuction you have, the maximum fat that can be removed is equal to around 10 pounds.

The time that the surgery takes can be as quick as 30 minutes. However, this all depends on how much fat you are having removed, and the type of liposuction that’s used.

What Happens After Liposuction?

After the surgery is complete your progress with be monitored. You will go back to your hospital room where you will be appropriately taken care of. This includes being given pain relief if needed. As mentioned above, you could leave hospital that same day, depending on the extent of your surgery.

Most people will be a little sore after the procedure, as well as experiencing bruising and swelling. You will probably also feel tired as a result of the anaesthetic. This is why it’s important to have someone else there with you to drive you home when the time comes.

To aid the healing process, you will be given a support garment to wear. Your surgeon will also advise you about any specific points to remember to make sure that you don’t do yourself any harm. This generally means taking it easy, and avoiding any bending, lifting and stretching. You might find that the pain last a little while, in which case you’ll be given pain medication.

You should have booked some time off work beforehand, but most people find they are ready to go back after just a few days. However, you should still take things easily for a few weeks, and follow any advice your surgeon gives.

If you start to experience any unpleasant side effects then you should always contact your surgeon. This is especially important if you experience any of the following:

• A fast or irregular heartbeat,
• Pains in your chest,
• Infection,
• Bleeding,
• Severe pain,
• Shortness of breath.

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