Liposuction surgery involves the process of removing localised fat deposits from the body through loosening the fat cells, followed by vacuum-suction through a cannula (a hollow needle). It is usually performed under general anaesthetic but can sometimes be done under local anaesthetic and sedation, or just local anaesthetic if it’s appropriate. Before liposuction surgery the surgeon will mark your skin with a pen to locate the areas where fat is to be removed. Very small ‘stab’ cuts are made in the skin in areas that allow for good camouflage or the disguise of scars later on. Through these entry holes slender instruments are introduced so that the removal of fat can commence.
There are several different methods of liposuction:
Dry Liposuction
In this liposuction surgery the surgeon will make small entry points in the desired areas, and use the cannula to break up fatty deposits before sucking them away with a syringe or pump. This technique is used less frequently today as it can cause quite a lot of bleeding and bruising.
Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
This liposuction surgery technique uses a power supply to aid the movement of the canula which means the surgeon has to do less physical work to loosen the fat cells. It creates a vibrating, spinning, or in-and-out movement in the cannula, before the fat is removed via suction.
Ultrasonic Liposuction (UAL, or ultrasonic assisted liposuction)
Ultrasonic liposuction surgery involves using a probe or paddle to deliver ultrasonic waves direct to the fat, which liquefies it, allowing it to be removed easily. This procedure is less damaging to the surrounding tissue, causing less bleeding than the other methods, and the surgeon is able to remove larger volumes of fat. On the other hand, the operation will take longer, may be more expensive, with the surgeon having to utilise more complicated equipment.
There are different amounts and types of solution that can be injected into the subcutaneous fat (fat beneath the skin) and this corresponds to whether the patient is having tumescent, wet, or super wet liposuction. The words ‘tumescent’, ‘wet’ and ‘super-wet’ refer to the amount of fluid used during the liposuction. The amount of blood loss also corresponds to these levels, with the smallest amount being the most desirable.
Tumescent Liposuction
Anaesthetic liquid is injected into the area of the body to be operated, along with a diluted solution of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline. This causes the fat to become firm or “tumesced,” and almost eliminates bleeding at the operation site. There is no need for a general anaesthetic and usually no need for a drip (IV) as the patient does not lose much original body fluid with this method. Fluid injected measures twice or more, than twice the amount of fat to be removed.
Wet Liposcution
With wet liposuction surgery a general anaesthetic is required, and fluid measuring less than the amount of fat to be removed is injected into the area to be treated.
Super-Wet Liposuction
This is similar to the wet liposuction method but not as much fluid is used. The amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed.
Laser Liposuction
One of the least invasive techniques is laser liposuction, which utilises laser technology (a concentrated beam of light tuned to a certain frequency) to liquefy fatty deposits before they’re removed. As it is less invasive than other techniques, laser liposuction also produces the least risk of surrounding tissue damage.
Once the desired amount of fat has been sucked out, the ‘stab’ incisions are stitched up. When they’re healed and the stitches removed, scars are approximately one to two centimetres long.
Liposuction information summary:
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Technical name
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Lipoplasty |
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Procedure time
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1- 3 hours
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Anaesthetic
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Local or general
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Time in hospital
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Day case or 1 night
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Time off work
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1 week - 10 days
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Swelling and tenderness can last for
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1- 4 weeks
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Time wearing compression garment
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1 week
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Time to doing exercise again
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1 week
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