One of the most popular procedures that can help you to reshape, firm and contour your body is liposuction. In this article we’ll cover what liposuction is, the areas of the body that can be treated, what you can expect before, during and after the procedure and the results.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction can be a way to sculpt and contour your body using ultrasound energy to break up the fat and then remove it with fine tubes placed through very small incisions. It can be effective at reducing resistant pockets of fat that can’t be shifted with diet and exercise.
Areas that can be treated
The most commonly treated areas are the thighs and hips for women and the abdomen and ‘love handles’ for men, as these areas are often the most resistant to weight loss. Loose skin from the upper arms can be removed, using brachioplasty, which is a procedure that reshapes the underneath of the upper arm from the armpit to the elbow. Male breasts can also be reduced using a form of liposuction called gynaecomastia. Other treatment areas include buttocks, lower legs, back, chest, neck, jawline and cheeks.
What to expect before, during and after
Before your procedure, your surgeon will discuss your goals and ensure you have all the information you need to make the right decision for you.
The procedure involves injecting a fluid into the treatment area to numb the area, minimise bleeding and make it easier to remove the fat cells. We then use ultrasound energy to break up the fat then remove it with fine tubes placed through very small incisions.
Over the following weeks the fat collapses, resulting in new contours in the treated area. After the procedure there will be some pain, swelling and bruising, which typically subsides within several weeks. Compression garments are normally recommended after liposuction procedures to provide support, minimise swelling and help the skin conform to the new body contours.
The results
You’ll likely see an improvement in the days following your procedure and your contours should continue to improve for three to six months. During liposuction fat cells are permanently removed during the procedure, however it does not prevent growth of the remaining fatty tissue. For long term results, you should maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
To learn more, view our 3D simulation on liposuction or book in for a consultation with Dr Mark Lee to discuss your individual needs. Choosing to have plastic surgery is a serious personal decision and undertaking. Please be mindful that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
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