Do you have stubborn areas of localized fat that simply won't shift, even though you've tried dieting and exercise? It's a common problem for both men and women and it can be very demoralizing. There are a number of reasons why some areas of fat are resistant to all your efforts; genetic make-up, hormonal status, lifestyle and diet to name a few.

Well, the good news is that there is something you can do about it. Liposuction is not a substitute for losing weight or improving your eating and nutritional habits, but rather a method of reshaping your body by getting rid of localized fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.

Liposuction can enhance your appearance and have some positive impact on your self-confidence, but it is important to have realistic expectations. It is neither possible nor cosmetically desirable to remove 100% of the fat in an area.

The surgeon will aim for a result that is going to be pleasing to the eye, carefully attempting to achieve your goals, whilst working within the limitations of your natural muscle and bone structure. The results of Liposuction can be spectacular but it is not realistic to expect perfection.

It is impossible to guarantee the precise degree of improvement that will result, though if you would be happy with 50 % improvement or better, then your expectations are likely to be met.

For women, the areas most commonly treated are the thighs, hips, buttocks, stomach, knees, lower leg, cheeks, and double chin.

For men, it's the flanks or 'love handles', chest and abdomen or 'tummy'.

Liposuction Surgery Information

The following information is designed to ensure that you have adequate knowledge upon which to base your decision to undergo liposculpture (liposuction). All of this information has been or will be discussed with you during your consultation. If you have any further questions you should speak to your Doctor or the clinic staff prior to your scheduled treatment.

Liposculpture is an elective procedure by which disproportionate or irregular localized accumulations of fat may be removed in order to improve the body contour. The surgery involves the removal of fat cells from the body and is designed for those who have specific areas of localized fat deposits and who have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet, exercise and weight loss. It is not intended as a treatment for generalized obesity; however any specific areas where excess fat deposits have accumulated can be treated. These include the chin, neck, jowls, cheeks, arms, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips and abdomen. Deformities due to other structures are unable to be treated with liposculpture.

Expectations
The realistic aim of this procedure is improvement, rather than perfection.

Common Misunderstandings
Cellulite is eliminated: Although Liposuction can improve cellulite in an area that has been treated, the treated area may also demonstrate no improvement in the cellulite but will be very nicely contoured. In rare circumstances, the cellulite may worsen in an area treated for liposuction.

Fat will never return to the area treated: If and when you gain weight you will put fat back on in the treated areas. It will not be as noticeable, as much of the fat from that area has been removed. As you gain weight, your body will deposit fat in the same areas as before you were treated. It just won't be as noticeable is the areas where you have had liposuction.

Every fat cell will be removed from the area that's treated: Fat cells are microscopic and it's not physically possible to remove all fat cells. In fact, we do not want to remove all fat cells, as they also perform an important function in the body.

Goals
The goal of Liopsculpture is to improve body contour and proportions, and to improve your appearance both in and out of clothing. It should also increase comfort. Liposculpture cannot treat cellulite. However, the quality of the skin, e.g. stretch marks, cannot be improved. The level of elasticity of your skin may have an effect on the final outcome. Men with gynaecomastia (enlarged breasts) can also benefit from this procedure. Men and women in good physical condition with good skin elasticity are the best candidates for this surgery. The treating surgeon will determine whether someone is suitable for liposuction surgery by personally assessing each person, regardless of age.

Before surgery
Prior to surgery a complete medical history is taken and a thorough examination is conducted in order to evaluate the general health of the patient.

The surgeon describes the types of anaesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected and possible risks and complications.

Pre-operative directions will include the elimination of certain drugs containing aspirin in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding and bruising. Antibiotics may be prescribed prior to surgery to prevent infection.

Photographs and measurements are taken before and after surgery in order to evaluate the final results.

The Surgical procedure and anesthesia explained
The surgery is performed as day surgery. Generally mild sedation or "twilight" anesthesia is given in order to relax the patient. This may be in the form of tablets or intramuscular or intravenous injection. General anesthesia is not required in most cases.

The surgeon begins by making a small incision in the skin. A dilute solution of local anesthetic and adrenaline is infiltrated with a fine cannula into the areas to be treated causing numbness and vasoconstriction. The excess fat in localized fat deposits is then suctioned via a cannula approximately 2.5 to 4.00 mm diameter. The fat is loosened from the surrounding tissue by moving the cannula back and forth with the fat being removed or vacuumed from the body with a suction device. After the procedure excess tumescent or local anesthetic fluid will drain from the small skin incisions and may be slightly blood stained.

The recovery period
After the procedure absorbent dressings are placed over the skin incisions, and a compression garment is fitted. In general the garment is worn "full-time" for 2 weeks, then part-time for a further 2 weeks, but instructions will vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is normal for blood stained fluid to leak through the garment in the first 24-48 hours.

Leaving the clinic
You will not be ab le to drive, and must arrange for transport to your home or accommodation.

You should be prepared for leakage. Cover the car seats with plastic or old towels. Likewise we recommend you prepare your bed by covering the mattress with a waterproof cover and use old bed linen and towels on which to sleep. You should have a responsible adult to act as your carer on the first night, and to be present when you take your shower the next morning.

Returning to normal activity
Generally patients can return to normal activity within 3-7 days depending on the extent of the procedure and your normal occupation.

Follow-up arrangements
An appointment will be made to see the doctor within a few days of the surgery and again at 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months. It is important that you keep all post-operative appointments so that risks and complications can be avoided and averted. This will also ensure that you receive all appropriate treatment for optimal results of the surgery.

Possible complications

1.Temporary
Bruising, discoloration, tenderness, swelling and induration (hardness), of varying degrees occur after nearly all procedures. These side effects will resolve within 1-6- weeks. Surface irregularities and asymmetry may occur, and may require surgical revision. Over or under treatment of an area may occur. Areas of numbness may occur where a cutaneous nerve has been damaged. This condition usually resolves but may occasionally by permanent. Ridging, crinkling, unevenness of the skin may occur, but will generally be prevented by good postoperative care, such as wearing of a compression garment, and manual lymphatic drainage. A seroma, or collection of fluid may develop requiring drainage. Infection may occur at the site of a skin incision.

2. Permanent
Surface irregularities, waviness, asymmetry, small incision scars, pigmentation or discoloration, areas of numbness may occasionally be permanent. Skin slough may occur, with resultant scar formation. Infection may occur leading to a condition known as necrotizing fasciitis. This is an extremely rare complication but is serious and can lead to death.

3. Uncommon complications
Shock requiring admission to hospital, DVT and Pulmonary Embolus and infection fat embolus. Unforeseen complications may lead to hospitalization and time off work, surgical revision and additional unexpected cost to the patient.

Final Result
Rapid resolution of temporary changes is expected; however final contouring may not be complete for 6 months and occasionally longer.

It's important to be aware the Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. What it does - and to great effect - is reshape previously bulging areas of the body, creating trimmer, smoother contours.