 Before
and After Photos
Instructions
 Brochure
(PDF)
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Liposuction
is the removal of fatty tissue from localised problem
areas using a surgical technique. It is a fairly recent
method of fat reduction that is proving to be very successful,
and extremely popular. It helps both men and women to
improve the contours of their bodies, through a remarkable
and yet relatively simple and safe surgical procedure.
The process involves the insertion of a slender, hollow
metal tube or cannula, through a small incision, and
by repeated movements, fat globules are separated and
removed by vacuum suction through this tube. Incisions
are small and are concealed in a skin fold near the
site to be reduced, thus scars are virtually undetectable.
Usually only one small incision is needed for each specific
area. The area treated is injected with various solutions
prior to insertion of the cannula, in order to reduce
bleeding and to assist breakdown and loosening of the
fat globules.
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Liposuction while
improving the silhouette does not necessarily eliminate
the subtle puckering of the skin called cellulite. Cellulite
results from the pull of fibrous tissue that connects
skin to underlying muscle. What we do see is a reduction
in the degree of cellulite because new techniques tend
to sever the attached fibres allowing the skin to bounce
up and return to a more smooth appearance. This is actually
a “bonus” that one gets from the procedure
but without any guarantee.
Liposuction sculpts or recontours the body and it
must be stressed that the aim is to alter the patient’s
shape, rather than his or her overall weight. It is
certainly effective in the removal of unwanted bulges
and in improving the silhouette, but it is not a method
for the treatment of general obesity. Fat cells removed
by liposuction are permanently removed. Fat can never
regenerate in the specific area thus treated. However,
by eating to excess one may still gain excess weight
and fatty bulges in other areas.
Particular areas of the body that can be helped by
liposuction are the hips, inner thighs, outer thighs
(‘saddle-bags’ or ‘riding-breeches’),
the abdomen or stomach, the buttocks, the waist (‘love-handles’
problem in men) upper arms, knees, ankles, the over-developed
male breast, the ‘dowagers hump’ problem,
and the double chin. Liposuction may be carried out
in a number of areas at the same time or be combined
with another procedure. For example, it may be done
with a facelift where excess fat is present under
the chin. The amount of fat removed is up to the surgeon
but between one and two liters is considered safe.
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The operation
may be carried out under general, twilight or local
anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case.
Operation time will depend on the number and extent
of areas treated. The length of stay in hospital will
also vary for the same reasons, from a day case to one
night. Pressure bandages or a corset will normally be
applied immediately after surgery to control swelling
and prevent any accumulation of blood or serum under
the skin. We want to encourage the skin to attach snugly
to the muscle wall. Bruising, swelling and discomfort
after the operation is a normal but temporary condition,
the degree depending upon the extent and location of
the area treated. Post-operative care instructions given
by the surgeon must be followed carefully and will include
massage to the area and the wearing of pressure bandages
or a corset. The pressure bandages/corset will be removed
at approximately five to seven days post-operatively,
at stitch removal. Patients usually return to work after
seven days, possibly before, although as mentioned,
pressure bandages/corset will need to be worn under
clothing for up to six weeks.
Suitability for this type of
treatment, as with any other treatment, will be assessed
by the surgeon at consultation, but is based on several
factors, such as the quality and elasticity of the
skin, the amount of fat requiring removal and the
general condition of the patient and past medical
history. The specifics are best discussed with the
surgeon for a complete understanding of the potentials
in any individual case.
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There
are, as always, with any type of surgery, the usual
risks attached to the procedure, but these are fortunately
limited and problems are rare. There is the risk of
infection, that can be easily treated and for which
we prepare for with antibiotics. There generally will
be some numbness in the area treated, most or all
of which should disappear in six to eight weeks. Some
waviness in the skin surface can occur but most people
judge this a better situation than the existing fatty
bulge and feel compensated by the resulting improvement
in outline and silhouette and ability to wear slim,
looser fitting clothes. The incision sites may also
heal unfavourably. All of these are possible complications,
but in reality are unlikely to arise if there is good
elasticity of the skin and the amount of fatty tissue
removed remains within safe limits.
Finally, fat removal by liposuction
is one of the most exciting and effective treatments
of modern cosmetic surgery. It is an excellent technique
that produces very favourable results - it can also
be judiciously employed with other procedures to enhance
their effects. Again we must have realistic expectations
and remember that the result is from good eating habits
and exercise. Their relevancy can not be minimised.
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FREE Liposuction DVD is now available
The Cambridge Private Hospitalis
producing a series of comprehensive informational
DVDs offering detailed information about procedures
performed at our hospital.
On Liposuction DVD several subjects are discussed
including
About Liposuction
Indications
The Procedure
The Consultation
Possible Complications
Photo Gallery
 Order
Liposuction DVD
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This
web site has been prepared to give a basic understanding
of the procedure before a consultation takes place,
and to cover many of the questions frequently asked
about this type of cosmetic surgery. Final decisions
should not be made until an individual assessment has
taken place with the surgeon. There is no obligation
on the part of the patient to undergo surgery by attending
for consultation. If you have any further questions
or would like to arrange a consultation please do not
hesitate to call us.
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