Don’t be confused by the terminology – liposuction is the same as liposculpture or lipoplasty. Many clinics try and differentiate themselves by using more descriptive terms however we at Horizon Plastic Surgery like to tell it to you straight and call a spade a spade.
So we will call it liposuction which literally means to remove fat by suction. It is a minimally invasive way of fat removal with shorter scars. It does not involve removal of skin although it is often used in conjuction with operations that remove skin. It can be used for fat anywhere on the body from the face and neck down to the ankles. Skin tightening may be a result of liposuction due to taking pressure off the undersurface of the skin and also producing controlled scarring underneath the skin. The natural tendency of a scar is to contract and this then contracts the skin as well.
The most common sites are:
- Abdomen and waist
- Neck
- Inner thighs
- Outer thighs
- Inner knees
- Gynaecomastia (Male breasts)
- Back rolls
It should not be considered a weight loss alternative. Without the healthy approach of moderate diet and exercise the fat can be redistributed to other places on the body. It is performed as a day-case under general anaesthetic in accredited hospitals.
It is important to remember, any invasive procedure carries risks and individual results may vary depending on factors, not limited to but including age, genetics, diet, lifestyle and existing medical conditions. Before any surgery, we recommend you consult a qualified health practitioner who should discuss with you at length these risks including possible complications and recovery/aftercare instructions specific to your procedure. If unsure, always seek a second opinion from a specialist plastic surgeon.
