Liposuction Snap Shot Adelaide
- Liposuction is a well-established technique to reduce fat and contour your body shape
- It is better as a shaping technique but can help in debulking volume in some cases
- It is performed as a day surgery procedure under general anaesthesia in a major hospital
- You will be required to wear firm fitting garments for 8 weeks after your surgery.
Liposuction refers to the surgical removal of fat with a suction device that gains access though small incisions in your skin. This is a procedure that has been in the public eye for several decades and in many ways has been a defining plastic surgical procedure in our modern-day pop culture.
Liposuction is a great tool for contouring difficult areas. This is suitable when a patient is in a healthy weight category.
If you fall into a heavier weight category and are looking for overall fat reduction in multiple areas, liposuction is unlikely to be the solution. Dr Lam would still be happy to see you to discuss your options, however, a tailored weight loss program with some accountability is probably the best first step before considering liposuction.
In a small minority, there is a disproportionate distribution of fat. This is called lipodystrophy. It has often been present for many years, gradually getting worse with age and weight gain. Lipodystrophy can be hereditary and sometimes is associated with well-documented syndromes, but in some there is no explanation. Lipodystrophy can affect any part of the body, but most commonly it affects the thighs and the legs. In this situation the upper body may show relatively normal volume and distribution of fat, while the lower limbs are disproportionately large and heavy with irregularly placed pockets of fat.
Liposuction in the setting of lipodystrophy can produce dramatic and very rewarding results. This is one situation where liposuction can be used to debulk rather than just shape fat.
There are many other causes of swollen legs that occur more acutely, and it is important to exclude these during your process of seeking a remedy. Your local GP will be able to start you in the right direction to ensure you do not have any reversible heart, kidney or liver disease that may be the cause of your leg swelling.
Unfortunately, there are no Medicare rebates for liposuction, even for lipodystrophy unless it is associated with rare syndromes. This also implies that your private health fund will not cover hospital and theatre costs for any liposuction procedures.
If you would like to talk to talk to Dr Lam about possible liposuction, please call Cranford House Plastic Surgery to make an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health, has realistic expectations about the outcome, and has excess fat deposits in specific areas of the body that have been resistant to diet and exercise. Good skin elasticity is also important. However, each individual case should be evaluated by a qualified cosmetic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment, and the risks associated with the procedure should be discussed beforehand.
Recovery time after liposuction varies, but most people can expect to take about one to two weeks off from work or other activities. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common in the first few days, and pain medications and compression garments can be used to manage the symptoms. Light activities can be resumed within a few days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks. Full recovery can take several months, and it’s important to follow post-operative instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure and can cause discomfort and pain during and after the procedure. However, anaesthesia is used during the procedure to minimise pain, and pain medications and compression garments can be used to manage pain and discomfort after the procedure. It’s important to discuss pain management options with the surgeon and follow all post-operative instructions for a smooth recovery.