Liposuction is a surgical procedure through which excess fat is removed from various parts of the body. It is a surgery where the excess fat is removed by a special cannula through tiny incisions (one millimeter).
Am I the right candidate for liposuction – liposculpture?
The right candidates for liposuction are women or men with local fat concentration that cannot be improved through diets. The areas concerning liposuction are: face, neck, back, upper arms, abdomen and waist, pubic area, buttocks, thighs, ankles and calves.
In addition, women with local fat concentration and cellulite can undergo a liposuction as it significantly improves the orange peel skin texture.
The results of liposuction
The results of liposuction are permanent. If the patient gains weight, the area where liposuction was performed will not be affected and there will not be a fat volume increase due to the removal of a large amount of adipocytes (fat cells).
The visit to Dr.Kretsis
During your first visit to Dr. Kretsis you will point out the body parts that concern you and you will provide information regarding the way you have had that fat volume increase. Furthermore you will discuss whether liposuction is suitable for you.
In cases of extensive fat concentration, the fat removal is suggested to be performed in 2 sessions in order to avoid sagging of the skin.
At the same time, you will be able to see what the result will be like through photographic material.
Furthermore, your medical history, any medication that you receive, allergies that you may have will also be an issue of discussion.
How is liposuction performed?
Liposuction is performed through tiny incisions where we place a special tube called cannula in order to remove the fat.
Besides classic liposuction during which the fat is absorbed (suction assist liposuction, SAL), there are methods such as power assist liposuction where the cannula used vibrates, Laser liposuction where we use special laser devices or RF Vasers, Liposuction where ultrasounds are used.
All these methods have advantages and disadvantages which should be thoroughly discussed with the plastic surgeon.
Additionally, the techniques can be combined with one another to achieve the ideal result for you.
Complications
Liposuction is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery with the minimum of complications.
These mainly concern hematoma, infection, small or large degree asymmetries, hypoesthesia, pulmonary embolism.
The surgery is considered to be safe when performed by plastic surgeon. The rate of complications increases significantly when surgery is performed by a non-plastic surgeon.
Before surgery
Smoking cessation is necessary a few days before surgery because it delays the healing procedure. It is also suggested to stop receiving drugs that may cause bleeding several days before surgery such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory, various dietary supplements and vitamin supplements.
Detailed hematological, radiological, cardiological tests are also required before surgery.
Liposuction surgery
The surgery is performed in the certified Metropolitan Hospital. It is usually performed under the combination of neuroleptic anesthesia (sedation) and tumescent filtration (Local anesthesia).
This is a special technique, during which, the problem areas are filtered with large amounts of solutions containing local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors.
The technique described above is revolutionary in the performance because the patient feels no pain. There is no trace of bleeding (1% of the removed fat) while without this technique, the blood loss could reach 30-40% of the removed fat.
Furthermore it prevents any nonuniformities in the operated area and by the completion of it the patient feels no pain.
The patient leaves after 3-4 hours wearing a corset, a vest, a belt etc. depending on the area that has been operated.
How much fat can be removed?
The maximum percentage of fat that can be removed during a liposuction depends on the patient's body type.
Usually an amount of 5.6 liters of fat can be safely removed without any risk of complications if performed by experienced Plastic Surgeons.
Above this amount the complication rate increases.
Recovery after liposuction
You can bathe from the very next day. For mini liposuction operations you can directly return to everyday activity wearing a special corset.
For larger liposuction procedures 3-4 days are needed, bruises subside within 7-10 days.
The final result begins to appear after 15 days and is completed within a few months.
In conclusion
Liposuction is the most reliable solution for eliminating local fat and reshaping any body part.
In Vk Institute of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery we use the most advanced technology that currently exists in the modern plastic surgery to achieve a natural result that lasts in time.
Liposculpting
Liposculpting is the procedure during which we use the removed fat of liposuction in other body parts in order to reshape them or elevate them. Such body parts can be the buttocks, the breast, the face and the calves.
The operation is performed at the same time with liposuction.