Liposuction - Permanent fat cell removal
WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?
Used for aesthetic purposes since 1977, today liposuction is still one of the most frequently requested plastic surgery procedures by both men and women, young and old alike. This technique entails removing excess adipose tissue from under the chin, neck, abdomen, arms, hips, buttocks and thighs, thereby contouring the body into a slimmer, more balanced shape. Liposuction cannot replace a healthy diet and exercise regime, but rather treats specific areas where excess fat cannot be eliminated in any other way.
WHO IS THIS PROCEDURE FOR?
Men and women at any age can undergo this type of surgical procedure. It is important to remember that due to a loss of skin elasticity, older people will not have the same results as younger people, whose skin is still elastic and who have better muscle tone.
WHAT DOES THE PRE-OPERATIVE VISIT ENTAIL?
During the visit before the procedure, the professor will evaluate the areas to be treated and what results can be obtained. He will also make sure that the patient is in good overall health and can undergo the procedure without the risk of complications. Liposuction is one of the safest aesthetic surgeries, but still requires the knowledge of a specialised aesthetic surgeon. As this is a very customised procedure, preliminary tests may be necessary. In such cases, Prof. Dini will recommend preoperative exams and specialists.
HOW IS THE LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE DONE?
Liposuction is a procedure in which excess fat, localised in parts of the body the patient wishes to contour, is suctioned out. Technically, suctioning is done using metal microcannulas connected to a mechanical aspirator. The cannulas are inserted through tiny incisions made in skin folds in the body so that the scars are invisible. The type of anaesthesia depends on the extent of the procedure and the area being treated: local anaesthesia can be performed with sedation (in which the patient is awake but feels no pain) or general anaesthesia, as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight stay.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN POST-OPERATIVE RECOVERY?
Following the liposuction procedure, the treated area will be swollen. This is completely normal and will pass with time. In the 48 hours following the procedure, the patient must be on bed rest, returning to normal daily life after three days (avoiding all types of strain) and can go back to work after 4 or 5 days. After 3 weeks, the patient can start exercising again. Optimal results will be seen about 3-6 months after the procedure.
