Lipoplasty (Liposuction)

Even when you have committed to a diet and exercise plan, the results of your efforts may not quite meet your expectations. Stubborn areas of fat may be in no hurry to leave, interfering with your body contour. These pockets can occur nearly anywhere on the body, but are especially problematic around the midsection, hips, thighs, back, and buttocks. No amount of exercise or topical treatments are successful in removing those deposits.

Lipoplasty (liposuction) is a surgical procedure that effectively eliminates bulges by eradicating the fat cells that cause them. While not as invasive as other body contouring surgeries, lipoplasty (liposuction) produces long-lasting results. Dr Teston offers a selection of lipoplasty (liposuction) techniques, allowing her to tailor each procedure to the unique concerns and desired results of her patients. With extensive experience in lipoplasty (liposuction) procedures, patients can rest assured that Dr Teston will provide them with the most effective body contouring treatment.

Before Lipoplasty (liposuction)

Dr Teston offers three different lipoplasty (liposuction) techniques:

• Wet Technique – This procedure begins with the injection of fluid into the treatment area, which limits blood loss during treatment and allows for more effective fat removal – this is known as tumescent lipoplasty (liposuction). Local anaesthetic may also be included in the solution to make the procedure more comfortable.
• Dry Technique – This procedure is performed using general anaesthesia and does not involve the injection of a tumescent solution prior to treatment.
• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) – During this procedure, the cannula used to eliminate fat cells rotates inside the treatment area to loosen the cells first. This technique allows for more effective fat removal with less overall trauma to the body.

No single lipoplasty (liposuction) technique is right for every patient. Dr Teston will select your procedure based on the area you want treated and the amount of fat you would like to have removed.

During Lipoplasty (liposuction)

Dr Teston performs lipoplasty (liposuction) in an accredited hospital and may use general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation, depending on the treatment area and the technique used. During the procedure, a small tube called a cannula is inserted into the fat deposit via a micro-incision. The tube loosens the fat cells and removes them from the body. In addition to creating smoother body contours, this procedure can also eliminate lipomas or large fat lumps with smaller incisions and less trauma to the skin and tissue overall.

Patients may be able to go home the same day as their lipoplasty (liposuction) procedure, although Dr Teston may recommend an overnight stay in the hospital if a large amount of fat is removed. Because lipoplasty (liposuction) incisions are very small, a simple dressing over the site is usually sufficient. Patients are also fitted with compression garments to minimise swelling after surgery and help the treatment area conform to the new shape.

After Lipoplasty (liposuction)

Recovery from lipoplasty (liposuction) is often shorter than recovery from other types of body contouring procedures. Depending on the technique used and the amount of fat removed, some patients are back to regular activities within about one week. The results of your lipoplasty (liposuction) procedure will be permanent since the fat cells were completely eliminated. However, if you gain weight after surgery, remaining fat cells in the area can enlarge over time and change your results.

To learn more about your choices in liposuction, contact Dr Teston’s office today on (02) 9708 3511.

Potential Risks and Complications

All surgery carries some degree of risk. The risks of liposuction increase if a large number of body areas are treated at the same time, or if the areas operated on are large in size.

Some of the possible complications of liposuction may include:

• Thermal burn or other heat injury to the skin or deeper tissues from the ultrasound device that is used to liquefy fat cells – this can occur with ultrasound-assisted liposuction
• Lignocaine toxicity – if the solution’s lignocaine content is too high – this can occur with tumescent and super-wet liposuction
• Collection of fluid in the lungs if too much fluid is given -this can occur with tumescent and super-wet liposuction
• Excessive fluid loss – which can lead to shock
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection – this is a serious complication, as infections that develop in fatty tissues are difficult to treat
• Delayed healing
• Friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves
• Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
• Asymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surface
• Change in skin sensation or numbness
• Skin pigmentation changes, skin discolouration or swelling
• Significant scarring
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
• Pain, which may be ongoing
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Formation of blood clots or fat clots, which may migrate to the lungs and cause death
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and lung complications
• Further surgery may be necessary to address complications.

This is not a complete list. For example, your medical history or lifestyle may put you at increased risk of certain complications. Speak to your medical practitioner for more information.

*The information about Lipoplasty (liposuction) was reviewed by Dr Leana Teston. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.