Liposuction

Liposuction, medically known as liposuction, is a surgical procedure to remove excess fatty tissue from specific areas of the body. The goal of liposuction is to improve body contours and reduce stubborn fat deposits that do not disappear despite diet and exercise. The procedure is one of the most common aesthetic surgeries and can be performed on various parts of the body.

Goals and Benefits of Liposuction

Improve contours: Liposuction helps to contour certain areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms or chin and achieve a more harmonious body shape.
reduction of stubborn fat: The procedure can remove fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Increase in self-confidence: Many patients report increased self-confidence and improved body image after liposuction.

Benefits of liposuction

Targeted fat removal

Removal of stubborn fat from specific areas of the body.

Fast recovery

Many patients return to their normal activities after a few days.

Improved body contours

The result is a slimmer and better proportioned body shape.

liposuction procedure

Consulting and Planning

Initial consultation: The surgeon discusses the desired results, explains the possible risks and decides together with the patient which technique is most suitable.

Examination: The surgeon performs a physical examination and plans the procedure, including selecting the appropriate cannulas and marking the areas to be treated.

Preparing for surgery

Medications: Avoid taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and certain dietary supplements before surgery. Your doctor will give you specific instructions.

Smoking and alcohol: Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption at least two weeks before surgery, as this may affect healing.

Nutrition and hydration: Make sure you eat a balanced diet and drink enough fluids before surgery.

The surgical procedure

Anesthesia: Liposuction is usually performed under local anesthesia (in combination with sedation) or general anesthesia, depending on the extent and number of areas treated.

Incision: Small incisions are made in inconspicuous places through which the cannulas are inserted.

Fat removal: The fatty tissue is sucked out through the cannulas.

Wound closure: The incisions are usually closed with self-dissolving sutures or adhesive strips.

After the operation

Recovery phase: The patient can usually go home the same day. However, a short recovery period in the clinic is possible.

Compression garments: Wearing a special compression garment or bandage is important to reduce swelling and help the skin adjust to the new contour.

Pain management: Pain medication is prescribed to relieve postoperative discomfort.

Rules of conduct before liposuction

1. preparation

Taking medication: Avoid blood thinning medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and certain dietary supplements (eg vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids) for at least two weeks before surgery. These can increase the risk of bleeding. Your doctor will give you a detailed list of medications to avoid.
Smoking and alcohol: Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption at least two weeks before surgery. Nicotine can interfere with wound healing and alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding.
Nutrition: Make sure you eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. Good hydration and nutrition support healing.
Skin care: Avoid using aggressive skin care products or lotions in the area where liposuction will be performed to avoid skin irritation.
Medical examinations: You may need to undergo certain medical tests or screenings. Your doctor will inform you about these.

Rules of conduct after liposuction

1. Immediately after the operation

Pain management: Follow your doctor's instructions about taking pain medication to relieve postoperative discomfort. Avoid blood-thinning pain medication unless otherwise recommended by your doctor.
wear compression garments: Wear the compression garment or bandage recommended by your doctor around the clock to reduce swelling and help the skin adjust to the new contour, usually for at least four to six weeks.
Sleep: Sleep in a slightly elevated position to minimize swelling. Use extra pillows for support.

2. First days and weeks after the operation

Physical conservation: Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and intense activity for at least four to six weeks. Your doctor will give you specific instructions about when you can return to lighter activities.
skin care and wound care: Keep surgical wounds clean and dry. Follow your doctor's instructions for caring for incisions and changing dressings.
Showering and bathing: You can usually shower again after 48 hours. However, avoid baths, saunas and swimming pools until the wounds have completely healed.
Nutrition and hydration: Continue your balanced diet and drink plenty of water to support the healing process.

3. Signs of complications

Observe symptoms: Be alert for unusual symptoms such as severe pain, excessive swelling, redness, fever, or drainage of fluid from the wounds. If you experience such symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Long-term care and results

results visible: The final results of liposuction are often visible after a few months, when swelling has subsided and the skin has fully adjusted.
preservation of results: Stable weight control and a healthy lifestyle are important to maintain long-term results. Weight fluctuations can affect the result.

By following these rules of conduct, you can optimally support the healing process after liposuction and achieve the best possible results.

FAQ

For which areas of the body is liposuction suitable?

Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, upper arms, back and double chin.

Is liposuction a method for losing weight?

No, it is used for body contouring and not for weight loss. A stable body weight close to the normal range is ideal.

How much fat can be removed in one session?

As a rule, a maximum of 4 to 5 liters of fat are removed to minimize the risk of complications.

Is liposuction painful?

Thanks to the anesthesia, you will not feel any pain during the procedure. After the operation, you may experience slight pain, swelling and bruising.

Does liposuction affect skin tightness?

The skin often contracts on its own after the procedure. If the skin elasticity is low, an additional tightening operation may be necessary.