Liposuction

Mr Banwell recommends the surgery be performed under a general anaesthetic undertaken by a specialist anaesthetist.

Usually the operation is best performed as a day case or overnight stay (depending on the number of sites on the body being undertaken). Most people report that pain, discomfort and stiffness of the first few days are minor side effects. Paracetamol is usually sufficient. It is necessary to take things easy for the first few days. A tight fitting elastic compression garment will be provided and this reduces the swelling of the treated areas. There is normally leakage of clear blood stained fluid from the small incisions that are used to perform the liposuction. Most people can return to work anywhere between a few days and two weeks after surgery and light activities can be resumed after two to three weeks. Normal activities can be resumed after six weeks after the operation. One to two weeks following the procedure you can commence massaging the affected areas of the liposculpting. Mr Banwell recommends this is performed professionally (using manual lymphatic drainage techniques or ultrasound) on a regular basis, while you are recovering.

There are both general and specific risks and Mr Banwell will talk to you in detail regarding these complications. General risks include bruising and swelling, bleeding, wound infection, problems with general anaesthetics and scars, abnormal scarring and keloid scarring and blood clots in the legs and lungs. Specific risks include uneven or asymmetrical results, including rippling, itching, dimpling and loose skin, fluid collections under the skin, skin discolouration, thrombophlebitis and permanent loss of sensation (temporary loss of sensation almost always occurs and recovers after some months).