Liposuction is a technique to remove localized collections of excess fat. Fat deposits on hips, thighs, buttocks and abdomen, as well as on arms, knees, calves, upper torso, neck and under the chin, can be removed. Patients with young, healthy and elastic skin who are of relatively normal weight with localized areas of fat are the best candidates for the procedure.

Small incisions are made in an inconspicuous fold close to the area of concern, e.g. for the hips a cut would be made in the fold of the buttock. I use the 'wet technique' , and so, I infiltrate a favored concoction of saline, adrenaline and anaesthetic into the area to be treated. After waiting for a few minutes, metal cannulae ( pipes ) are introduced under the skin and manipulated so that the excess fat from the area gets sucked away without causing dimpling or lumpiness.

I prefer General Anaesthesia, although small areas can easily be done under local anaesthetic with sedation.

Generally day care surgery for single area liposuction.

In the older patient, laxity of skin could occur. This, of course, is easier to conceal in clothes than the original fat excess. Lumpiness, more apparent to touch than to appearance, is also a possibility. Rarely, reduction in sensation from the area may last.

The patient can shower from 48 hrs after surgery, but must wear a compression garment from the immediate post-op period for 3 to 6 months. Gentle massage of the operated area, gradually increasing the pressure applied, helps to reduce swelling and helps to stimulate circulation in the skin. The importance of the compression garment cannot be stressed enough.

Considerable bruising may occur and should not alarm the patient. Skin laxity in the older patient could take several months to settle and is best treated with compression and massage.

Patients are generally content if they have been properly selected, i.e.

More or less normal weight for height with a little excess in one or two areas, and motivated enough to keep it off!!