Liposuction

When you want to change individual body contours and make them clearer and more harmonious, one of the possible solutions may be liposuction. It allows working locally — precisely with the area that requires correction.

At «Oxford Medical», the method of intervention is planned individually, taking into account anatomical features and the desired result. The operation is performed by experienced plastic surgeons in a modern surgical inpatient facility with anesthesiological support and postoperative supervision.

Book a consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss the desired changes, the possible correction method, and the result that can be achieved in your case.

Liposuction — is a surgical method of body contour correction that involves the removal of part of the subcutaneous fatty tissue through small punctures. The procedure allows reducing localized fat deposits and precisely correcting the shape of the body, but it is not a method for treating obesity or general weight loss.

To remove fat, thin cannulas are used, which are inserted into the subcutaneous tissue. Through them, the surgeon removes part of the fatty tissue from the required area. After the operation, fewer fat cells remain in this area, so with a stable weight, the result can be maintained for a long period of time.

Liposuction is performed using different methods that differ in the way they affect fatty tissue. The choice of technique depends on the correction area, the volume of fat deposits, the condition of the skin, and the result that needs to be achieved.

Main methods:

• Classic vacuum liposuction. Fatty tissue is removed through a thin cannula connected to a vacuum system. The method is suitable for correcting different areas of the body.

• Vibrational liposuction (PAL). The cannula makes rapid movements, due to which the fatty tissue separates more easily, and the surgeon can work more precisely with the body contours.

• Ultrasound liposuction (VASER). Ultrasound energy helps separate the fatty tissue before its removal. The method is often used when more precise contour modeling is needed.

The fatty tissue obtained during the operation can, in some cases, be used for lipofilling — correction of other areas using the patient’s own fat. In this way, a reduction in volume in one area can be combined with the addition of volume where it is needed.

Liposuction can be performed on different areas of the body. Most often, the chin, the area under the arms and the arms, the abdomen and waist, the thighs and buttocks are corrected.

Liposuction can also be part of comprehensive body contour correction. For example, if, along with fat deposits on the abdomen, there is a pronounced excess of skin or diastasis of the rectus muscles, abdominoplasty with simultaneous liposuction may be more appropriate.

Liposuction is not performed in conditions that may complicate the course of the operation or recovery. In some cases, it is sufficient to postpone the intervention until treatment is completed or the condition is stabilized.

The main contraindications include:

• acute infectious and inflammatory diseases;

• severe blood clotting disorders;

• decompensated diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver;

• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;

• active oncological diseases;

• pregnancy and the breastfeeding period.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» recommend informing the plastic surgeon before the operation about all chronic diseases, allergies, and medications you are taking. This helps to properly assess the risks and safely plan the intervention.

Preparation begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The doctor assesses the correction areas, determines the approximate extent of the intervention, and explains what change in contours can be expected. If other changes requiring a separate intervention are identified during the examination, the doctor may also suggest an appropriate correction method. When indicated, at «Oxford Medical» they perform lipoma removal and other surgical operations.

Before liposuction, it is necessary to undergo a standard preoperative examination to assess the general state of health and rule out possible contraindications.

Usually, preparation includes:

• blood and urine tests;

• a coagulogram to assess blood clotting;

• an electrocardiogram and other examinations as indicated;

• a consultation with an anesthesiologist before the operation.

Inform the doctor in advance about the medications and supplements that you take regularly. Some agents that affect blood clotting may need to be temporarily discontinued or replaced before the operation, but you must not do this on your own.

Liposuction at «Oxford Medical» is performed in a modern surgical inpatient facility with expert-class equipment. The operation is performed by experienced plastic surgeons, and throughout the entire intervention the patient’s condition is monitored by the anesthesia team.

The main stages of liposuction:

• Marking of the correction areas. The surgeon marks the areas from which fatty tissue needs to be removed and plans the future contours.

• Anesthesia. Local anesthesia may be used for small areas, while sedation or general anesthesia may be used for more extensive correction.

• Insertion of cannulas. Through small punctures in the skin, the surgeon inserts thin cannulas into the subcutaneous fatty tissue.

• Removal of fatty tissue. Fat deposits are gradually removed from the required area while controlling the evenness and the future contour.

• Completion of the operation. After this, the punctures are closed and dressings are applied.

The duration of the operation depends on the number of areas and the extent of correction. After a small intervention, the patient remains under the supervision of medical staff for several hours, while after more extensive liposuction, the patient may remain in the inpatient facility for 1–2 days.

In the first days after liposuction, swelling and bruising may persist in the correction area, as well as moderate pain. This is a normal reaction to the intervention. As recovery progresses, they gradually decrease.

After discharge, it is recommended to:

• wear compression garments continuously during the first several weeks, usually for about 3–4 weeks;

• walk and perform usual household activities from the first days, gradually increasing activity;

• avoid intensive training for at least 3–4 weeks and increase the load gradually.

Approximately after 3–4 weeks, you can move on to light training if recovery proceeds without complications. More intensive physical activity is resumed later — the timing depends on the extent of liposuction and the number of correction areas.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» note: the result of liposuction appears gradually as the swelling decreases. Noticeable changes can already be assessed during the first weeks, but the tissue continues to remodel, so the final contours usually form over several months. In some patients, complete reduction of swelling may take up to 6 months.

After liposuction, temporary changes associated with tissue recovery most often occur: swelling, bruising, and slight numbness in the correction area. Usually, they gradually disappear over the following weeks.

Possible complications include:

• uneven contours — may appear due to uneven tissue contraction or healing characteristics;

• seroma — accumulation of fluid under the skin;

• prolonged numbness or changes in sensitivity in the area where the operation was performed;

• slow healing of punctures or local inflammation.

Doctors at «Oxford Medical» advise contacting the surgeon before the scheduled examination if swelling or pain increases, pronounced redness appears, there is discharge from the punctures, or the temperature rises. A timely examination allows the condition to be assessed quickly and the treatment to be adjusted if necessary.

Photo before and 3 weeks after liposuction. The work of plastic surgeon Gindich O.A.

The price of liposuction depends on the area that requires correction, as well as the type of anesthesia and the need to stay in the inpatient facility. You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for medical services here.

A plastic surgeon will help you more accurately determine the cost after an examination and discussion of the desired result. To book a consultation, use the online appointment form on the website or contact the «Oxford Medical» contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Sources:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• National Library of Medicine
• U.S. National Library of Medicine