What is liposuction?
liposuction is not a weight-loss method, and its aim is not to control the patient's weight.
Liposuction is therefore not a treatment for obesity, but seeks to sculpt the figure harmoniously and precisely.
Liposuction
The principle of liposuction (perfected in 1977 by Yves-Gérard ILLOUZ) is to introduce, through very small incisions, foam cannulas with rounded, non-sharp tips, perforated at the end with several orifices. These cannulas are connected to a closed circuit in which a negative pressure is created.
Liposuction applications
Liposuction is the removal of localized excess fat that generally remains despite diet or sports.
However, it is not intended to be a weight-loss solution, nor is it designed to balance patients' weight: it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, nor is it a means of combating obesity.
Liposuction involves the suction of excess fat cells, without trauma and in complete harmony.
As fat cells are unable to reproduce themselves, any recurrence of excessive adipocyte growth is ruled out.
Liposuction can be performed on many areas of the body: arms, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, abdomen, love handles, hips and, of course, saddlebags. Thanks to technical advances, the field of intervention now also extends to the neck (double chin) and the oval of the face.
Operating procedure
A consultation with the anaesthetist is scheduled no later than two days before the operation.
A pre-operative check-up is carried out to ensure that there are no contraindications to the procedure.
To avoid healing problems, we recommend you stop smoking at least one month before and one month after the operation.
It is strictly forbidden to take any medication containing aspirin for ten days prior to the operation.
No aspirin-containing medication should be taken in the ten days prior to surgery.
You may need to fast for six hours before the operation (no solid or liquid food), depending on the type of anaesthetic used.
Anesthesia features
Depending on the work to be performed, liposuction may require local anaesthesia, so-called vigile anaesthesia (local subanesthesia accompanied by intravenous tranquilizers), or general anaesthesia, or even locoregional subanesthesia (epidural or spinal anaesthesia).
The anaesthetist and surgeon will discuss with you your choice of anaesthesia.
Type of hospitalization
The volume of fat to be removed determines the length of hospital stay, which can vary from a few hours for a small operation (local anaesthetic) to one or two days for a larger operation (general anaesthetic).
The operation
The technique used depends on the individual case and the surgeon involved, with the aim of achieving the best possible results. The usual procedure remains the same.
Short, three- to four-millimeter incisions are made, usually concealed in a natural groove to remain unobtrusive.
Excess fat is treated superficially as well as deeply: foam cannulas suck out the fat while respecting nerves and vessels thanks to a regular set of tunnels.
The quality of the result will depend above all on the quantity of fat cells aspirated in relation to the quality of the skin above the treated area.
Once the operation is complete, a shaping bandage is applied, sometimes supplemented by a soft support girdle or panty.
On average, the operation takes one or two hours. But since it depends on the volume of fat and the number of areas to be treated, it can take from twenty minutes to three hours.
Who can benefit from liposuction?
Both men and women can suffer from localized excess fat, despite a healthy diet and regular exercise. This excess fat can be found in various areas of the body: the stomach, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, but also the arms or lower face. Love handles, saddlebags and double chins can all be eliminated with liposuction.
Liposuction or lipoaspiration is a cosmetic surgery procedure that permanently removes excess fat cells (adipocytes). The aim is to restore harmonious contours to the figure or face.
Patients undergoing liposuction, whatever their sex or age, must meet two conditions. Firstly, they must have good skin quality, without sagging, to guarantee a good result. The skin's elasticity will enable good retraction following the aspiration of fat cells, and limit surface irregularities. Secondly, patients must be close to their ideal weight, as liposuction is not a weight-loss technique.
What areas are suitable for liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed in a highly localized manner or more widely over different parts of the body and face.
Liposuction of the abdomen can be combined with liposuction of the hips to reduce localized fat deposits, including the famous "love handles", and reshape the waistline. If abdominal liposuction follows a diet with significant weight loss, and there is excess skin, an abdominoplasty to remove distended skin and tighten healthy skin.
Liposuction of the thighs can be performed :
- The outer thighs, known as "saddlebags
- Inner thighs, especially when rubbed, and only if skin condition permits.
- The back of the thighs
- Anterior thighs in combination with liposuction of the knees
The cosmetic surgeon can treat these areas simultaneously and, where necessary, work in a circular fashion on the thigh. Similarly, the different sides of the arms can be treated with liposuction.
For the lower face and neck, cervical liposuction helps to get rid of an unsightly double chin and reshape the oval of the face. As on the body, if the skin is slack, a facelift should be considered to perfect the result.
What results can I expect from liposuction?
As swelling and bruising are part of the after-effects of liposuction, it is necessary to wait several weeks before being able to appreciate the results of the cosmetic surgery procedure. The final result is considered to be achieved after about six months, the time it takes for the skin to retract and the new shape of the thighs, stomach or hips to become visible.