We all have parts of our body we’re not happy with, especially as we get older and our metabolism begins to slow down. And even if we follow a healthy, balanced lifestyle – regular exercise and a healthy diet with the occasional treat – stubborn fat can be hard to shift. Although the most common places to retain unwanted fat is on the hips, thighs, stomach and buttocks, everyone is different and problem areas can occur anywhere. If you feel like you’ve tried everything to get back in shape, perhaps liposuction is worth consideration, to banish your unwanted flab once and for all!
Mr. Chana offers three different types of liposuction, each most suited to a different body complaint or individualised need. Below is a short summary of each, but do not feel that you have to make a decision on which is right for you before you meet with Mr. Chana. A comprehensive consultation will allow him to assess your needs and fully explain each type of liposuction technique – attending your consultation with an open mind is the most effective way of guaranteeing good results.
Tumescent liposuction.
This is the traditional form of liposuction and forms the basis of most techniques of liposuction. It involves injecting fluid through a small incision, which helps to reduce bruising and pain and extracting fat through a small cannula.
Liposculpture
Liposculpture is very similar to tumescent liposuction, but it refers to the use of smaller, finer instruments. These produce more accurate body contouring, particularly when used when fat is extracted from a more superficial plane closer to the surface of the skin. Liposculpture is most effective where there is less fat, and can be used to contour and enhance the anatomical details of the chosen area.
VASER
Vaser liposuction uses innovative ultrasound technology to emulsify fat before it is removed from the body. This creates minimal trauma, which not only reduces recovery time significantly, but also causes less discomfort and less bruising or swelling. Mr. Chana was one of the first BAAPS accredited surgeons to introduce Vaser to his practice.
The surgery takes between 1 and 4 hours, depending on which and how many areas are treated. It can be performed under general or local anaesthetic, and therefore, in turn, can be a ‘day case’ or require an overnight stay in the hospital for recovery depending on individual requirements, and will be discussed with you at length prior to any treatment.
You will need to wear a compression garment for 3-6 weeks after the procedure and can expect to see the best results between 3 to 6 months after the treatment. The skin may be bruised, swollen, itchy or numb initially, but these side-effects are mild and are expected to subside quickly.
Any discomfort you might experience is normal and nothing to worry about. A short course of mild analgesics will be prescribed to manage this – you must not take aspirin or similar medication following your procedure.
Please note
Liposuction is not recommended as a ‘quick fix’ for patients who are very overweight. In fact, it is often recommended that the patient is within a certain percentage of their ideal weight before undergoing liposuction.