Liposuction
- Approximate duration: varies depending on the case
- Anesthesia: General
- Recovery: 1 to 3 weeks
For whom is this intervention indicated?
Women and men who are not overweight, but who have isolated areas of stubborn fat despite a healthy diet and exercise, are good candidates for liposuction. Liposuction is not effective against cellulite or stretch marks. In reality, there is no proven treatment for cellulite. Don’t waste your money on these so-called cellulite treatments.
Liposuction can be effective on several areas of the body: the arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, calves and ankles. The best results are achieved when the fat is well localized and the skin has good tone and elasticity, which allows for a smooth result after the fat has been sucked out.
What considerations are taken into account for liposuction?
During your consultation, Dr. Nicolaidis will assess the quality of your skin and may ask you questions about how certain localized fatty areas have responded to weight loss in the past to determine if this procedure is adequate.
Are there effective alternative treatments to liposuction to get rid of localized and resistant fat deposits?
When considering alternatives to liposuction, remember that “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Many expensive devices are now available in Montreal that claim to “remove fat” or “tighten the skin” without liposuction, incisions, procedures, anesthesia, etc. As the testimonials confirm, clinics invest a lot of money in these “gadgets” to attract patients, and they are happy to pass on the cost of these devices to the patient. Ask for a guarantee of results and see what they tell you! None of these devices have proven their long-term effectiveness. Dr. Nicolaidis uses proven techniques that have stood the test of time. In Montreal, liposuction is a validated technique, to which all these devices are systematically compared.
If I wish, could the fat removed during my liposuction be transferred to another area of my body?
In some cases, the fat removed during liposuction can be purified and reinjected into another area of the body. This technique is called fat transfer. It is commonly used to increase the volume of breasts (without implants) or buttocks for example. However, not all areas of liposuction necessarily produce fat of sufficient quality for a transfer and not all patients are automatically good candidates. Dr. Nicolaidis will be able to assess during the consultation whether this option is possible in your case.
The procedure
Through a tiny incision (under 1 cm), liposuction consists of sucking out fat using a thin rigid tube that is connected to a vacuum device. To remove a larger quantity, the “tumescent” technique is possible. This technique consists of introducing a large quantity of liquid into the area to be treated, providing hydration for the patient, reducing bleeding and allowing for better post-operative comfort. Liposuction requires just a few well-positioned incisions, such that scars remain hidden or inconspicuous.
Surgical and post-operative details
Anaesthesia
Small areas of liposuction can be treated under local anesthesia, with or without sedation. However, when multiple areas are involved or more aggressive fat removal is required, general anesthesia is usually required.
Surgical techniques
The fat is removed using a small tube (cannula) inserted through tiny incisions near the area to be treated. These incisions measure under 1 centimeter. Current techniques use the so-called “tumescent” method, which consists of injecting a large amount of liquid into the area to be treated. This liquid contains a local anesthetic to reduce postoperative pain and adrenaline to minimize bleeding. Dr. Nicolaidis often uses the Micro-Aire liposuction system (by vibration) for more aggressive fat removal.
Convalescence
Patients will need to wear a compression garment for a few days, or even up to 3 months after surgery, so that the tissues adapt to their new shape. It is not uncommon for a touch-up to be necessary later to correct slight irregularities or asymmetries.
Return to work
Patients can usually return to work after only a few days. However, swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks.
Possible complications
Although rare, some complications may include bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anesthesia. Numbness of the skin is common and usually temporary. However, it can sometimes persist or even become permanent. Skin discoloration can also occur in the treated areas. Irregularities on the surface of the skin, such as depressions or folds, can also appear.
Post-surgery advice
The first week
- Keep your dressings dry and clean;
- Wash yourself with a sponge, unless otherwise directed by Dr. Nicolaidis;
- Wear your compression garments at all times;
- Walk for at least 5 minutes every hour during the day (don’t lie down all the time).
Your first post-operative appointment with Dr. Nicolaidis is very important, even if you feel very well.
After the first week
- You may be able to shower, but avoid baths until Dr. Nicolaidis has given you permission to do so;
- Protect your scars from the sun for 6 months;
- Continue to wear your compression garments until further notice from Dr. Nicoladis;
- To prevent blood clots, keep moving regularly throughout the day.
Please note
- It is normal to have slight swelling and bruising in the treated area for the first few weeks.
- For your comfort, be sure to take your pain medication as prescribed.
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