Liposuction – also called liposuction – is one of the best-known procedures of aesthetic plastic surgery. It serves to remove stubborn fat deposits, which cannot be reduced by sports and nutrition. Liposuction can be performed on almost all parts of the body, most often on the abdomen, buttocks, hips, legs, arms, back and chin. It is often part of a combined treatment, for example to obtain autologous fat for a Brazilian butt lift treatment or breast augmentation, or to supplement a tightening operation. However, it is also performed in many cases as a single operation.
How does liposuction work?
The course of liposuction depends on the type of method chosen, as well as on the part of the body to be treated. Depending on the extent of the operation, twilight sleep can be used under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. An inpatient hospital stay is possible, but not absolutely necessary for minor liposuction. The duration of liposuction ranges from 30 minutes to three hours. As a rule, the so-called tumescence method is used for liposuction. It describes a procedure in which a relatively large amount of tumescent liquid consisting of saline, anesthetics and adrenaline is injected under the skin of the body area to be treated before the actual liposuction. This fluid numbs the tissue, acts against bleeding, dissolves fat cells and thus ensures that they liquefy. This makes it easier to suction the fat in the next step. Fine cannulas are guided under the skin via small mini incisions in inconspicuous places. With slight forward and backward, as well as fan-like movements, the dissolved fat cells are evenly suctioned. Subsequently, the incisions are sutured or glued and the liposuction is completed. Modern procedures have made liposuction even more effective and tissue-sparing. In addition to the conventional liposuction tumescence method, we also use waterjet assisted liposuction (WAL) and vibration-assisted liposuction (VAL). Which method is best suited for you will be decided during a detailed consultation with our plastic surgeon.
What does the aftercare after liposuction look like?
After liposuction, compression underwear must first be worn for a few weeks. This protects the tissue and prevents the development of dents and unevenness as a result of liposuction. The patient is usually socially acceptable from the 1st day after the operation. The final result is to be finally assessed about 8-12 weeks after liposuction.