Liposuction / Liposculpture

Localised fat can hypertrophy and deform the body contour to the point of being unsightly. Liposculpture is a surgical treatment for improving localised fat and body contour.

We currently use the terms liposculpture and liposuction. Both can be used to refer to the same thing.

Liposculpture has developed into a more advanced form of liposuction, in which case liposculpture is understood as liposuction performed with a thinner cannula, from the surface to the depth, in order to progressively sculpt the body, in the same way that a sculptor works.

Liposculpture is done using tumescent anaesthesia. This local anaesthetic means that the patient bleeds little or nothing and allows for more precise work and a less painful post-operative period.

Practically the whole body can be operated on, but the most common areas are the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, back and arms, and the double chin can also be removed and the ankles reduced.

In many cases, Lipofilling or fat transplantation consists of using fat to inject into other areas of the body that we want to enlarge or remould, such as the buttocks or breasts.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

Small 3-4 mm holes are made in the skin through which an anaesthetic liquid is introduced to prevent bleeding and pain, making it easier to detach the fat. The fat is then removed with a cannula and suctioned out.

In most cases, there is no bleeding. Once the fat has been removed and the holes properly sutured, the patient rests for 2-4 hours and can go home.

ANAESTHESIA AND DURATION OF SURGERY

It can be local, epidural or general. At our clinic we prefer to use local anaesthesia with deep sedation so that the patient is calm or asleep and doesn’t feel the stress of the surgery. We usually remove between 2 and 4 litres of fat per area, but very large amounts of fat can be removed (although quantities above 6 litres should not be aspirated to avoid serious complications).

The surgery lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the amount of fat removed.

RESULTS

With this surgery, most patients lose fat stored in certain areas of the body as well as some weight. However, this cannot be considered a weight loss surgery, but rather one that treats localised fat and remodels the body contour.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

After the operation, the patient will wear an elasticated girdle, which should be worn for approximately 15 to 30 days. At first, the girdle will only be removed for personal hygiene. After 15 days, it can be removed at night to sleep.

If your work doesn’t require a lot of physical effort, you can return to your usual activity in a few days, of course it all depends on the patient’s own progress.

48 hours after the operation, you can remove the dressings, shower, carefully dry the incision area, apply a little betadine with a compress and put a band-aid over the stitch. One week after the operation, the stitches are removed.

At the end of the first week you may still be a little swollen or have oedema. The results start to be visible after the 3rd week.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WITH LIPOSCULPTURE?

Liposculpture is a low-risk operation. For this reason, it is important to remember a few rules:

• Excessive amounts of fat (more than 6 litres) should be avoided;
• The fat should be infiltrated with Klein’s fluid to prevent bleeding and pain in the post-operative period;
• The patient should be able to mobilise after a few hours.

Some complications that can occur are: seromas, haematomas, skin irregularities and asymmetries.

The rate of thrombosis or embolism in Clínica Luso Espanhola patients is zero.

In our experience, complication rates are lower than in most surgeries. We know that infection rates are extremely low (in our casuistry, less than 1 per thousand).

Whatever the type of complication, it’s important to be calm and understanding, entrusting the doctor with the responsibility of solving the problem.

The appearance of any of the problems mentioned above is part of the so-called ‘calculated risk’, which applies to all types of surgery. Fortunately, they don’t occur very often and don’t usually jeopardise the results.

Over the last 20 years, the number of cases operated on at our clinic has exceeded 8,000 liposculptures.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Does the skin ‘go’?

In young patients, the skin retracts in almost all cases. In older patients or those prone to stretch marks, the thinner skin on the stomach, inner thighs or arms may not retract. In these cases, the excess skin should be removed with a facelift.

How long do I have to wear the girdle?

We recommend a minimum of 1 to 3 weeks. The patient feels better in the first few days. Normally it should be worn for 1 month. In some cases, mini pads can also be placed under the girdle to improve skin retraction.

Can I have surgery in summer?

Summer shouldn’t be an obstacle to having surgery. Once the skin is clear of haematomas (‘blackheads’), you can sunbathe a little, but in moderation. ‘If summer were an obstacle, then no one would ever be able to have surgery in Brazil, it’s almost always hot there.’

Why is drainage recommended after this surgery?

On the other hand, as has been explained, during the entire surgical process a liquid will be inserted to help it come out, we recommend manual post-surgical drainage. With this supplement the patient will see results more quickly.

Does fat reappear in previously liposuctioned areas?

Normally, it is more difficult for the operated area to regain fat because the fat deposits were destroyed during the surgery, which is not to say that without a balanced diet and a moderately active lifestyle this cannot happen again.

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