Liposuccion

Liposuction is a solution for improving body contours by removing unwanted, accumulated fat. This stubborn fat often cannot be removed in a normal manner and is visibly present, despite the fact that you exercise regularly and live healthily. Liposuction is performed on men and women with a healthy BMI, under 30, and firm skin. The operation cannot and should not be seen as a way to lose excess weight.

The duration of the treatment depends on the number of body areas that are treated and the amount of fat that is removed. The normal duration of treatment is between 30 minutes and 3 hours. The procedure is performed under sedation, so you don’t feel anything. Any pain that arises once the anaesthetics have worn off can be treated with a normal painkiller.

Fat accumulates throughout the body. Areas that are regularly treated in women are the hips, the outside of the upper legs, the inside of the legs, the abdomen, the calves and ankles. Liposuction of the upper arms is also regularly performed. Men, on the other hand, usually have fat removed from the abdomen, back and so-called ‘love handles’, or flanks.

On the day of the operation, the plastic surgeon first accurately marks out the places on your body where the fat will be removed. Small incisions are made once a local anaesthesia has been administered. A large quantity of anaesthetic fluid is then injected with the aid of cannulas. It takes a while before it is incorporated. The fat cells are then sucked away. It is possible that the surgeon may ask you to change your posture and check whether sufficient fat has been removed. After the procedure, the incisions are covered with adhesive plasters. The application of sutures is superfluous due to the minimal size of the wounds.

The fat that has been removed is of course no longer visible after the liposuction. Yet the end result will also still not be visible. The treated area will be swollen as a result of the procedure and will need time to recover. Gradually you will see the results develop, with improved body contours. On average it takes 6 to 12 months before you will see the end result.

Liquid may leak from the wounds during the hours after the liposuction. This is normal and can be taken care of with bandaging. Choose comfortable clothing that you can wear over the pressure dressing. It is advised to purchase several sets of this pressure dressing, so that you can change it regularly. The plastic surgeon will explain how long you will have to wear it. The treated area will feel sensitive and bruised for the first few days. Yet it is important to keep moving around, even if it’s just moderately and non-taxing.

The incisions that are made are of minimal size, leaving only small scars. Since the incisions are made in places that are often hidden from view, these scars are generally not seen as unflattering or upsetting. Once the scar tissue has begun to heal, you may possibly also want to use a good scar cream to further limit any visibility.

Which areas you can have treated at the same time is assessed by the plastic surgeon. If it concerns several larger areas, a doctor can propose to carry out the procedure in phases, in various treatments.

Liposuction is successfully performed worldwide. It is a safe procedure that you should preferably have done by experienced plastic surgeons. Just like any other operation, the procedure is accompanied by general side effects. This includes swelling, bruising, skin discolouration, post-bleeding, infections and poor wound healing.

Liposuction does not make your skin tighter or smoother. The structure of the skin can, however, look and feel less puffy. Other treatments may also be available to remove cellulite.

Since you may experience a bruised and sensitive feeling after the procedure, you should take it easy at first. However, it is not necessary to sit still or take bed rest. Build up any physical exercise, but do not immediately do heavy physical work or exercise intensively. Take a walk and do daily household chores. Most people go back to work one or two weeks after liposuction, depending on the type of work they do. You can do work outs again after six weeks.

Fat cells that are removed are gone forever. The results of the liposuction are then also in principle permanent. However, if you gain weight, you give other fat cells that have not been sucked away the chance to develop, which may result in new fat deposits. Regular exercise and a responsible diet are important after liposuction to maintain the improved body contours.

During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will provide you with information about suitable pressure dressing and/or bandages. Often specially tailored pressure dressing is advised for an optimal recovery. However, you can also use pressure dressing that is widely available, this is mainly figure corrective undergarments. The doctor may indicate what might be best in your situation.

Unfortunately, there are no reimbursement options from a basic insurance. Additional care packages also offer very limited possibilities for reimbursement for liposuction. You can read all about this in the policy conditions of your health insurance policy.

It is often thought that liposuction is a way to lose weight quickly. That is not the case. People who are overweight are advised to first get rid of any excess weight on their own. Liposuction is an intervention that focuses on stubborn fat. Sometimes small scars remain.