Overview

Liposculpture is a surprisingly simple process. Tiny cuts are made in the skin and the underlying fat is removed through the use of hollow instruments attached to a suction machine. The technique has changed over the years, but without doubt, the changes that were made in 1985 were the most significant in terms of improved safety and better results. These were developed by Dr. J. Klein, U.S. dermatologist who pioneered the Tumescent Technique.

Tumescent Liposculpture is a safer, more gentle and more effective form of liposuction.

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Tumescent Technique

The fatty tissue to be treated is first injected (tumesced) using a dilute solution of local anaesthetic. This process allows liposculpture totally under local anaesthesia, thereby completely eliminating the risks of general anaesthesia. In addition, a small amount of adrenaline is added to the solution which minimises bleeding.

These two factors together mean that this technique is considered to be the safest form of liposculpture.

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The Procedure - Preparation & Anaesthetic

Just prior to surgery  with the patient standing up, the area to be sculpted is marked out with a special marking pen. This is to identify landmarks as well as different fat thicknesses and is essential to the process, as once the area is swollen with anaesthetic solution and the patient is lying down, they are difficult to assess. In the operating theatre, local anaesthetic solution is introduced into the fatty tissue. Once adequate anaesthesia is achieved, liposculpture begins.

← Anaesthesia of thighs completed:
Note: The skin markings, the whiteness due to adrenaline effect and the swelling.

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The Procedure- Liposculpture

Instruments known as microcannulas (2 to 3mm in diameter), are inserted through tiny cuts in the skin into the fatty compartment. These instruments are attached to a suction machine via a clear plastic tube. As the microcannulas are moved back and forth through the fatty tissue, the fat is broken down and sucked out into a collection bottle. During the procedure the thickness of the tissues is constantly assessed and the process continues until the desired result is achieved.

← Liposculpture:
Note the tiny instruments.

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Many people ask what it is like in the theatre. Patients who have been through the experience comment on how comfortable the atmosphere is and are generally surprised at how quickly the time passes. A CD player is available and patients are welcome to bring in their favourite CD's. The patient is free to see as much (or as little!) of the procedure as they like - even the faint hearted find themselves taking an interest in the proceedings after a while!

← Immediately after liposculpture:
Note: Size difference, skin colour returning to normal and tiny size cuts in skin.

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Compression Garment

Once the surgery is complete, dressings are applied and a compression garment  is put on over the dressings. The garment is worn for several days while the area is healing and makes the early recovery period more comfortable.  It is not necessary to wear the garment for prolonged periods (as in traditional liposuction) as there is considerably less swelling, bruising and pain.

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Results

Most of the healing occurs in the first week to 10 days and this is when most of the obvious contour changes are noted. More subtle changes will occur over the following 6 months when the final phases of healing are complete.

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