Frequently asked questions

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction (and all the other names given to it, Liposculpture, Lipoplasty etc.) is the removal of unwanted fat by suction through a hollow metal tube or cannula inserted through a small incision or puncture.

What is the history of Liposuction?

Liposuction was first carried out in Cologne and Rome in the early 1970s but was popularised by Dr Illouz in Paris in 1978. In the last 30 years many refinements have occurred, namely the manufacture of finer cannulas, the use of fluid injections to give us the 'tumescent' technique; and the invention of the ultrasonic, power assisted and laser methods.

Am I a suitable candidate?

The best candidates are fully grown, fully fit and within 10-15% of their ideal weight. Liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and only works on the ‘hard to lose’ areas in order to change the contours of the body. (Oestrogen causes fat reserves to form so we can survive famine, but nature overdoes it sometimes!) One of the most important considerations is the quality and laxity of the overlying skin and sometimes liposuction alone is not appropriate.

What are the different techniques?

The 'tumescent' technique of Dr Klein is the most significant advance so far, because injecting saline with adrenaline and local anaesthetic at the start of the surgery means larger amounts can be removed, more easily and with less bleeding, bruising and post operative pain. The ultrasonic method has more disadvantages than advantages and the power assisted cannula is extremely noisy and in my opinion these inventions have very little if any advantage over the tried and tested method. In my view the laser ‘smart lipo’ needs more scientific evaluation.

What happens in the operation?

Firstly the ‘Klein’ solution is injected into the marked out areas and allowed to work for several minutes before the cannula is inserted. The art of liposuction is to leave a thin layer of fat attached to the skin to minimise later irregularities, and remove as much of the remaining fat as possible, in an even and symmetrical manner. Careful measurements are made of the volumes removed and at the end a pressure garment is put on you by the nurses.

What type of anaesthesia is used?

The anaesthetic varies according to the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat present. Large areas are best done under general anaesthetic because there is a maximum dose of local anaesthetic that can be used at one time. Small areas such as knees can be done under local anaesthetic.

How long does the operation take?

This varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the number of areas to be treated.

How much fat can be removed?

If the surgeon takes more than 3 litres (3.5l in a large person) there can be fluid loss complications after surgery. I keep things safe so these are my (and most surgeon’s) limits.

Is it painful?

Some areas are more uncomfortable than others, for instance the rib area is more tender than the thigh, but you will receive appropriate analgesia in any event. Soreness to touch and stiffness can last for a week or two because of the inevitable bruising.

Will the fat come back?

Fat cells do not usually regenerate (unless there is massive weight gain) but you must still count your calories after surgery, otherwise weight will increase in other parts of the body.

What happens after surgery?

Pressure garments are needed after liposuction provided they do not cause pain or excess pressure. Ideally you should wear them day and night for the first 2 weeks and then during the day for several weeks more. If you find the garments comfortable and helpful, wear them as much as possible! Some blood stained fluid will leak from the puncture sites, needing a light dressing for a few days.

What happens after I go home?

Bruising and swelling are normal after liposuction and as this fades hard lumps can be felt, which is the onset of scar formation and massage can be helpful at this stage (2 weeks on). (Bruising and swelling can appear away from the treated areas due to gravity.) It is normal to feel numbness and ‘pins and needles’ as bruised sensory nerves recover.

What can go wrong?

There can be problems with any operation, namely - Bleeding, Infection, Nerve damage and Scars. There are also special problems with Liposuction, namely not taking enough or taking too much. Minor revisions are sometimes necessary and are usually done several months after surgery. The consultation includes a full analysis of all these possibilities, their likelihood and what you can do to minimise the risks.

How long before I get back to normal?

Most patients say they are back to normal at 8 weeks, but don’t forget, healing progresses slowly for many months. The benefits are obvious immediately, but you must be very patient for the final result.

Summary

I have two rules of Cosmetic Surgery

1. - If in doubt – don’t!

2.- Always talk to real experts.

In other words, be sure that you want to undergo surgery for your own reasons and talk to people who really know about the surgery, that is other patients or an experienced Plastic Surgeon. Many think they know all about Liposuction but in reality don’t and are likely to give you inaccurate and misleading information. This surgery changes many lives for the better but on rare occasions can have the opposite effect, so make sure you are an expert yourself before you decide. Everyone you know loves you whatever you’re like, its how you feel about yourself that matters!

In accordance with the National Healthcare Commission guidelines, the annual audit figures of the Priory Hospital show that in the last five years (2004-2008) Mr Levick has carried out 27 (Full) Abdominoplasties and 45 Mini-abdominoplasties (usually with liposuction).

How Many Liposuctions does Mr Levick perform?

In accordance with the National Healthcare Commission guidelines, the annual audit figures of the Priory Hospital show that in the last five years (2004-2008) Mr Levick has carried out 270 Liposuction procedures, (other than Gynaecomastia).