PROCEDURE:
- Liposuction refers to the removal of excess fatty tissue via cannulas and small skin punctures.
- This fat can either be discarded or used to infiltrate/fill areas that are deficient.
- Liposuction is performed to address areas of concern that do not respond to weight loss or to improve body contour.
- Liposuction is NOT a weight loss procedure.
- For best results a stable weight, with localised excess areas and good skin quality is required.
- This procedure is often performed as a day procedure but requires in hospital observation if large volumes are removed.
PRE-OPERATIVE:
- Please stop any over-the-counter herbs, vitamins, or drugs 2 weeks prior to your scheduled surgery.
- Disprin, NSAIDS and blood thinners should be stopped 7 days prior to surgery unless specified or instructed differently by Dr F. Spruyt. This is done to prevent excessive bleeding.
- NO SMOKING is allowed within 4 weeks of your surgery up to and including 4 weeks after surgery.
- You should be fasted for 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery.
- If possible, please bath or shower with Hibiscrub soap 2 hours prior to admission. This assists in reducing the chance of infection post operatively.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, that will be easy to change into after your surgery.
- Please be at the hospital 2 hours prior to your surgery to allow for admission and preparation.
- You will be counselled on the risks, complications, and healing process prior to your surgery. If you have any questions, please write them down and bring them with you so that they may be discussed prior to surgery.
- Your skin will be marked before you are taken into theatre.
PROCEDURE:
- The procedure takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on the volume that needs to be removed.
- The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, but additional pain blocks will be administered in theatre to reduce post-operative pain.
- After surgery is complete, wounds are dressed and a compression garment will be fitted and worn for 6 weeks.
POST-OPERATIVE:
- You will be monitored in the ward after surgery. If you are eating and drinking and your vitals are normal and pain is controlled, you will be discharged.
- Do not open the dressings after surgery. Dressings will be opened when the drains are removed at your follow-up visit.
- Please phone the rooms for a follow up appointment if one has not been provided.
- No driving is allowed for 2 weeks after your surgery.
- Walking as a form of exercise may be resumed after 2 weeks.
- Normal activities (overhead activities/lifting of heavy objects etc.), general exercise and running may be resumed at 6 weeks.
- Do not wear tight restrictive clothing.
- Wear the pressure garment for 6 weeks post surgery.
- Avoid using tissue oils on the scars, only a cream like Epimax or a silicone cream may be applied once healed.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS:
- Bleeding and hematoma (blood collection)
- Seroma (fluid collection)
- Infection
- Necrosis of skin
- Change in sensation
- Abnormal scarring (hypertrophic or keloid scarring)
- Asymmetry or surface irregularities