Common Areas Treated with Liposuction
Liposuction may be used to address areas of the body with localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Commonly treated areas include:
- Chin
- Arms
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Flanks
Liposuction procedures are tailored to each individual, and it may be possible to treat multiple areas during a single procedure. During your consultation, Dr Bish Soliman will discuss the areas you wish to address and provide personalized advice based on your goals and individual circumstances.
Some considerations for Liposuction
Liposuction may be suitable for individuals who are non-smokers, at or near a healthy weight, and do not have medical conditions that could interfere with the procedure or healing process. Smoking can negatively affect blood vessel health and hinder post-operative recovery. If you smoke, you may be advised to quit at least six weeks before your procedure to support optimal healing.
It is important to note that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, nor is it a substitute for regular exercise or a healthy diet. This procedure is generally best for individuals seeking to refine their body contours by addressing localized fat deposits.
To reduce the risk of complications, it is essential to disclose your full medical history, including any medications you are taking, during your consultation. Your surgeon will assess your health and discuss whether liposuction is an appropriate option for you.
Candidates for liposuction should also have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. Any questions about your suitability or the potential results can be addressed during your consultation, where a personalized treatment plan will be developed.
The procedure
Liposuction procedures involve general anaesthesia administered by an accredited anaesthetist and will be performed in a fully accredited hospital. Your consultation will provide you with detailed procedure steps that will be tailored to your needs, so that you will know what to expect.
What the procedure involves
Through small incisions of about two to five millimetres long, a suction cannula will be inserted under the skin. Dr Bish will then move the cannula back and forth in order to break up the fat for smooth removal.
The duration of the procedure will depend on how much fat is being removed. Personalised details of the procedure, such as the treatment areas and any further steps, will be discussed during your consultation.
Once the surgery is completed, your small incisions will be closed and a compression garment will be applied to the area. You will likely need to spend a few hours in the hospital before being discharged and should have someone to come and pick you up, as you will need to avoid driving.
How the procedure can be personalised
Dr Bish will target your specific areas of concern, as discussed during your initial consultation. The steps of the procedure will be tailored to your needs as much as possible. The liposuction procedure can also be performed in combination with other procedures, such as an abdominoplasty, a breast reduction and an arm or thigh lift.
General aftercare instructions
It is normal to have some pain, swelling, and tenderness after your liposuction procedure, but this should subside as your treated area heals. Although recovery is different for every patient, swelling usually resolves within one to two months. You may be prescribed pain medication to ease any discomfort.
A compression garment may need to be worn in the treated areas to ensure the best results, helping the skin to fully retract. Your surgeon can advise you on how long you will need to wear the garment, which can be slightly different depending on each treated area.
Straight after your procedure, you will need to get sufficient rest. While you may be encouraged to move gently and frequently to prevent complications throughout your recovery, you will also be instructed to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting until your body has healed. This can generally be for about six weeks, but your surgeon will provide you with personalised advice. You may be able to resume light activities, resume driving and return to work after about two weeks.
We recommend having somebody available to help you with tasks around the house, as certain tasks may be difficult during the earlier days of your recovery from liposuction. You should also make sure that you have comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to wear, and access to healthy meals to get the nutrition your body needs. Additionally, you may be advised to:
- Care for your wounds properly to avoid infection
- Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet
- Take care of your general health
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Avoid certain blood-thinning medications
- Follow all other aftercare instructions
What to expect for your results
You will have swelling and bruising after the procedure, which means your final results may take some time to show. The amount of time that this will take will vary from patient to patient. Generally, swelling subsides within one to two months. However, it can take a little longer for your results to be completely visible. Results can also be influenced by any additional procedures combined with liposuction. Liposuction does not achieve a one-size-fits-all outcome, so you will need to discuss what you can expect according to your unique features and your procedure plan during your consultation.
Risks and Complications of Liposuction
All surgical procedures carry risks, and it is important to understand these before proceeding with liposuction. During your consultation, Dr Bish Soliman will discuss the potential risks and complications specific to the procedure, as well as your personal risk factors based on your medical history and individualized treatment plan. You will also receive advice on steps to minimize risks, such as proper preparation, adherence to aftercare instructions, and precautions taken during surgery.
Potential Risks and Complications
Liposuction may involve the following risks:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Delayed wound healing
- Uneven skin surface, such as lumps or rippling
- Asymmetry between treated areas
- Changes in skin sensation or tone, which may be temporary or permanent
- Skin laxity
- Damage to nerves, muscles, or blood vessels
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Adverse reactions to medications or anesthesia
In some cases, complications may require revision surgery.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in the hospital to ensure no immediate complications arise. The location of incisions and the potential visibility of scars will be discussed during your consultation, as these factors depend on the specific areas being treated.
Once you are discharged, it is important to monitor your recovery and report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your surgeon. Following all aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments will support your healing and help identify any potential issues early.