Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I am a good candidate for liposuction?
If you have tried a variety of weight loss methods and, through a combination of dieting, exercise and sheer willpower, managed to lose weight in some areas, but certain areas, such as flanks, hip rolls, and inner thighs, remain exceedingly resistant to dieting and exercise, liposuction is most probably ideal for you.
If you see liposuction as a means of shortcutting the weight loss process, you are not a good candidate for this procedure.
If certain chronic conditions, such as hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, obesity or respiratory illnesses are poorly controlled, or you are immunocompromised, or require anti-coagulants (blood thinners), you may not be a safe candidate for this procedure. See also: Smoking and BMI.
What kind of scars will I have and where will they be located?
The scars will vary in location depending on the site of anticipated liposuction. They are usually about ˝ cm in length and in most cases are not noticeable. The number of scars will vary according to the anatomical area and amount of liposuction.
Your scars will initially be red and a little raised, but over three to six months they usually get lighter in colour and flatten out although they will never disappear completely. They may remain the same size for several months, or even widen.
How long is the operation?
The actual surgical time varies depending on the amount of liposuction needed, but usually is about two hours.
How long is the hospital stay?
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day once you have recovered from the anaesthetic. Small areas can be done with sedation; larger areas will require general anaesthesia.
How much pain should I expect?
This is a difficult question to answer definitively. Every patient has a different pain tolerance. However, we will prescribe sufficient pain medication throughout your recovery period to ensure the discomfort you feel is manageable.
Most people feel tender and bruised for several weeks after surgery, but are not in a great deal of pain.
What happens after the surgery?
Swelling and bruising on the skin are routinely seen after liposuction but they will recede in the following weeks. Complete resolution of swelling can take up to one year. The liposuctioned areas may also be numb for several months, but this will resolve with time.
We recommend light activity only for the first few days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for two to four weeks, depending on how much liposuction has been done.
You will be able to shower after 24 hours.
When can I go in the sun?
You should avoid exposing your new scars to the sun for at least six months or until they have matured well. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.
Will I need to wear a support garment?
Yes, your support garment will be placed on immediately after your surgery. You will need to wear one continuously for the first four weeks; thereafter, during the daytime for another two weeks.
If you experience persistent swelling beyond six weeks, you may require your support garment for up to three months.
When will I be able to go back to work and resume my normal activities?
You should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week after surgery. You should plan to be off work for 7-10 days, depending on the amount of liposuction performed.
We encourage you to start walking almost immediately after your surgery to diminish the risk of blood clots in your legs, as a result of immobilization from the anaesthetic. Even while you are resting, you should be moving your feet and ankles frequently to promote circulation in your legs. In our experience, this will help you will recover much faster, and with fewer complications.
Strenuous aerobic activity can be resumed at approximately four weeks post operatively. By and large, you should let your body be your guide. If it doesn’t hurt, go do it. If it does hurt, stop.
In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities.
How long will the results last?
This is impossible to answer definitively. Factors affecting the length of the result include age at the time of operation, physical condition before and afterwards, quality of skin, and alterations in weight.
Provided your weight remains relatively stable, it is unlikely that you will require additional liposuction.
