Liposuction
The wish for a trim figure and an attractive body outline is quite natural. It is true that sport and healthy nutrition help to bring us a bit closer to our ideal figure, but some subcutaneous fat often remains stubborn, even when the figure as a whole is slim. The surgical procedure known as liposuction, body-forming or liposculpture is particularly well suited to the treatment of these problem zones. In liposuction, by aspirating local subcutaneous fat, we aim to achieve a harmonisation of your body silhouette. After this microsurgical operation, your body will be more evenly proportioned, and it will look slimmer. On the one hand, liposuction is not the same thing as natural weight loss, but it can certainly provide an incentive for patients who are only slightly overweight and whose physical proportions are somewhat unbecoming to continue losing weight afterwards. And liposuction – whatever the various advertisements may say – is currently the only tried and tested method of removing fat from problem areas in the long term.
Procedure in liposuction
During the first consultation, we conduct a detailed anamnesis interview in order to uncover possible risks and respond individually to your wishes and ideas. To plan the liposuction, we examine the areas to be treated, particularly with regard to what is actually feasible. Because the amount of fatty tissue that can be suctioned depends on the areas to be treated and their condition. The quality of the surrounding connective tissue also plays a role in the amount of fat to be removed and depends on individual factors. The better the connective tissue is in the corresponding zones, the better the skin’s recovery capacity and the more fat we can suction off. The skin surface also turns out better and smoother after liposuction in areas with good connective tissue. In patients with poor connective tissue, in which the tissue is unlikely to contract again strongly enough, a skin lift take place. We will advise you individually on this.
To insert the cannulas in the treatment area, only small puncture incisions of around half a centimeter are made. As a rule, we suck off the fatty tissue with a vibration-assisted system – VAL for vibration-assisted liposuction. Before the actual liposuction, a so-called tumescence solution is infiltrated into the treatment area. A local anesthetic is added to this aqueous solution to numb the area to be treated. After a sufficient exposure time, the loosened fatty tissue is released and suctioned off. The operating time for liposuction depends on the findings and the number of zones to be treated. For example, the suction of a small zone takes about an hour. In the outpatient area, up to four liters can usually be suctioned out, everything above that is linked to an inpatient overnight stay. Of course, the troublesome areas can also be treated in several steps, so that the liposuction can be carried out on an outpatient basis, with local anesthesia and, if necessary, in twilight anesthesia (analgosedation).
After liposuction
After the operation, we will put on your compression garments and you will come to our recovery room, where you will be cared for and monitored by a qualified member of staff.
Since the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under twilight anesthesia, we can you go back home the same day. For the next 24 hours, however, you should have a trusted adult at your side who will look after you and act in an emergency.
The first follow-up check with a change of plaster takes place on the day after the liposuction. It is quite normal for tissue fluid to leak out in the first two days after the operation. We therefore recommend that you prepare yourself accordingly for your home with documents for your bed or couch. You will be able to work again after just a few days. Experience has shown that it is more pleasant for you if you take it easy at home for a little longer. Painkillers are rarely used for longer than three days.
The superficial wound healing from liposuction is usually complete after just one week. Normally, the small skin wounds are closed with tissue glue and not stitched. In areas where there is a lot of tension on the skin, however, we close the skin with a very fine, thin suture that can be removed after about seven days, at the second follow-up visit. Until then, you may only wash yourself carefully at the liposuction sites. Otherwise, irritation can be caused by cleaning products or bacteria could be introduced into the fresh wounds.
You must wear compression underwear day and night for six weeks in the liposuction area, which we will be happy to choose with you and adjust individually. For smaller zones, we also work with a special tape bandage, depending on the findings, which replaces the compression underwear. In general, the compression prevents the wound cavities from filling with liquid and also serves to accelerate the regression of the skin after liposuction and to stabilize the shape. You should therefore refrain from massaging the treated areas or strong vibrations during this time in order not to disturb the correct healing of the tissue. Strong sunlight or visits to the solarium should also be avoided, otherwise the fresh scars can discolour.
Further follow-up checks take place after six weeks and half a year. During the follow-up examinations, depending on the findings, we also give recommendations for the correct training of the areas and the correct Scar care, e.g. creams or dietary supplements, which you can also purchase on site or for which we will issue you a prescription. You may be able to start longer walks or similar again after two to three weeks. But we always decide that individually.
You can expect the final result after about six to twelve months after liposuction.
Who is liposuction suitable for?
Liposuction is suitable for men and women who wish to improve their body contours and have stubborn areas of fat that have not responded sufficiently to exercise or dieting. It can also be used to reshape specific areas of the body for aesthetic purposes and create a more harmonious overall appearance.
However, liposuction is not suitable as a method of significant weight loss for patients who are overweight.
Which areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body where excess fat deposits are considered undesirable, including the chin, neck, upper arms, forearms, chest, abdomen, back, hips, buttocks, thighs, lower legs, knees and ankles.
How long does liposuction take?
The procedure usually takes between 1 and 3 hours, depending on your individual circumstances.
What type of anaesthesia is required for liposuction?
In most cases, liposuction can be performed under local anaesthesia, sometimes combined with sedation (analgosedation). Depending on the individual findings and the planned duration of the procedure, general anaesthesia may also be indicated.
What complications can occur after liposuction?
Every surgical procedure involves risks, whether associated with the anaesthesia or the operation itself. However, our extensive experience and comprehensive patient care help to minimise these risks. Complications may also occur after liposuction.
Bruising and swelling are common after liposuction and may affect larger areas, depending on tissue quality. These symptoms usually subside within approximately 3 weeks, depending on the treated area.
Tissue remodelling following liposuction can sometimes lead to areas of firmness or hardening. Such changes are generally harmless and usually resolve within several weeks or, in some cases, months.
Careful surgical planning and our extensive experience in liposuction aim to minimise the risk of undesirable contour irregularities, such as dents, ripples or uneven transitions. Before the procedure, we take sufficient time to examine the planned treatment areas thoroughly. We assess the quality of the connective tissue and other individual factors to estimate the skin’s ability to retract and plan the procedure with the aim of achieving an aesthetically pleasing result.
You can find a detailed description of potential complications here.
How long do the results of liposuction last?
With a healthy lifestyle, the results of liposuction can be long-lasting. Following minor weight gain, previously treated areas may be less likely to accumulate fat to the same extent because a large proportion of the fat cells responsible have been removed. However, significant weight gain can cause fat deposits to increase again, and new fat cells may also develop.
When can I exercise again after liposuction?
You should avoid activities that cause vibration, compression or impact to the treated tissue or place significant tension on the scars, such as jogging. Depending on your individual circumstances, you can usually begin taking walks after approximately 3 weeks and gradually increase your activity level. Until then, you should avoid physical exertion.
How much does liposuction cost?
The cost of liposuction depends on your individual circumstances, the number of body areas to be treated and the extent of the procedure required. Following a personal examination and consultation, we will provide you with an individual cost estimate.
Will my health insurance cover the cost of liposuction?
Liposuction performed for purely aesthetic reasons is not covered by statutory health insurance.
In certain cases, liposuction for lipedema may be covered by statutory health insurance from stage 3 onwards.
Can liposuction also be used to remove a lipoma?
Liposuction may be suitable for removing a lipoma if it is located in the subcutaneous fatty tissue and does not have a pronounced capsule or internal septations. Whether this technique is appropriate depends on the individual findings. In suitable cases, liposuction may offer a tissue-preserving alternative to surgical removal.
Whether the costs are covered by health insurance depends on the individual insurance policy and the medical indication. The specific treatment costs are determined based on the individual findings and detailed in a cost estimate provided during the consultation.
DURATION OF OPERATION: depending on findings, 1 – 4 hours
ANAESTHETIC: tumescence anaesthetic / semi-conscious sedation / general anaesthetic
HOSPITALISATION: out-patient, or in -patient for 1 – 2 days
PAIN LEVEL: very low
AFTER-TREATMENT: wearing of compression undergarment(s) for 6 weeks
PRESENTABILITY, RETURN TO WORK: 3 – 7 days
SPORT: depending on operation, after approx. 3 weeks
COSTS: Depending on individual circumstances; a cost estimate will be provided following examination and consultation.
Ask our advice.
We’ll be glad to provide you with detailed information about this treatment. Simply get in touch with us now and obtain advice at an individual and absolutely personal level.
+49 30 - 94 041 144