PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE
Return to Work:
6-8 Days
Surgery Time:
1-3 Hours
Follow Ups:
7 Days, 6 Months, 1 Year
Liposuction (Lower Extremities)
Fat removal surgery is a terrific treatment for patients who are at an ideal weight but have troublesome areas of fat that are difficult to get rid of, even with the most healthy lifestyle. Patients interested in liposuction should have healthy skin because liposuction is not a treatment for stretched-out skin. It is also important to know that liposuction is not a solution for weight loss. At the time of your consultation for surgery, Dr. Van der Walt will set realistic expectations.
Surgical Technique
This treatment is completed in an outpatient setting using general anesthesia. A punch-hole incision is placed through the skin so a cannula can be inserted. A cannula is a special tool that makes it easier to work loose the fatty tissue that is being removed. After the desired amount of fat deposits have been eliminated, Dr. Efraim will seal the small incision. Based on the number of sections being treated, your procedure may take 1-3 hours. In the separate area for recovery, your post-op nurse will assist you with managing any discomfort and look after your treated areas until you are discharged.
Depending on the amount of fat removed, you might need to sleep over in hospital for your urine output and fluid intake to be monitored.
A pressure garment will be fitted in theatre, and you will have to wear that for 4-6 weeks.
What To Expect
Remember to take plenty of water for the first few days. You may need to stay at home for recovery from liposuction surgery for two to three weeks based on the number of sections treated and the amount of fat removed. It is typical to have bruising and swelling for a few weeks, and you should have stitches taken out 7 – 10 days after surgery.
The most important thing to do following any surgery is to give your body time to rest and heal. When you decide to go back to your job after your surgery, you should remember to minimize stress and strenuous activity. To increase your strength and stamina, try walking and light workouts as recommended by Dr. Efraim. Remember, you may notice some improvements soon after your surgery, but it will take around 6 – 10 months until your new body contour and shape is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
The liposuction varies, depending on the technique selected and how many areas are being treated. In your consultation, Dr. Van der Walt will create your personal treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. He will also consider your budget. When your plan is ready, estimated costs will be discussed.
Liposuction surgery only corrects excess fat. For loose skin, Dr. Van der Walt may recommend combining liposuction with a lift surgery. Liposuction is often done along with skin tightening surgery, like a tummy tuck, thighplasty, or arm lift, to give you your best results. Cellulite cannot be treated or improved surgically.
Since liposuction is an invasive surgery, incisions will be made and sutured. This will cause scars; however, Dr. Efraim does his best to reduce their appearance. This starts with making thin incisions in less visible areas or the natural folds of your body.
Before liposuction, it is important to be prepared to maintain your results. Although liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in an area, you can still lose and gain weight. Dr. Van der Walt suggests that you be at or close to a healthy weight prior to liposuction. Afterward, it is best to remain within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Getting pregnant after liposuction will also alter your results; however, another surgery, like a mommy makeover, may be done to refresh your body.