Liposuction Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about liposuction
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- How should I go about choosing a surgeon?
- I am going to be given an epidural before my operation. Is this the same as a general anaesthetic?
- Why do I have to wear a pressure garment after the operation?
- How long will it be before I see the final results of my liposuction?
- How long will I need to take off work after the operation?
How should I go about choosing a surgeon?
You should choose a plastic surgeon who is trained to carry out liposuction. There is no single qualification for cosmetic surgery, so you will need to do your homework. Your GP is a good starting point.
Explanation
It's best to discuss any sort of surgery with your GP first. He or she may know of surgeons in your area and will also be able to pass on any important health information from your medical records to the surgeon. If you don't want to involve your GP, you can find a surgeon yourself, but it's important to get as much information as possible about your surgeon's qualifications and experience. Don't be guided by price, and be wary of advertising claims.
There is no central registry of surgeons trained in cosmetic surgery. Doctors performing cosmetic surgery can be trained in any of the nine surgical specialities that are recognised by the Royal College of Surgeons. Most surgeons who do cosmetic surgery have been trained in plastic surgery. Doctors from other specialities such as ENT (ear, nose and throat), ophthalmology (eyes) and dermatology (skin) may carry out some cosmetic surgery. Doctors with only basic medical qualifications should not do cosmetic surgery (basic qualifications are shown by the letters MBBS or MBChB).
Check that your surgeon is on the General Medical Council's specialist register - you can do this by looking at the General Medical Council's website.
Before deciding to go ahead with cosmetic surgery, you should have an initial consultation with your surgeon. Don't be afraid to ask the surgeon questions about his or her qualifications and experience. Ask whether he or she belongs to a professional association, such as the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
Further information
- General Medical Council
0845 357 8001
www.gmc-uk.org - The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
020 7430 1840
www.baaps.org.uk - The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Cosmetic surgery. Care Quality Commission. www.cqc.org.uk, accessed 23 February 2009
- Questions about cosmetic surgery. Royal College of Surgeons. www.rcseng.ac.uk, accessed 19 February 2009
I am going to be given an epidural before my operation. Is this the same as a general anaesthetic?
No. If you have an epidural then you will be awake during the procedure, but your lower body will be numb.
Explanation
You will usually be given a general anaesthetic before having liposuction, which means that you will be asleep throughout the procedure.
You may be given an epidural if you're having liposuction on the lower part of your body, such as your legs or the lower part of your abdomen (tummy). This means that you will be given an injection into your back, which goes into the space that surrounds your spinal cord. You will be awake during the procedure but you won't be able to feel anything in the lower part of your body.
Sources
- Liposuction. British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. www.bapras.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
- Visser L. Epidural anaesthesia. Update in Anaesthesia. 2001(13)
Why do I have to wear a pressure garment after the operation?
The pressure garment helps to reduce swelling and bruising under the skin. It may help your skin tighten to the new body contour.
Explanation
You will be given a tight, elasticated garment to wear after you have had your operation. After fat has been removed, there will be space under your skin, which can mean your skin is loose. The pressure garment firmly supports your skin and helps it to shrink into place. It also helps to reduce swelling and bruising. You will usually need to wear your elasticated garment or bandages for up to three weeks. Your surgeon will tell you exactly how long to wear it for. You can take it off to wash.
Sources
- Liposuction, Techniques. eMedicine. www.emedicine.medscape.com, accessed 26 February 2009
- Liposuction (or lipoplasty/liposculpture). Department of Health. www.dh.gov.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
- Liposuction. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
How long will it be before I see the final results of my liposuction?
You won't see the end result of your liposuction for three to six months after your operation.
Explanation
The skin around the area where you had the liposuction will be bruised and swollen to start with. It may also be a bit loose because there will be space created underneath it, where the fat has been removed. Your skin will shrink over time, and the pressure garment you wear will help with this. If you've had a lot of fat removed and your skin is not very stretchy, you might need to have an operation to remove excess skin.
Within a month, your skin should look a lot better, and most of the bruising should have gone. You should see the full results of the liposuction around three to six months after the operation.
Further information
- British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS)
020 7430 1840
www.baaps.org.uk - British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS)
020 7831 5161
www.bapras.org.uk
Sources
- Liposuction. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
- Liposuction. British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. www.bapras.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
How long will I need to take off work after the operation?
It depends on your type of work and the size of the area you had treated. Your surgeon will let you know how long you will need to take off work.
Explanation
If you have had a small area of your body treated, you should be able to go back to work a few days after the operation if you feel well enough. If you have had a larger area of your body treated, then you may need to have between a week and 10 days off work. Your surgeon can give you a more accurate idea of how long you should take off work.
Sources
- Liposuction. British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. www.baaps.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: July 2009
Rate this page
