What will happen before the procedure?

You will meet your surgeon to talk about why you want surgery and what you want. The surgeon will make a note of any illnesses you have or have had in the past. They will also make a record of any medication you are on, including herbal remedies and medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor.

Your surgeon will examine you, and may take some photographs for your medical records. They will ask you if you want to have someone with you during the examination, and ask you to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs.

The surgeon will measure your height and weight to make sure that it is safe to do an operation. If you are overweight, or planning to become pregnant, your surgeon may suggest delaying your operation.

How is the procedure performed?

Liposuction is carried out using a thin tube called a cannula that is inserted through tiny cuts in the skin. The cannula is used to loosen the fat and make the body part being treated a nicer shape. Next, a special suction device is attached to the cannula, and the fat is sucked from the body. Finally, the cuts in the skin are sewn up.

There are some slightly different techniques. Some surgeons inject the area being treated with solutions (known as a wet or tumescent technique), and others do not. Suction is usually performed with a powerful vacuum machine, but it is sometimes possible to use a simple syringe for small areas. Ultrasound assisted lipectomy, where ultrasound waves are used to help disrupt the fat cells and make them easier to remove, is another technique.

How can I help the procedure be a success?

Be as healthy as possible. It is important to keep your weight steady with a good diet and regular exercise. Your GP can give you advice on this.If you smoke, stopping at least six weeks before the operation will help to reduce the risk of complications. Do not worry about removing hair near where cuts will be made, but do have a bath or shower during the 24 hours before your operation to make sure that the area is as clean as possible. You should avoid using aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs for two weeks before the operation. If you are anaemic, you should take iron tablets. Your surgeon may advise you to stop taking the contraceptive pill if the liposuction is going to be extensive, perhaps involving cutting skin away.

What to expect after the operation

Liposuction is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep) or a local anaesthetic (where an area is numbed with injections). You could have an epidural (an injection in the back that numbs the nerves in the whole area) if the treatment is in the lower part of the body, but a local anaesthetic alone is only suitable for small areas. The operation usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the size of the area being treated. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. You might go home the same day as the liposuction, or stay in hospital overnight. If you do go home on the same day, a responsible adult should stay with you for the night. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable. You may also be given compression stockings to wear, to reduce the risk of a blood clot in the leg or the lung.

Dressings

You will have some small dressings on the cuts that were made. Tight bandages or compression garments will reduce swelling and help the body adapt to its new shape. Compression garments should be worn both day and night, except when showering, for at least two weeks, and then during the day for another four to six weeks.

After liposuction, you must wear a snug compression garment around your lower body to reduce swelling.

Recovery

You will be out of bed on the same day as your surgery. Rest for a few days to allow the fluid in the area you had treated to be absorbed.

If you only had a small amount of fat removed, you should be able to return to work within a few days. However, you may need extra time off if the liposuction was more extensive.You should be back to normal exercise in three to four weeks. Avoid strenuous activity for 10 to 12 weeks. With all activities, start gently.

Do not drive until you feel safe and are comfortable wearing a seatbelt.

You can expect considerable bruising which will be uncomfortable and painful at times. The larger the area treated, the greater the pain will be. The bruising will usually be visible for about a month, but the lumpiness and swelling of deep bruising can take up to six months to disappear, particularly if your tummy or ankles have been treated. As swelling can take a long time to go down, you may not see the full benefit of the liposuction for up to six months. Rarely, a greyish stripe can discolour the skin for several months. This is more common when the ankles have been treated. If you have a tendency to be anaemic, or if you have had a large area treated, you may need to take iron tablets for a month.

Seeing the results

At first you will feel swollen and look bruised. This should settle down within one to six months and reveal your final shape. The effects of the liposuction should be long lasting if you keep your weight stable.

Your aftercare

To protect your body, and get the best result, look after yourself.

Avoid vigorous activities after your operation.

Protect your wounds as you are told to.

Putting on weight or being pregnant will affect the results.

Maintain a healthy weight and level of exercise.

What to look out for

Bleeding after surgery can cause swelling, a change in colour, and pain, usually just on one side. The signs of an infection are pain, redness, swelling and pus in the wound, and you may also have a temperature. A blood clot on the leg can cause swelling and pain in the calf. If the clot goes to the lung, you might be breathless or have pain in your chest. If the wound is not healing well, it may be sore and weep.If you have any worries after your operation, speak to your doctor.