Liposuction

Liposuction

The goal of liposuction body contouring surgery is to optimize shape in specific areas and to create a proportionally and aesthetic balance in the appearance of your body. Often there are areas like belly, legs, buttocks, where fat deposits gravitate, which are resistant to diet and exercise. Getting rid of these abnormal contours can be frustrating, because in many cases little can be done against our genetic disposition. That is why aesthetic plastic surgery is also dedicated to classic problem areas and helps many patients to achieve the figure they want through liposuction.

Common questions

  • What happens before liposuction?
  • How does liposuction work?
  • Are there different methods of liposuction?
  • Will the removed fat come back?
  • Further questions about liposuction?
  • What do you have to consider before and after the operation?

What happens before liposuction?

During your office consultation with your surgeon you will be thoroughly examined, allowing us to provide you with information pertaining to surgery, post operative expectations, and the cost associated with your individualized liposuction body contouring surgery plan. For these reasons a consultation with Dr. Winterholer is strongly encouraged

How does liposuction work?

As a rule, the corresponding part of the body is marked by the surgeon before the treatment. I use water-jet assisted liposuction (body-jetⓇ procedure, WAL). This reliable method uses the gentle power of water to gently loosen the excess fat from the tissue and sucks it off at the same time. The particular advantage is that the surrounding tissue, nerves and blood vessels are not affected when using this method. During the operation, it is important to pay attention to the individual body silhouette and to avoid dents in the tissue. The procedure is usually successful on an outpatient basis; it is only inpatient for larger quantities. In general, it is advisable to allow a 3-day recovery period immediately after liposuction. On the fourth day, most patients are fully socially acceptable again. Only sports and other physical activities should be avoided for about 4–6 weeks.

Wearing compression clothing for 6 weeks after treatment is particularly important for the healing process. Among other things, it protects against secondary bleeding, drains fluid and adjusts the skin for a satisfactory and firm result. Most of the time, the patient experiences slightly sore muscles, but they can be tolerated with normal painkillers. The stitches can be removed after just 7 days.

Are there different methods of liposuction?

Different liposuction techniques

In earlier times, liposuction was only performed manually (without technical support), which often led to tissue, nerve and blood vessel damage. Newer, gentler processes work with vibration technology, ultrasound or, like the body-jet® process we use, with a water jet. This loosens the superfluous fat cells from the tissue and significantly reduces the possible risk of injury compared to other methods.

When can the final result be expected?

Immediately after the procedure, you can already see a clear effect, even if there is still swelling, which subsides largely after 2–3 weeks and completely after 2–3 months. The tightening effect of the skin takes up to 6 months. Only then is the end result achieved.

Will the removed fat come back?

The fat that has been removed is gone. Your body will not produce new fat cells in that area because of the fat cell removal by liposuction. However, there are still fat cells remaining in the area where your liposuction was performed, which can enlarge with weight gain – less drastically, but it is still possible – and fat storage may occur in other body parts as well. It is important to understand that liposuction is a body contouring procedure that does not replace the effects of exercise and a healthy lifestyle, but rather helps to contour areas that are rather resistant to weight loss and exercise for different reasons.

Who is suited to liposuction?

Theoretically, every healthy adult is suited to liposuction. Previous illnesses such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or lax connective tissue should be clarified with the responsible doctor in advance, as the risk increases in these cases. The older the patient, the less elastic the connective tissue is. In rare cases, a tightening operation must be performed at the same time or in a further procedure if the skin cannot contract adequately over the treated area, for example due to stretch marks.
The fat removed by the body-jet® process can also be used for autologous fat treatment, for example for breast enlargement or antiaging on the face.

What are the risks of liposuction?

The risk of a properly performed water jet-assisted liposuction (body-jetⓇ procedure, WAL) is very low. Nevertheless, as with any surgical procedure, complications can never be completely ruled out. In addition to bruises, temporary sensory disorders of the skin can occur in rare cases. All possible risks are discussed in detail in the information and consultation before the procedure.

More questions about liposuction?

Are you interested in liposuction? Feel free to arrange a personal consultation in my office in Cham.

Brief information

Operating time:0.5 – 1.5 hours
Stay:Daytime procedure or 1 night inpatient
Suture pulling:7 days
Sociable:1 – 3 days
Downtime:1 – 2 weeks
No sports:4 – 6 weeks