Liposuction has many myths, rumours, and misconceptions around it, but this much maligned treatment is very different today from when it first started out.
Dr Henryk Poczwa, one of New Zealand’s foremost experts on liposuction, would like to put to bed some of the fallacies about the treatment and set the record straight by answering these commonly asked questions.
Dr Henryk Poczwa, one of New Zealand’s foremost experts on liposuction, would like to put to bed some of the fallacies about the treatment and set the record straight by answering these commonly asked questions.
What is liposuction
Liposuction is a surgery which removes fatty tissue from the body.
It was first developed in the 1970’s, but this original version of liposuction was quite dangerous, and it was only in 1985, when Californian dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein created the tumescent technique, that it became popular in cosmetic surgery.
It was first developed in the 1970’s, but this original version of liposuction was quite dangerous, and it was only in 1985, when Californian dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein created the tumescent technique, that it became popular in cosmetic surgery.
How does liposuction work?
The idea behind Liposuction is to reach the subcutaneous fat - that is the fatty deposits between the skin and muscle.
Using a small, hollow instrument called a cannula, this excess fat would literally be sucked out of the body, leaving behind tiny tunnels which would then collapse, resulting in an improved body shape.
Tumescent Liposuction changed the procedure forever by using local anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia. This technique is now considered the safest form of liposuction for removing very large amounts of fat because there is virtually no blood loss.
It has also proven to be less painful, with minimized post-op recovery time and virtually no scarring.
Using a small, hollow instrument called a cannula, this excess fat would literally be sucked out of the body, leaving behind tiny tunnels which would then collapse, resulting in an improved body shape.
Tumescent Liposuction changed the procedure forever by using local anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia. This technique is now considered the safest form of liposuction for removing very large amounts of fat because there is virtually no blood loss.
It has also proven to be less painful, with minimized post-op recovery time and virtually no scarring.
Are there risks with liposuction?
All medical procedures carry risks, no matter how small, especially when it comes to surgery, however, there is minimal risk involved with tumescent liposuction.
The patient is awake during the procedure (although lightly sedated) so that the risks involved with general anaesthesia are not there.
The cannulas used during the procedure are so small, they allow a gentler approach, needing only a small amount of pressure to get through to the subcutaneous fat. This reduces the risk of accidents, such as approaching too close to the surface of the skin, or going too deep.
The procedure also requires no stitches, so wounds heal by themselves and virtually disappear over a few months. In fact, the procedure is a “walk-in, walk-out” operation performed in a day stay surgical clinic.
The patient is awake during the procedure (although lightly sedated) so that the risks involved with general anaesthesia are not there.
The cannulas used during the procedure are so small, they allow a gentler approach, needing only a small amount of pressure to get through to the subcutaneous fat. This reduces the risk of accidents, such as approaching too close to the surface of the skin, or going too deep.
The procedure also requires no stitches, so wounds heal by themselves and virtually disappear over a few months. In fact, the procedure is a “walk-in, walk-out” operation performed in a day stay surgical clinic.
Is Liposuction the easiest way to lose weight?
No. The easiest way to lose weight is with a healthy diet and regular exercise. The idea that you can eat anything you want, not exercise and simply have it all “sucked out” is nonsense.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss tool, it’s a final attempt to get rid of those stubborn fatty areas which just won’t go away.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss tool, it’s a final attempt to get rid of those stubborn fatty areas which just won’t go away.
Isn’t liposuction just for rich people?
Not at all. Like most new medical procedures, when liposuction first arrived on the scene it was expensive. This helped to create the impression that the procedure was exclusively for the rich and famous of Beverly Hills, a myth which has lingered even until today.
Today’s procedures are surprisingly affordable, with various payment options available.
Today’s procedures are surprisingly affordable, with various payment options available.
Do only women get liposuction?
Fat doesn’t care about gender, and men can suffer from the psychological effects of weight just as much as women. Both women and men can experience dramatic results from liposuction, and in fact, the procedure is one of the more popular amongst men’s treatments.
What areas are treated by liposuction?
In women, the most frequently treated areas are the breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles and beneath the chin.
In men, fat tends to form within and around the abdominal contours, as well as superficially on the abdomen. It gives men breasts and gathers around the neck/chin area. Liposuction can be used to trim these areas of excess fat, giving men a more “chiselled” look, boosting self-esteem and encouraging exercise to keep up this new and improved look.
In men, fat tends to form within and around the abdominal contours, as well as superficially on the abdomen. It gives men breasts and gathers around the neck/chin area. Liposuction can be used to trim these areas of excess fat, giving men a more “chiselled” look, boosting self-esteem and encouraging exercise to keep up this new and improved look.
How long do the results last?
Once fat cells are sucked out of the body, that’s it! They do not grow back. As long as the patient does not gain excessive amounts of weight, the new, more pleasing contour is permanent.
A patient who always tends to put weight on the thighs and knees, will find that after liposuction, these areas are less likely than other areas to accumulate fat.
A patient who always tends to put weight on the thighs and knees, will find that after liposuction, these areas are less likely than other areas to accumulate fat.
How do I find out more about liposuction?
At the Vein and Skin Clinic in Wellington, we are lucky enough to have one of New Zealand’s leading experts in liposuction.
Dr Henryk Poczwa has over 15 years’ experience in the industry, having treated hundreds of patients in that time.
If you would like to know more about liposuction, or if the procedure is right for you, then book a consultation today and come into the clinic for a friendly and honest discussion.
Tumescent liposuction may just be the final step in achieving your body goals.
Dr Henryk Poczwa has over 15 years’ experience in the industry, having treated hundreds of patients in that time.
If you would like to know more about liposuction, or if the procedure is right for you, then book a consultation today and come into the clinic for a friendly and honest discussion.
Tumescent liposuction may just be the final step in achieving your body goals.
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