Liposuction is a proven and established procedure for reducing fatty tissue. It is one of the most frequently performed operations in plastic surgery today.
Many people find problem areas on their own body. Very often these are fat deposits in typical areas that can prove to be extremely stubborn in the face of diets and exercise. This often leads to the desire for liposuction.
In women, these fat pads typically appear on the outer thighs as saddlebags on the outer thighs. The insides of the knees and thighs are also often affected.
In men, the hip regions, known as “love handles“, are more frequently affected.
The accumulation of fat in the breast area, gynecomastia, is a major source of suffering for men and has a strong negative impact on the male appearance.
In many cases, liposuction at the Yuveo Clinic Düsseldorf can normalize the individual appearance of our patients and thus optimize the aesthetics of their proportions.
Contents
Yuveo Clinic
Special features of liposuction
What is certainly special is that the scope of liposuction can range from a small procedure under local anesthesia to a mega-fat treatment of more than 10 liters, e.g. for lipedema.
Liposuction
Vibration-assisted liposuction
Performing liposuction
Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation, depending on the estimated volume to be removed. For larger amounts, general anesthesia should be seriously considered, which can be beneficial for both the patient and the plastic surgeon.
For liposuction of large volumes (<4 l) or in the case of certain secondary conditions, a short inpatient stay is advisable. The estimated operation time ranges from 45 minutes to approx. 3 hours.
Before liposuction, we mark the areas to be treated with the patient standing.
In the abdominal area, we palpate the abdominal wall for hernias (umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, etc.) in order to avoid injury from such a hernia, which may also contain intestines.
Administering the tumescent fluid
In the operating room, we inject a special saline solution, called tumescent solution, into the marked areas. We make the punctures in inconspicuous areas.
A mega liposuction can involve liquid volumes of over 5 liters. The pre-warmed saline solution usually contains one or two painkillers and a substance that causes the small vessels to contract, thereby reducing the risk of bleeding.
Action of the fat-dissolving liquid
After infiltration, the tumescent solution should be left to work for at least 20 minutes to facilitate liposuction. During this time, the fat cells swell and become very susceptible to mechanical stress due to the increased tension of the cell membranes. This means that more fat can be removed with less mechanical stress and the surrounding tissue (nerves, blood vessels, abdominal wall, etc.) is spared. The actual liposuction begins after the exposure time has elapsed.
Suction of the fat
The fat is then extracted via the above-mentioned puncture sites using even movements with special cannulas for liposuction. This is done using a suction system that continuously builds up negative pressure. The suction cannulas are adapted to the size and shape of the operation.
Modern systems such as PAL (vibration-assisted liposuction) use vibrating cannulas to make the liposuction procedure more effective and gentler.
Frequently asked questions about liposuction
Is it possible for new fat cells to form after liposuction?
To say it in advance: “WHAT HAS BEEN EXTRACTED WILL NOT COME BACK!”
The fat cells that have been destroyed or removed by liposuction do not return. In adults, the fat cells cannot form again, or at most to a very small extent. There is also no evidence that the fat multiplies in other parts of the body. This is a general increase in weight.
Of course, the weight gain cannot be seen in the areas where liposuction was performed, as there are significantly fewer fat cells here than before the operation.
However, the remaining fat cells will store the fat in the usual way. This means that the proportions remain the same after liposuction.
In the case of abdominal liposuction, this would mean that if weight is gained after the operation, the abdomen will remain proportionally smaller.
What role does skin quality play in liposuction?
During the consultation, we also pay particular attention to skin quality with regard to liposuction.
Young patients
In young patients with good skin quality (no sun-damaged skin, no cellulite), it can be assumed that the tendency of the skin to shrink is just as good even with a large amount of suction.
Elderly patients
Despite all considerations, there are clear limits to skin shrinkage in the case of severely sagging, older and sun-damaged skin, which cannot be eliminated by liposuction using UAL and PAL.
In these cases, we will at least discuss with you the possibility of skin tightening surgery at a later date.
Two-layer fatty tissue
Fatty tissue in almost all parts of the body has a two-layer structure, which we take into account during liposuction. The deep fat layer with large fat cells is located under a firm fibrous layer = Scarpa’s fascia. The superficial fat layer is a collection of finer fat cells above Scarpa’s fascia. Both layers are included. In this way, a significant improvement in skin shrinkage can also be achieved.
Why is liposuction with vibration (PAL) beneficial?
PAL is a vibration-assisted liposuction procedure. The system uses a special handpiece to produce a fine cannula vibration. The tumescent solution is also used here, with an exposure time of approx. 20 minutes.
The vibration achieves a similar effect to ultrasound-assisted liposuction (= UAL). The swollen fat cells can be destroyed more easily and removed more gently.
With PAL, there is no heat effect, which can lead to burns with UAL. Because of this decisive advantage, vibration-assisted liposuction is becoming increasingly popular. With liposuction using PAL, we at Yuveo Düsseldorf can achieve a skin-shrinking effect by treating the superficial fat layer accordingly.
What is special about sweat gland suction?
Sweat gland removal was initially performed using a technique similar to liposuction.
However, lipocurettage allows for successful treatment of excessive sweating in the armpit. The technique goes one step further than simply removing sweat glands.
In contrast to treatment with Bttx, lipocurettage is not a method with a time-limited success.
How is the follow-up treatment carried out?
After liposuction, small plasters are applied to the puncture sites and compression garments (vest, trousers, sleeves, etc.) must be worn. Sometimes the puncture sites are also sutured with stitches. However, if these areas are completely sealed, the wound water cannot escape from the body. Particularly during the first night, a lot of fluid is drained from the small puncture sites. The need for painkillers after liposuction is moderate. Most patients only report severe sore muscles.
Drains
Drains are an exception.
Compression
Especially in the first 24 hours after liposuction, it is important to remain calm to prevent bleeding of the small injured vessels. In the first few days/weeks, swelling and bruising (also on the sides) of the skin are normal. These are reduced by wearing a suitable, if necessary, customized compression garment.
Swelling
Postoperative swelling is present after the treatment. It may be more pronounced due to minor bruising or wound effusions. Some hardening is also normal postoperatively. These changes improve noticeably in the first few weeks after surgery. During this phase, compression garments are strongly recommended and should be worn for 6 weeks. However, slight to moderate swelling may still be visible afterwards.
Threads
We sometimes use stitches to make the puncture sites heal as inconspicuously as possible. They can be removed after just 5-7 days.
Wound effusions (seroma)
Relatively large wound areas develop, even if only very small punctures are visible on the outside. These wound areas can produce wound water depending on the individual tendency. Sometimes small and medium-sized seromas (= wound water effusions) develop, which resolve themselves over time. We sometimes have to puncture the larger effusions with a cannula.
Showers
Showering is permitted after 2-5 days. Before that, the puncture sites must remain dry.
Skin feel
Skin sensation may be reduced in the medium term after liposuction. Permanent loss of sensation is a rarity.
Sport
After medium and large liposuction, sports that cause movement in the liposuctioned areas and/or are strenuous should be avoided for 5-6 weeks.
When special regions such as the face, calves, ankles and other unusual areas are suctioned, we at Yuveo Düsseldorf must adapt the aftercare to the requirements of these regions.
How much does liposuction cost?
The prices for liposuction can vary greatly. The following influencing factors play a role here:
- Scope of liposuction
- Length of stay in the clinic
- Prices for anesthesia or sedation (twilight sleep)
- Fee of the plastic surgeon
Note: Some plastic surgeons have specific prices for predefined regions that are liposuctioned. Others calculate with the amount of fat that is removed.
Cost overview
In addition to the actual liposuction, there is also the anesthetic. For minor liposuction, sedation (twilight sleep) is sometimes sufficient. If very small areas are being treated, local anesthesia is sometimes sufficient. Some clinics will also charge for the inpatient stay.
In so-called mega liposuctions, which are associated with lipedema, up to 10 liters are removed. In general, costs can be reduced if larger volumes are removed in one session. An inpatient stay is mandatory for such operations.
For more details and exact prices, please ask our team of plastic surgeons in Düsseldorf.
Fact check
- Practitioners: Dr. Schumann and Dr. Schumann-Averkiou
Treatment duration:
depending on the scope of treatment: 45 minutes to 3 hours- Anesthesia:
local anesthesia twilight sleep, general anesthesia - Hospitalization:
outpatient or inpatient - Aftercare:
Compression underwear for 6 weeks, rest - Remove stitches:
after about 5 to 7 days - Sport:
Refrain from sport for 5 to 6 weeks - Costs: on request
Further information and related topics
- Autologous fat
- Liposuction techniques
- Liposuction and its special features in different regions of the body
- Lipedema
- What complications can occur during liposuction?
Technical terms:
- Liposuction = liposuction
- Lipedema = fat distribution disorder
- PAL = power-assisted liposuction, favored suction technique
- Tumescent solution = special saline solution with a local anesthetic and an agent to constrict the blood vessels. It is injected into the fatty tissue and dissolves the fat cells.
