Liposuction FAQs

What are Common Reasons for Liposculpture?

To improve the shape and contour of the body. To reduce bulk and produce a more natural skin contour at the site of previous surgery or trauma.

What areas of the body can be treated with liposculpture?

Almost all areas where there is excess fat. Face (to assist in facelifts), goose neck or double chin, upper arms, breasts (men and women), abdomen (upper and lower), flanks (love handles), hips, thighs (inner and outer), knees, calves and ankles.

How long does the liposuction procedure take?

An average of 2 to 3 hours.

Does Liposuction hurt?

All procedures are performed using oral sedation and local anesthesia known as the tumescent technique. To decrease anxiety and discomfort an inhalation gas known as pentox is available. Using the above anesthetics liposuction is performed with safety and with minimal discomfort.

Do you have to wear a compression Garment?

A compression garment is worn over the treated areas for up to six weeks depending on the amount of fat removed and the elasticity of the skin. This helps the body to conform to its new contour. It is not noticeable under clothing.

Is hospitalization required?

No, all procedures are performed in a fully equipped day surgery facility. The patient is able to return home the same day.

Does Liposuction cause bruising?

Although some bruising can be expected, the latest techniques, instrumentation and medication used minimises it considerably. Those patients who bruise very easily are uncommon and know in advance of their susceptibility.

How much weight will I lose with Liposuction?

Weight loss may be minimal as fat weighs very little compared to muscle. You will simply become slimmer in the areas treated.

How soon after Liposuction can I resume exercise?

A gentle walk is recommended a few hours after surgery. Vigorous exercise is not recommended for at least two weeks, although tolerance various greatly with each individual.

I am overweight. Can I have liposculpture?

Liposculpture is not a treatment for obesity, though in some cases, volume reduction in a series of procedures can provide raised self esteem and can be a major incentive for you to manage your weight and exercise more effectively. It is known that fat cells are high in inflammation and reducing ones fatty tissue has beneficial effects on ones level of cellular inflammation.

Is liposculpture suitable for both men and women?

Liposuction is equally effective for both sexes.

Does liposuction improve cellulite or stretch marks?

Liposuction does not improve cellulite or stretch marks. Cellulite and stretch marks are not related to fat accumulation beneath the skin.

How much does Liposuction cost?

Every person is different and the fees depend on the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed.

What are the limitations of Liposuction?

The main limitation of the procedure is that if the skin quality is poor and lacks elasticity, once the underlying fat is sucked out if the skin, it cannot retract to take up the slack, the skin may hang in an ugly redundant fold.
Another limitation is judging the exact amount of fat to remove. If too little fat is removed, the bulge will remain (though will obviously be smaller). If too much fat is taken, a permanent dent will remain. It is fairly simple to go back and take a little more fat away, but much harder to put fat back in. For this reason I usually err on the side of caution and would much rather leave a little too much fat in than take too much away.

Who performs the liposuction surgery?

All Liposuction procedures are performed by Dr Ron Goedeke.

Who will Liposuction NOT help?

Liposuction is not an operation to help you lose weight. All surgery is potentially dangerous, so if you are overweight it is far better to lose weight by a combination of diet and exercise. However, some people find that despite losing weight, they are unable to shift certain deposits of fat, such as the “love handle" area, the thigh area, or the central tummy area. If, having lost weight you still find certain areas are more “fatty" then liposuction may help.

When can I go back to work?

Most people will have one or two days off work. Certain occupations are more strenuous and require special consideration. It is more prudent to take off more time than to return to work too quickly.

Will the fat come back?

After puberty we have a fixed number of fat cells (they increase in size when we put on weight and conversely shrink when we lose it) When fat cells are removed through liposculpture we used to think that they cannot return. We now know that fat cell numbers are able to increase again with sustained calorie excess. Initially if you have liposclpture of your abdomen and you eat too much you will store fat in other areas, commonly upper arms and breast. If calorie excess is maintained then one may again deposit excess fat in the liposculpture area, ie the abdomen area.