Liposuction allows for the permanent removal of localized fat deposits. These localized fat deposits do not disappear, as a rule, despite diet or exercise.
On the other hand, liposuction is not a weight loss method and its goal is not to control the patient’s weight: thus, a correctly performed liposuction will not allow the patient to avoid an improvement of his or her lifestyle.
The principle of liposuction is to introduce, from micro-incisions of 3-4 mm placed in strategic areas (natural shadows of the body), foam cannulas, with a rounded tip, not sharp, perforated at their end with several holes. These cannulas will be connected to a closed circuit in which a negative pressure will be created.
Since these fat cells do not have the ability to multiply, there will be no recurrence of this overpopulation of adipocytes, if a diet and sports activity are maintained.
In practice, liposuction can be applied to a large number of areas of the body: the “saddlebags” of course, but also the hips, abdomen, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, arms, back. Technical improvements have also made it possible to extend its action to the face and neck (double chin, oval of the face).
J plasma and MicroAire®: the latest technologies at your disposal
The Renuvion ® (or “J plasma”), similar to the Vaser ®, is a latest generation device combining the properties of Helium gas with the effectiveness of Radio Frequency (RF) energy to create a double thermal effect. This combination will create a retraction of the skin. It does not generate additional scars to those of liposuction.
Dr. Lucas uses the MicroAire® liposuction equipment, which is the reference in terms of liposuction equipment, used in many university hospitals in Switzerland and around the world. With its microvibrating technology (“PAL”: power-assisted liposuction), the MicroAire® allows for a more efficient, faster and less traumatic liposuction, allowing for a faster recovery to the patient.
Technique:
3-4 mm micro-incisions, infiltration of local anesthesia, then liposuction with MicroAire® and then application of Renuvion ® through the same micro-incisions.
Results:
Time frame for final results: After a 3-5 day social eviction (hematoma, moderate swelling), significant results can be seen in 2-3 weeks. The retraction effect of Renuvion ® will be fully appreciable at 3 months, after total disappearance of swelling.
Longevity of results: definitive, if weight is maintained stable
Before surgery:
Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery.
Do not take Aspirin 10 days before surgery, inform Dr. Lucas of any anticoagulant medication (Sintrom, Coumadin, Eliquis, etc..) to arrange for its discontinuation or replacement.
Take Arnica capsules 5 capsules 5 times a day for 5 days before surgery if prone to hematoma.
Intervention :
Pain: the pain during the intervention will be almost non-existent, with an adapted anesthesia
Duration of the operation: 60-120 minutes
Anesthesia: local with sedation or general
Location: operating room
Outpatient (without hospitalization)
After surgery:
Post-operative pain: 1/10, with appropriate analgesia
Social eviction: discomfort such as cramps, bruises and swelling for 3-7 days
Return to work: 3-5 days
Return to sport: 7 days
Instructions :
Take Arnica capsules 5 times a day for 5 days after surgery to prevent hematoma.
Wear a girdle compressing the lipo-aspirated areas for 2 weeks day and night and 4 weeks during the day only.
Shower from the 2nd day, do not rub scars for 10 days.
Dr Lucas control 1 week, 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.
Sun protection with an index higher than 50 during the 6 months following the surgery.
Complications
Infection, hematoma, lymphatic effusion
Skin suffering
Metabolic disturbances for liposuctioned volumes that are too large
Irregularities in the liposuctioned areas
In the abdomen: risk of perforation and peritonitis
Alternatives and operations that can be combined:
In the presence of a moderate and localized excess of fat without excess skin, the injection of Kybella® can be an interesting alternative. When there is a significant excess of fat without excess skin, the ideal solution is liposuction.
When there is a significant excess of skin, a thigh or arm lift is the preferred option.