Plastic and cosmetic surgery abroad in Poland

Liposuction (Lipo)

Liposuction or Lipo Surgery is commonly used to remove stubborn, diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits and to sculpt the body into a slimmer profile by removing areas of fat using thin suction tubes.

In women and men, fat deposits may be formed beneath the chin and on the flanks, hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, knees, and lower legs. These are some of the areas where body contouring with liposuction produces impressive results.

Once the fat cells have been removed by liposuction, these same cells do not grow back. The patient's new more balanced and pleasing silhouette should be long lasting or permanent following liposuction if proper diet and exercise are a continued part of the plan. Usually, if the patient does gain weight in the future, the change tends to be distributed proportionately over the entire body.

Preparing for liposuction surgery

Before the Liposuction you will have a so called "pre-op" visit. During this visit you will be able to discuss your expectations with the surgeon and the surgeon will inform you about the procedure and explain its risks and limitations.

Before the Lipo we will make pictures of the concerning area. The pictures are for the patient's medical report and are subject to the medical confidentiality.

You will also need to have your EGC and blood picture done.

The liposuction procedure

Liposuction is the removal of unwanted lumps, bulges, and areas of fat using thin suction tubes (cannulae) that are placed into the body fat through small incisions. A vacuum is applied through a hose attached to the cannula. This draws fat out of the body.

The liposuction will be carried out under general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia might be sufficient if there is only a small deposit of fat to be removed.

Through a tiny incision (5 mm), a narrow tube, or cannula, is inserted and used to "suck out" the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe and may last from 1 to 1 ½ hours.

During the liposuction surgery fluid is lost and must be replaced to prevent shock.  Patients are carefully monitored and may receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

An important part of the liposuction procedure is Fluid Injection, a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed. The fluid - a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anaesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) - helps the fat be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and provides anaesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery. The amount of fluid that is injected varies depending on the preference of the surgeon.

After lipo surgery, you may have to stay at the clinic for about two days because you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. A small drainage tube will be inserted beneath the skin for up to three days to prevent fluid build-up.

After the Liposuction

The result of the liposuction will be visible after three months at the earliest. That's when any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible. 

Don't expect to look or feel great right after the liposuction surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for six months or more.

To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. You will have to keep this garment on day and night. This garment can be purchased at the clinic for 100 €.

The stitches are removed or dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days after the lipo. 

You should be able to go back to work after a week or so depending on the amount of fat removed during your procedure. Activity that is more strenuous should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. You shouldn't use a tanning bed or a sauna for about eight weeks after the liposuction.