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Liposuction – for a harmonious body contour
Some fat deposits resist exercise and a disciplined diet. Liposuction removes them in a targeted and gentle way – to improve the body contour over the long term, not to lose weight.
Fat deposits on the buttocks or hips, the upper arms or thighs: when body proportions have changed in an unflattering way, the cause is usually fat deposits that cannot be tackled with exercise or a disciplined diet. This is where liposuction can help.
Typical treatment areas
A typical example in women is so-called “saddlebags” – fat deposits on the thighs, hips and inner knees, while the upper body tends to be slender. Men often suffer from fat accumulations in the hip or chest area. Other common areas are the abdomen, flanks, upper arms, chin and neck.
The aim is to remove only as much fat and as many fat cells as necessary to achieve a harmonious body silhouette – for example, a smooth transition from the thighs to the hips or from the hips to the abdomen.
How I proceed
I perform liposuction under general anesthesia in combination with tumescent local anesthesia. Before the suction, a solution is introduced into the fatty tissue that loosens the tissue, reduces bleeding and lessens pain after the procedure. The method has been proven over many years and is considered safe and patient-friendly.
Special vibration techniques and thin suction cannulas allow the tissue to be treated particularly gently. The cannulas are inserted through a few very small incisions.
What you can expect
- Many years of experience and a high level of specialist medical expertise
- The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis through small incisions; visible scars are hardly to be expected
- Problem areas can be treated in a targeted way
- A long-term improvement of the body contour
- Liposuction of up to 6 liters is mostly performed on an outpatient basis
Liposuction is not a method for losing weight. It achieves the best results with a stable weight and good skin elasticity.
Who liposuction is intended for
Liposuction shapes – it is not a method for losing weight. It is suitable for localized fat deposits that remain despite diet and exercise, even at a normal weight. The fat between the organs in the abdominal cavity cannot be suctioned; in cases of severe obesity, weight reduction therefore comes first.
Experience with the tumescent technique
The tumescent solution consists of saline solution, a local anesthetic and a vasoconstricting additive; after it has been introduced, it needs a certain amount of time to take effect. I have also studied the particularities of this technique scientifically – among other things in a congress contribution on liposuction using the tumescent technique and local anesthesia (2001).
How much at once?
Only a limited amount is suctioned per session. If larger amounts are necessary, it is safer to divide them into two procedures a few weeks apart.
Preparation
- about two weeks beforehand, no blood-thinning painkillers – only after consulting a doctor
- avoid nicotine, alcohol, sleeping pills and tanning beds as far as possible
- blood count and coagulation; in case of pre-existing conditions, an internal medicine assessment
Contraindications
No surgery is performed during pregnancy. In cases of vascular disease, previous thrombosis or serious general illness, the decision is made on an individual basis.
Procedure
- Consultation We discuss which areas bother you, and I assess the fat distribution and skin elasticity.
- Planning The treatment areas are defined and marked while you are standing on the day of surgery.
- Surgery General anesthesia with tumescent local anesthesia, suction with vibration technique.
- Compression Immediately after the procedure, you receive compression garments.
- Aftercare Check-ups, lymphatic drainage if necessary, gradual return to everyday life and sports.
After liposuction
Swelling, bruising and a feeling similar to sore muscles are normal in the first few days. You wear the compression garments for several weeks; they help the swelling subside and the skin to settle. The final result becomes apparent after a few months.
Risks
Possible risks include bruising, seromas (fluid accumulations), infections, sensory disturbances, unevenness of the skin surface and asymmetries. With larger suction volumes, the requirements for monitoring and aftercare increase. We go through everything calmly in the informed consent discussion.
When it comes to lipedema
Liposuction is the only effective method for removing diseased fatty tissue in lipedema. Because diagnosis, approach and the question of costs differ significantly, there is a separate page on this: Lipedema treatment.
Liposuction: the procedure step by stepPreparation, day of surgery and healing – with illustrations
Frequently asked questions
Will the fat deposits come back?
Fat cells that have been suctioned do not regenerate. With significant weight gain, however, the remaining fat cells can increase in volume. A stable weight is therefore the best protection for the result.
Does the skin tighten after liposuction?
With good elasticity, the skin usually retracts well. If the skin is lax, additional tightening may be advisable – more on this under Body contouring.
When can I go back to work?
For office work, often after a few days, depending on the extent and the area. We discuss physically demanding work and sports individually.
Are there non-surgical alternatives?
Cold, ultrasound, laser or radiofrequency procedures and injections are offered. Their effect is usually considerably smaller and less predictable than that of liposuction – we discuss this honestly.
How long does the swelling last?
The major swelling subsides in the first few weeks; slight residual swelling can persist for three to five months.
When can I exercise again?
Light exercise is often possible again after about three weeks – depending on the extent and healing.