Abdomen – Waist – Back Liposuction

What is liposuction surgery?
The word Liposuction is formed from the words “lipos=fat” and “suction=to suction”. Liposuction is a fat removal surgery performed with vacuum to improve body contour. It is a technique in which fat is suctioned from various areas of the body through specially designed cannulas connected to a vacuum system.

What is the purpose of liposuction surgery?
The purpose of liposuction surgery is to remove unaesthetic fat volume from areas that are difficult to reduce through exercise or other methods in people who are at or close to their ideal weight, and to achieve an aesthetic appearance.

Is liposuction surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
Liposuction surgery is not a difficult or painful operation. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1-3 hours depending on the size of the areas being treated.

How is liposuction surgery performed?
During the procedure, a special fluid is injected into the areas where fat will be removed. This fluid provides numbness in the surgical area, reduces the amount of bleeding and therefore allows the fat to be removed more easily. Then, the fat tissue in the area is suctioned using metal cannulas with vacuum support. When the procedure is completed, a special compression garment is worn to keep the area tight.

What are the possible risks and complications of liposuction surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry, uneven appearance and scarring after liposuction surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of liposuction surgery?
Liposuction surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after liposuction surgery?
In the liposuction method, there will be several 0.5 cm scars at the entry points of the liposuction cannulas. Apart from these, no additional surgical scar is formed. These scars become barely noticeable over time.

How long do the effects of liposuction surgery last, and will I need another operation in the future?
In most cases, the effects of liposuction surgery last for many years.

What should be done before liposuction surgery?
Before liposuction surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before liposuction surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after liposuction surgery?
After liposuction surgery, in order to prevent swelling from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows. Sleeping on your side is not recommended for a few weeks. After 2 months, you may sleep in any position.

How is dressing performed after liposuction surgery?
As long as the tapes applied during surgery are not removed, no additional dressing is required. There may be minimal leakage in the dressing area. The tapes are removed after 7 days. After that, no dressing is required. Your doctor may recommend creams for the wound line.

When can I return to work after liposuction surgery?
After liposuction surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 10 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after liposuction surgery?
For the first 3 days after liposuction surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

Will I need to wear a compression garment after liposuction surgery?
After liposuction surgery, a compression garment and bandages will be applied over the dressing to provide pressure to the area. Due to this dressing, some itching and discomfort may occur in the dressing area. You should wear the compression garment continuously for as long as your doctor recommends. Generally, it is recommended to use the compression garment for 4 weeks.

Will the stitches be removed after liposuction surgery?
In liposuction surgery, fine absorbable sutures are used to close the cannula entry holes, so there is no need for stitch removal.

Is liposuction surgery very painful?
Some pain is expected after liposuction surgery. However, most patients state that their pain decreases significantly within a few days and that the pain is minimal when they regularly use the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers.

When can I take a shower after liposuction surgery?
During the first days after surgery, the wound areas should not be wet. Generally, showering is allowed after 9 days. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after liposuction surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after liposuction surgery?
After liposuction surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 5 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 7 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after liposuction surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases and muscle tension occurs. Since this may cause unwanted bleeding and pain, it is recommended to wait 2-3 weeks before sexual intercourse.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after liposuction surgery?
After liposuction surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

How much does liposuction surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of liposuction surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.