SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Liposuction (Available Upon Request)

Overview

Liposuction is a body shaping procedure that entails re-sculpting the lower half of the face, neck, breasts, hips, thighs, ankles and buttock to create a slim and healthy appearance. Liposuction may not be a way to lose weight but instead a method of reshaping and defining areas of the body.

Less than five kilograms of fat is removed through suction and separated from bodily fluid in a centrifuge.

Procedure

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, meaning that it takes place during the day, during office hours and does not require an overnight hospital stay. During liposuction, Dr Kleintjes uses a fat removal tool that connects to a long tube, a stainless-steel attachment known as a cannula. First, he creates small incisions in the skin where he inserts the cannula in order to retrieve fat deposits from deep muscle layers and parts of the outer skin. Finally, Dr Kleintjes repeats the process by removing fat from targeted regions of the body. 

Power-assisted liposuction is another way of removing fat from specific body areas. As the cannula vibrates, fat cells break up, making it easier to remove. Vibration is a safe and preferable way of extracting fat for use in Lipofilling surgery.

Recovery

Power-assisted liposuction involves minimal interference to bodily tissue. With this technique, you will notice little to no bruising, a high level of accuracy and a faster recovery than traditional liposuction.

A compression garment is applied to areas where fat was removed surgically. A garment reduces swelling and ensures that your skin adapts to your new body shape. Surgical drains can be placed to remove the extra fluid built up in the area. The drains do not remain long in place after liposuction.

The anaesthetic may still cause sleepiness, so it helps to arrange for someone close to take you home after the procedure. Everyone recovers at their own pace, which is why Dr Kleintjes will first examine you before being discharged from his room.

Keep in mind that loose, remaining skin will not disappear after liposuction, and cellulite will still be present. Therefore, it would be best to consider cosmetic lifting procedures and skin removal to help with skin laxity.

FAQ

1Can you treat many areas during a single liposuction session?
Targeting more than one area during liposuction is common. However, only five litres of body fluid can be removed during a single session. Therefore, treating an extensive area during a single session is not ideal because this can jeopardise the patient's safety.
2Is there anything I need to do before liposuction?
Dr Kleintjes will provide pre-operative instructions to help prepare you for the procedure. To help prepare for the procedure, you need to discontinue the use of aspirin, anti-inflammatories and herbal supplements and quit smoking. Several weeks before, it helps to undergo a full physical check-up and laboratory testing to ensure you do not suffer from chronic-related illness.
3When can I exercise after liposuction?
Recovery from liposuction is unique to each person. Usually, you can start exercising again as soon as you feel better. For example, walking, swimming and riding your bicycle can continue several days after the procedure. Two weeks after, you can pursue light cardio exercises and then after six weeks, you can begin lifting weights. However, you first need to follow up with your doctor before you begin exercising again.

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