Liposuction techniques have improved considerably over the page 15 years.  Liposuction is now one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery in the UK. Liposuction cosmetic surgery involves removing excess fat from the body to give an individual a more pleasing body shape.

What does liposuction cosmetic surgery involve?

Liposuction surgery essentially involves inserting a cannula (hollow metal tube) into the skin near the target area through which fat is then removed by suction. Liposuction cosmetic surgery is generally performed under general anaesthesia although it can sometimes be performed under local anaesthetic on specific body areas if only a small amount of fat removal is required.

On which areas of the body can liposuction plastic surgery be performed?

Liposuction cosmetic surgery can be performed on a wide range of areas of the body which include the arms, legs, face, buttocks, abdomen and hips.

How much recovery time is required after liposuction cosmetic surgery?

The recovery time post liposuction really depends on how extensive the operation is. In general however most patients are advised to start walking around as soon as possible after liposuction surgery to reduce the risk of complications and increase the speed of recovery. Most patients are able to return to work within 2 weeks and stitches usually dissolve within 7-10 days.  However strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least one month.

Is liposuction surgery right for me?

Liposuction cosmetic surgery can help enhance an individual’s appearance and can hence help raise a person’s self esteem. However liposuction should not be viewed as a long term weight loss solution as it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet and regular exercise. It should be seen more specifically as a procedure which can help remove excess fat from specific stubborn areas which a person has been struggling with. To maintain the results of liposuction surgery it should always be combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Are there any other alternative fat removal procedures which can be considered instead of liposuction?

In some cases Smart Lipo (also known as laser lipolysis) may be a more suitable fat removal procedure as it is less invasive and generally has a lower recovery time compared with liposuction.

 

Breast augmentation is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK. Breast implants are particularly popular amongst women between the ages of 25 to 35. This blog post contains a basic overview of the history of breast augmentation cosmetic surgery.

Breast Implant history

1895-1920’s: During this time period the first breast enlargement procedures were attempted.  Breast augmentation was attempted using paraffin injections but was eventually discarded due to high complication rates.

920’s- 1940’s: breast implants were attempted by using fat from the buttocks and belly. This breast augmentation procedure was also eventually discarded as the fat would quickly be reabsorbed by the body which would leave the breasts with an asymmetrical appearance.

950’s: breast enlargement was attempted using polyvinyl sponges. However polyvinyl breast implants were also eventually rejected as they were found to harden and shrink after about a year. Infection rates were also noted to be high with polyvinyl breast implants.

961-1962: the first silicon breast implant was developed by Thomas Cronin.  In 1962 the first silicon breast implant surgery was attempted.

1964: the first saline breast implants were produced for breast enlargement surgery.

964-2008: saline and silicone breast implants have remained the most popular and widely used types of breast implants. However continuous refinement has taken place in both types of implants and many comprehensive studies have taken place which show that they are safe and reliable.

The Hurlingham Clinic in London specialises in breast augmentation (breast enlargement) cosmetic surgery and can be contacted on 020 7348 6380 for more information.