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Centre for Surgery is the leading cosmetic surgery clinic in London and we often get asked questions about the procedures we offer. We thought we would compile a helpful resource so you can get information on a number of commonly carried out treatments and procedures. We have answered questions about four of our most popular procedures – liposuction, tummy tuck, breast augmentation and labiaplasty.
Liposuction
How is liposuction performed?
There are several different methods for performing liposuction. At Centre for Surgery, we use tumescent liposuction with PAL lipo. This involves injecting a diluted anaesthetic treatment into the area where the liposuction is being performed. This causes the skin to become swollen and firm – otherwise known as tumescent. Subsequent fat extraction is therefore made much easier. Incisions are then made, and small, thin cannulas are inserted to remove the fat cells using powered cannulas. Once this is completed, the incisions are sutured closed.
How much fat can liposuction remove at one time?
At Centre for Surgery, the maximum safe amount of fat our surgeons will remove with one liposuction session is 5 litres. Removing more than this increases the risk of complications occurring during surgery. If you think you will need more than 5 litres of fat removed, you will need to undertake staged liposuction procedures.
How long do the effects of liposuction last?
This will depend on your lifestyle following the liposuction procedure. Liposuction removes fat cells from a certain area. However, if you do not exercise or have an unhealthy diet, you may gain weight back in the area where you had liposuction, and you will, therefore, cease to see the results of the procedure. If you are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to enjoy the effects of liposuction in the long term.
How long does liposuction take to heal?
You will need to take two to three days off work to recover. To avoid any injury, you will need to avoid excessive exercise for two weeks, after which you can resume mild activity for four weeks. You can return to your usual exercise regime after a total of six weeks. Swelling may last three to six months.
Is liposuction dangerous?
Tumescent liposuction is not dangerous. Unlike other forms of liposuction, it does not involve the use of thermal energy, which can injure the tissues as well as leave you with telltale signs of liposuction, such as rippling skin.
RELATED: How to Maintain Your Liposuction Results
Can you have liposuction under local anaesthetic?
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a local anaesthetic into the area, and therefore, the use of a general anaesthetic is not needed.
What are the side effects of liposuction?
As liposuction is a surgical procedure, there are rare side effects that may occur, which include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
How many kilograms can you lose with liposuction?
This will depend on how much fat you are having removed. The maximum amount that can be removed in one session is 5 litres. The liposuction will make more of a difference to the aesthetic appearance rather than the weight levels.
What is the highest kilogram limit for liposuction?
You cannot judge whether or not you are eligible for liposuction purely based on your weight—you also need to factor in your height. You will need to ensure your BMI is not higher than 30. If your BMI is higher than this, there can be complications during surgery. Therefore, if your BMI is over 30, you will not be able to have liposuction. We recommend trying to get as close as possible to your ideal weight prior to having liposuction.
Will liposuction remove love handles?
Yes – there are numerous areas of the body which liposuction can remove, including love handles, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, hips, buttocks, chin, and knees.
RELATED: Liposuction FAQs – Q&A about Fat Removal Surgery
Tummy tuck
How long does a tummy tuck take to heal?
There is a one week recovery period for a tummy tuck. You will have to take at least one week off work for a full tummy tuck; if your job is more physical and involves a lot of bending and lifting you will need to take at least four weeks off. Following the tummy tuck, you will feel considerable tightness around the abdomen, which may make it uncomfortable to walk upright. You will have to wear a compression garment for four weeks to help speed up the recovery.
Is it safe to have a tummy tuck?
Yes, a tummy tuck is a safe procedure. It involves an incision to remove excess skin from the abdomen. The procedure leaves a noticeable scar.
How many inches does a tummy tuck take away?
A tummy tuck will successfully remove the excess skin from the abdominal area, so a numerical figure will vary from person to person, depending on how much skin needs to be removed.
What is better to get liposuction or a tummy tuck?
This will depend on what your end goal is, as liposuction and a tummy tuck are two very different procedures. Liposuction is for people who have excess fat they are looking to have removed. A tummy tuck removes excess skin from the abdominal area, which generally appears as the result of large weight loss. In some cases, a tummy tuck and liposuction may be combined, as those who are having a tummy tuck may have the excess weight they want to be removed. However, it is important to note that neither procedure is considered to be a good alternative for weight loss.
What is involved in a mini tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is suitable for those who do not have a large amount of excess skin which needs to be removed. The incision for a mini tummy tuck is considerably smaller than in a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck will involve an incision going across the abdomen from hip to hip. A mini tummy tuck involves the incision going from thigh to thigh. Those who do not have as much excess skin and would like a smaller scar may prefer to undergo a mini tummy tuck. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to advise whether or not you are suitable for a mini tummy tuck or whether a tummy tuck is the better option.
When can you do sit-ups after a tummy tuck?
You will have to avoid any exercise that involves abdominal work, such as sit-ups, crunches, and running, for at least one month. After two weeks, you will be able to resume lighter activities that do not involve abdominal work.
Breast augmentation
What is breast augmentation?
Breast augmentation, otherwise known as a boob job, increases the size of the breasts using implants. At the Centre for Surgery, we use the highest quality Mentor implants, which are fully approved by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
What is the best size to have for breast augmentation?
This will depend on your existing body shape and the size of your breasts. Those with a smaller body or are flat-chested may have problems if the implants are too large – the edges of the implants may be visible and, therefore, look unnatural. During a consultation with your surgeon, you will be able to try on a bra of your ideal size with sample implants, which will help you decide whether or not the breast implant size is right for you.
What to pack when having breast enlargement?
Centre for Surgery procedures are performed on a day-case basis, so you will not have to stay overnight. This means you will not have to pack an overnight bag. On the day of the procedure, you will need to bring:
- Proof of ID
- Slippers and a gown
- Contact lense equipment if necessary (such as a storage bag)
- A storage bag for your clothes
- Something to read while you are waiting
- Any medicine you are currently taking and its packaging.
It is also recommended that you wear dark, loose clothing so it is comfortable to wear afterwards.
RELATED: Breast Augmentation FAQs – Q&A about Breast Implant Surgery
Labiaplasty
How long does labiaplasty surgery take?
A labiaplasty will take two to three hours to complete.
How long does labiaplasty take to heal?
You may experience bruising and swelling for several weeks. You may need to take at least five days off work. You will need to avoid any strenuous physical activity for 10 days. You will have to avoid any sexual intercourse for at least six weeks. The stitches used will be dissolvable, which means you will not require another appointment to have them removed.
What is the minimum age to have labiaplasty?
For any procedures at Centre for Surgery, you will need to be at least 18 years old.
RELATED: Labiaplasty FAQs – Q&A about Labia Reduction
Set Sail on Your Cosmetic Enhancement Voyage with Centre for Surgery
Thinking about stepping into the world of cosmetic surgery? Let’s begin the conversation. At Centre for Surgery, we’re ready to offer clarity and walk with you every step towards your aesthetic goals. Our dedicated team in London is on hand to address your concerns, providing detailed guidance and support. Reach out to us today to talk through your ambitions or to schedule a visit. Together, we’ll navigate your journey to transformation.
