Liposuction
Duration of the surgery
1-3 hours
Anaesthesia
General or local with sedation
Recovery period
5-7 days
Clinic stay
not necessary
Considering Liposuction in Ireland?
During your consultation, I will address any questions or concerns you may have.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body, helping to form, sculpt and contour the body shape.
Liposuction step by step:
- Incision: Small incisions, usually around 0,5cm or smaller, are made around the treatment area. These are strategically placed to better access to the fat deposits while minimizing visible scarring.
- Injection of tumescent fluid: A large volume of tumescent solution is injected into the fat layers. This provides local anesthesia, reduces bleeding, and firms up the fat for easier removal.
- Insertion of a cannula: A thin tube is inserted through the incisions to break up and suction out fat cells. This process often involves using different sizes of cannulas for more precise fat removal and smoother contouring.
- Closure of incisions: Due to their small size, incisions often don’t require sutures and may be left to heal on their own. If necessary, small dissolvable sutures or surgical tape may be used for closure.
The common areas where liposuction can be performed:
- Lower and upper Abdomen/Stomach
- Waist/Flanks (“love handles”)
- Thighs (inner, outer, and anterior)
- Arms (particularly upper arms)
- Chest (more common for men with gynecomastia)
- Back (including “bra bulge” or “bra role” area)
- Chin and neck (to reduce double chin)
- Knees
Recovery and post care
Recovery time varies, but generally follows this timeline:
- Week 1: Rest, manage pain with medication, wear compression garment.
- Weeks 2-3: Gradual return to light activities, continued swelling.
- Weeks 4-6: Resume normal activities, including exercise.
- 3 months: Final results become visible as swelling fully subsides
Most patients can return to work after 5-7 days, with full recovery taking 4-6 weeks.
Plastic Surgeon Žygimantas Mačys answering to
Frequently asked questions
Here are some essential tips for patients after liposuction:
- Wear compression garments: Use compression garments as directed for at least 3-4 weeks. This helps reduce swelling, supports treated areas, and improves final results.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out fluid buildup and reduce inflammation.
- Rest and light activity: Get ample rest during the first two weeks, but incorporate light walks to promote blood circulation and enhance healing.
- Follow post-operative instructions: Adhere meticulously to your surgeon’s guidelines for optimal healing and to prevent complications.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Focus on nutritious foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants to support the healing process.
- Avoid strenuous exercise: Refrain from vigorous physical activities for up to 6 weeks post-surgery.
- Keep incisions clean and dry: Change bandages frequently and avoid immersion bathing until incisions have closed completely (7-10 days).
- Avoid alcohol and smoking: These can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications.
- Consider lymphatic drainage massage: This optional treatment may help accelerate healing and reduce swelling.
Potential risks are an important consideration before liposuction. Bruising and swelling are normal, typically peaking around the third day and resolving within 2-4 weeks. Temporary numbness may occur but usually subsides within 6-8 weeks.
Key Risks Include:
- Bruising and swelling
- Temporary sensation changes
- Rare infection potential
- Possible contour irregularities
The advanced tumescent technique has significantly improved safety, reducing complications while allowing precise body sculpting.
Patients can minimize potential liposuction risks by:
- Following surgeon’s post-operative instructions
- Wearing compression garments
- Monitoring healing progress
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Consulting your plastic surgeon remains crucial for understanding individual risk factors and achieving optimal liposuction results.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from treated areas. However, if you gain weight, remaining fat cells can expand. That’s why I always recommend my patients to maintai a stable weight after liposuction.
This is one of the most common misconceptions I hear. No, liposuction is not a weight loss solution. Think of it more like a body sculpting. We use it to contour specific areas by removing localized fat. So, the best candidates are patients who are already close to their ideal weight but have some trouble spots they want to address.
Tumescent liposuction is what we usually do these days. We inject a special solution into the area that numbs it and shrinks the blood vessels. This makes the whole process much smoother, with less bleeding, bruising, and pain after the surgery. It’s a much nicer experience all around!
To determine if you’re a candidate for liposuction, consider the following key factors:
- Weight – you should be within 30% of your ideal weight. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution but a body contouring procedure.
- Health – good overall health is crucial. You should be free from life-threatening illnesses or conditions that could impair healing.
- Body fat – you should have stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
- Skin elasticity – good skin elasticity is essential for optimal results.
- Lifestyle – non-smokers with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle are ideal candidates.
- Expectations – you should have realistic goals and a positive outlook about the procedure.
- BMI – your Body Mass Index should ideally be under 30.
If you meet these criteria, you may be a good candidate for liposuction. However, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary for a personalized assessment, as individual factors can influence suitability for the procedure.
The cost of liposuction in Ireland depends on several factors, including the area that will be treated, the amount of fat to be removed, and the liposuction technique. During your consultation, we decide how many areas we are going to treat and provide a clear breakdown of the costs.