Dr. F. Ouakil, cosmetic surgery in Paris, information, prices, photos, blog on liposuction. Presentation of techniques for fat reduction through cosmetic surgery with minimal scarring. Performed by a cosmetic surgeon specialized in body contouring, liposuction, an expert with 30 years of experience, trained by the best French and Brazilian cosmetic surgeons, reviews.

The principle of the liposuction procedure is simple:

Through 5 mm incisions placed in discreet locations around each area, the surgeon introduces a cannula, a long needle with a rounded tip featuring several small openings, under the skin. This is connected to a suction machine with adjustable power. By gently moving it back and forth through fan-shaped tunnels, a gradual, fine, and precise subcutaneous fat removal is performed in the selected areas.

The choice of cannula is very broad, based on numerous models: lengths from 15 to 30 cm, diameters from 3 to 5 mm, spatula or round tips, and 1 to 5 openings arranged in a line or circularly.

Who can undergo liposuction and in which areas?

This is not a cosmetic surgery that addresses overweight but aims to reduce localized excesses.
To see a surface effect (container) of a volume reduction in depth (content), through secondary skin retraction, the qualities of skin tonicity and elasticity in relation to the chosen area are solicited.
Liposculpture, liposuction is a procedure that can be performed at any age. Obviously, the results will be better on young, toned, and elastic skin rather than on loose and thinned skin.
Similarly, not all areas of the body have the same retraction capabilities.
Men are excellent candidates for liposuction.
The most favorable areas for liposuction are:
– Face and double chin
– Silhouette: abdomen, love handles, hips, saddle bags, back, adipomastia, gynecomastia
– Limbs: arms, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles
– Others are dangerous or even prohibited: folds above the kneecap, rounded buttocks.

What type of anesthesia can be used during liposuction?

The anesthesia will be:
– local for liposculptures, liposuctions of very small areas: small belly, inner knees, double chin, arms; if necessary, local anesthesia assisted by sedation for slightly larger volumes.
– locoregional (epidural) or general in most other cases.

How long does the liposuction procedure last and what is the duration of hospitalization?

The liposuction procedure lasts between 30 minutes and 2 hours depending on the number of areas to be treated and the amount of fat suctioned, with a hospitalization of 12 hours (outpatient) to 24 hours depending on the volume removed.

What are the postoperative outcomes of liposuction?

At the end of the procedure, a panty (compression garment similar to "thick cycling shorts") will be put in place. It must be worn continuously for a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks. For the first 8 days, to minimize pain, it will not be left in place. After that, it can be removed for washing and to hydrate the skin with a cream. The panty will apply the skin evenly and thus help with its gradual retraction. It will minimize swelling related to postoperative edema.
Showers are allowed the next day, so they will be taken with the panty during the first week.
It is important to mobilize as soon as the day after the procedure to prevent phlebitis. A preventive anticoagulant treatment will often be prescribed.
A systematic preventive analgesic treatment will be prescribed. The pain following a liposuction rarely lasts more than 4-5 days and will thus be minimal. Resuming professional activities is possible after this period.
Bruises (ecchymoses) vary and rarely last more than 10 days.
The edema disappears by 80% in 3 weeks but completely in 3-4 months, or even 6 months for certain areas, particularly the legs.
No sun exposure for 3-4 weeks, as long as the slightest bruise persists, and protection of scars for 6 months.
Once the panty is removed, sports activity is recommended. Recovery will then be aided possibly by lymphatic drainage massages for one to two months. Throughout this period, dietary support is advised.

Will the fat return after liposuction?

Liposculpture, liposuction is not a treatment for overweight. It only modifies the silhouette by reducing localized excesses (lipomeries, steatomeries). Reasonably, a liposuction will remove between 2 and 4 liters of fat.
Outside of events (especially hormonal) such as pregnancy or menopause, the fat removed by liposuction is permanent and will not return. A paradoxical visual effect of gaining volume rather "elsewhere" than in the operated area may occur if weight is gained afterward. The result will only be maintained with nutritional monitoring. The new silhouette will be preserved.

In conclusion

Liposculpture, whose main procedure is liposuction, is the quintessential cosmetic procedure. It allows for reshaping a body with reduced scarring. For overweight patients, somewhat stuck in the middle of their diet, liposuction can have a "starter" and/or "booster" effect, leading to a resumption of weight loss. This results from a psychological and metabolic effect. Liposuction applies to many areas of the body; it effectively removes fat that does not disappear during dieting. It is better to perform it as young as possible, starting from age 17, to take full advantage of the skin's elastic qualities. Currently, there is an increasing trend to combine liposuction with lipofilling which involves reinjecting previously treated fat; this is referred to as lipomodeling.

Liposuction in practice:

1. “Before” liposuction

   1. You will have had 2 preoperative consultations and one anesthesia consultation
   2. A reflection period of 15 days will have been respected
   3. Preoperative photos are taken
   4. Signing of legal documents including detailed information about your procedure, a quote, and informed mutual consent
   5. Prescription of the appropriate lipopanty

2. “During” liposuction

   1. Most often under general anesthesia
   2. Outpatient or 24-hour hospitalization
   3. The lipopanty is placed as soon as you wake up in the operating room
   4. The closure of the liposuction openings is performed with absorbable stitches and Steristrips
   5. Absorbent dressings are placed on top
   6. Minimal pain

3. “After” liposuction

   1. A rest period of at least 5 days is planned
   2. You will receive a detailed prescription
   3. Swelling and bruising will form and increase for 1 week
   4. Plan for loose and easy-to-remove clothing
   5. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for 8 days for control and additional explanations
   6. You will live normally otherwise
   7. Your cosmetic surgeon is available 24/7 on their mobile phone

4. “At a distance” from liposuction

   1. You will need a bit of patience, between 3 and 6 months for the final result
   2. The flexibility and sensitivity of the skin will slowly return over several weeks
   3. Repeated check-ups during the first year are scheduled