FAQ Liposuction

Here you can find answers for most of your questions concerning the liposuction. For further questions please do not hesitate to contact me (infomuench.ch or in the discussion-forum).

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

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What is liposuction?

Undesirable fat deposits can be permanently removed in a targeted manner using outpatient water jet assisted liposuction, a special liposuction.

What areas can be treated?

In women, the key areas are chin/neck, upper arms, flanks/sides, hips, tummy, outer and inner thighs (=saddlebags), buttocks, knees and calves. In men, key areas are chin/neck, breasts, hips abdomen, and infrequently inner thighs or buttocks.

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

Individuals who exercise regularly and are of normal weight are ideal. Often they have already tried to lose the unwanted fat deposits (diet, exercise, massage, etc.). Overweight patients can also be treated, and for severely overweight people mega liposuction is an option. It is important for patients to be aware of exactly what to expect before the procedure takes place. Age in itself is not a deciding factor. Many patients between the ages of 60 and 70 have come to us for treatment and are happy with the results.  Patients should be in good health and not suffer from serious illness.

What risks are associated with water jet assisted liposuction?

In the hands of an experienced surgeon, a liposuction is a very safe and low-complication treatment. The risk of bleeding, infection, thromboses or skin necrosis is very slight and in the over 3800 procedures I have completed there has never been a serious problem.

FMH specialist in surgery or FMH specialist in cosmetic surgery?

Liposuction and liposculpture in particular, even from its early beginnings, can be considered as “borderline specialization” between surgery, plastic surgery and a dermatological surgery. A deciding factor for a safe and optimal treatment, in addition to specialized surgical training, is the special training and years-long experience by the surgeon in the field of liposuction.

How much fat can be removed?

Between 0.5 up to 5.0 liters of pure fat can be removed in a single session of an outpatient procedure- depending on the size and number of areas. The goal of liposuction is not to remove as much fat as possible, but rather to remove exactly the right amounts from the rights places, so that an optimally harmonious figure results for the entire body. Important: the operation should never leave traces that are noticeable to other people.

Which method of liposuction is recommended?

The so-called water jet assisted liposuction water jet assisted liposuction presents a real methodological innovation. Water jet assisted liposuction uses a fan-shaped spray of water to loosen the fat cells gently from the tissue. In the same motion, the fluid and the loosened fat particles are suctioned away. The procedure is virtually pain-free for the patient, the risk of bruising is small and the recovery time after the procedure is shortened. Because distinctly less anesthetic fluid is required, the surface contours are not swollen which permits a more precise suctioning with better ability to assess the progress during the procedure. The reduced need for fluids also means fewer side effects from the drugs, and almost no fluid leaking from the incisions after the surgery. A significant advantage of the method, however, is that only with water jet assisted liposuction can fat of such high quality be removed, that it can be used for autogenous fat transfer. 

Is the fat deposit gone permanently?

No new fat cells are produced after puberty. The fat cells only increase or decrease in size, when you gain or lose weight. When fat cells are removed from an area, no new ones are formed; thus, the results of liposuction are permanent. On the other hand, poor technique can leave bumps or gouges, which can be corrected if necessary by a fat replenishment. Thus, a careful technique by an experienced surgeon is important.

Are there long-term disadvantages?

Although in general larger areas can be treated with a liposuction, they are “only” targeting a reduction in the surface subcutaneous fat layer. Any negative long-term effects are excluded, even for example for subsequent pregnancies or with weight changes in either direction. Reduction of such often hereditary “fat deposits” also has no adverse effects on the body over the course of time, which is quite in contrast to other cosmetic surgeries, where, for example, silicone implants are used.

What if body weight increases again?

Certainly it is possible that one can gain weight again despite a liposuction. This question should be considered theoretically-no one hopes for it, and it seldom happens. In such cases, the whole body gains in proportion, even somewhat in the areas that were treated. However, even in such cases the reappearance of the problem deposits in their previous size will not occur.

What about treatment of more underweight individuals?

For sheer fear that every added gram (ounce) will be added exclusively to the problem areas, some people tend to be underweight. In such cases one often observes that after a liposuction, these individuals add on the 2-3 kg (5-6 pounds) to a “feel good weight” without feeling bad about it. Conclusion: in more underweight individuals, a liposuction also is justifiable, depending on the situation.

What does the treatment cost?

Because the procedure takes place on an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia, many of the “extras” such as anesthetics, hospital stay, etc can be eliminated. Thus, the costs are significantly lower than for a liposuction in the hospital or under general anesthesia. 

Where is the procedure performed?

I treat all patients on an outpatient basis and with local anesthetic in my surgical practice. Mega liposculpture operations are carried out in the hospital and under general anesthetic.

Must the patient stand during the procedure?

Some surgeons advocate having the patient stand towards the end of the procedure for “fine-tuning”. Although this is possible, I find it an imposition for the patient and consider it unnecessary: when standing, the contours are not conclusively assessable due to the anesthetic fluid. Another argument against standing during the operation: only when a patient is lying on a stable operating table is there enough “support” that precise work can be done with the fine cannula. In addition: even in the prone position, the result must appear as perfect as possible afterwards, and there may be problems with maintaining sterility on standing up. Precise marking prior to the surgery inn a standing position,  photo documentation, evenly dosed infiltration of the anesthetic solution, fine suction cannulae and the necessary experience allow precise work - even when the patient is lying for the conclusion of the surgery and first stands to put on the bodysuit.

Is there bandaging after the procedure?

No. Immediately after the operation you put on the correctly-fitted bodysuit that we provide you. You wear the bodysuit for 24 hours a day for 7 days, and then only during the day for another 4-5 weeks.

How long is the recovery period?

The recovery period depends on how many areas were treated and how active the patient is. Most patients are able to return to work after 1-3 days and light physical activity is possible after about a week.

Do skin wrinkles remain after a liposuction?

The skin is a dynamic organ that is elastic and tightens to the new body contours after a water jet assisted liposuction. This process takes time, however, sometimes up to a few months or more. With respect to “desirable side effects”, a liposuction has a certain “tightening effect” on the skin and the connective tissue. Thus in most cases there is an improvement to existing cellulite - but the development of excess skin or skin folds is largely prevented (in contrast to people who lose weight rapidly without an operation: this can often lead to unsightly, excess skin). Only in cases where larger fat amounts are removed from the abdominal area and where there is at the same time very flaccid skin lacking elasticity, in rare cases it may be necessary to later remove the excess skin .

How painful is the procedure?

It would be incorrect to talk about a “pain-free” treatment. What might be somewhat uncomfortable for some, may be considered rather “painful” by others.  This refers primarily to the approximately 15 minute long anesthetic “infiltration” phase. Personal explanation, a relaxed environment, music, anxiety calming and pain medication, sometimes distracting conversations with the surgeon, and not least the correct, loose and relaxed positioning on the part of the patient all help to make the procedure absolutely tolerable in almost every case, even for sensitive individuals.

Can an accompanying person be present at the operation?

Of course it is possible, if the patient desires, that a person (partner, (boy) friend, mother, daughter) accompanies you to the operation. Sometimes it is in the interest of the accompanying person, and in most cases their presence can calm and distract a somewhat anxious patient.

How is the noise level at the procedure?

Water jet assisted liposuction proceeds with minimal background noise, at best a monotone, quiet whirring. Naturally, you may listen to music if you wish. 

What happens with varicose veins?

As a general rule: thick, pre-existing varicose veins (primarily in the area of the upper and inner thigh) should be operated on prior to a liposuction. Small side branches or so-called spider veins are not a problem for a liposuction. In certain cases, small, circumscribed varicose veins (short side branches, possibly spider veins) can be treated in the same liposuction session. What applies to all varicose veins or spider veins: liposuction leads neither to an increase nor disappearance of the unpopular veins.

Is body weight reduced after the surgery?

A liposuction is primarily concerned with a targeted reduction of diet-resistant fat deposits, and not with a reduction of body weight. Naturally, bodyweight is theoretically reduced by the removal of fat mass—and this is the case in most patients. The extent of the weight loss depends on the participation of the patient: the disappearance of the stubborn fat deposits often is very motivating for maintaining a reasonable diet or increased physical activity. However, what guaranteed to permanently change (even if the weight remains the same or even goes up) is the figure in the treated areas of, previous problem  zones.

Liposuction and pregnancy?

A liposuction is not advisable during and up to six months following a pregnancy. Whether you already have children or plan additional pregnancies does not play a role in the execution of a liposculpture operation.

What do your acquaintances find out about?

Cosmetic surgery is a very personal issue, and often the procedure is discussed only with a life partner or close friends. Because the surgery takes place on an outpatient basis and you can return to public  life, even if in a somewhat reduced manner, after 1-2 days, the required discretion is guaranteed.

What if I still have questions?

The discussion forum is intended for such cases. You can ask your questions anonymously, and I will gladly answer individual problems. You may find there is already an answer to previous similar questions. Of course, I can always be reached for personal questions or messages by email (infomuench.ch). 

Terms A-Z

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Autogenous fat

Autogenous fat is fat that a patient has suctioned from certain body parts (e.g. abdomen, hips, thighs) and can be used, for example, for a breast enhancement.

Cellulite (Orange peel skin)

Enlarged and increased fat cells push the skin from within and lead to typical orange peel skin. Because of the particular properties of female connective tissue, cellulite is almost always found only in women. Typical areas are the thigh, buttocks, abdomen and upper arms. Cellulite is not a serious condition, but can be an aesthetic problem that bothers many women. By reducing the subcutaneous fat tissue and producing a tightening effect, liposuction can lead to an improvement of cellulite.

Cold therapy

Cold therapy is used following an operation because it fights feelings of tension, pain, swelling and bruising.

Edema

Edema is an increased fluid retention in the tissue, for example, after surgery or as a result of varicose veins in the legs.

hematoma

A hematoma (bruise) can sometimes occur after surgery, and generally disappears on its own after a few days.

Hyperhydrosis

Hyperhydrosis describes increased sweating.

Hypertrophic

Hypertrophic scars appear during healing of the wound. The scar tissue is limited to the original wound, but overlaps to the bordering skin and is reddened.  Often the scars disappear on their own.

Infections

Bacterial or viral inflammations.  Every operation has some risk of infection. However, good surgical technique and antibiotics minimize the risk of infection.

Keloids

Keloids are bead-like, very noticeable and disturbing scars that grow in the skin beyond the area of the wound. Usually there is a predisposition for keloid formation.

Lipomas

Lipomas are benign tumors of the connective tissue that can form in any part of the body. They can be single lipomas, multiple lipomas or possible exist in clusters. These fat growths generally grow slowly over the course of years and are comprised of normal fat tissue that is surrounded by a thin capsule covering.

Liposuction

Liposuction (Liposuction also in French) refers to the generic term for plastic surgery in which fat cells are suctioned from under the skin in certain parts of the body using a cannula. Other terms are body sculpting or bodyforming.

Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia refers to a local anesthetic used for small surgeries or during liposuction.

Peri-operative

Peri-operative refers to the time around an operation.

Postoperative

Postoperative refers to the time period following a surgical procedure.

Scars

Scars can appear after operations, injuries or inflammations. There are composed of connective tissue that shrinks during the healing process. Scars often have different pigmentation from the surrounding skin. An aesthetic surgeon is always careful to leave scars that are as inconspicuous as possible.

Seroma

A seroma refers to retention of wound water that sometimes occurs after surgery and usually shrinks again on its own. 

Skin tension lines

Skin tension lines are lines of minimal skin tension. So that only a fine, inconspicuous scar remains after the operation, the surgeon makes the incisions parallel to the skin tension lines when possible.

Starburst varicose

Starburst varicose veins are enlarged fine veins, within the skin.

Tumescence local anesthesia

Tumescence local anesthesia is a special method of local anesthesia often used in liposuction but is also possible for varicose vein operations. A large amount of a solution containing the anesthetic is sprayed into the tissue.

Varices

Varices are varicose veins.

Terminology

I try to write the texts without technical terminology whenever possible. Nevertheless: here are a few technical terms from A-Z.

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