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Dr. Jayne Bambit is a Fellow of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery. Please visit the College's website at www.accs.org.au or call the College on 1800 804 781 if you wish to verify Dr Bambit's credentials.
This website page contains information on Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, along with what to expect should you wish to attend for a consultation.
Please call the clinic on (07) 5452 5222 if you would like to arrange an appointment for a consultation with Dr Bambit.
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Liposuction
LIPOSUCTION
is also known as liposculture, lipocontouring, lipoplasty or suction
lipectomy. (If the correct surgical technique is used these terms
are synonymous). LIPOSUCTION is the removal of unwanted localized
deposits of fat from specific areas of the body using specially
designed suction equipment.
Many people have localized areas of fat which have not responded
to traditional weight loss methods such as diet or exercise. These
deposits develop for several reasons including familial, cultural
or hormonal or most commonly a combination of these factors. Common
areas of deposition vary between males and females.
Common areas of concern which can be treated:
In females – neck, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, hips, knees,
calves, ankles, upper arms
In males – neck, abdomen, flanks, breasts
Fat cells are genetically pre-determined. This means that the effects
of liposuction are permanent. However, if you gain weight after
the procedure the remaining fat cells can increase in size.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure or a treatment for obesity.
It is not a substitute for diet and exercise. It is not a treatment
for cellulite or stretchmarks.
Not
everyone is suitable for liposuction.
Important factors determining your suitability for liposuction:
good general health with firm elastic skin
tried to eliminate bulges through diet, exercise & weight loss
distinct areas of localized fat which are disproportionate to the
rest of your body
weight – normal or slightly to moderately overweight
understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss
realistic expectations
THE
PROCEDURE:
Whilst there are some technical variations, most surgeons use the
“tumescent” technique. This involves infusing appropriate
volumes of sterile saline, local anaesthetic and adrenaline into
the area to be treated, before suction. This combination makes the
fat easier to remove, constricts the blood vessels and therefore
minimizes bleeding, and reduces discomfort both during and after
the procedure. This technique has been practised for over 10 years
and has significantly improved the safety and reduced the risks
of liposuction.
After tumescent infiltration, a thin hollow tube called a cannula
is inserted into the fatty region to be treated via tiny inconspicuous
incisions. The cannula is attached to a specially designed suction
machine. Under safe pressure the fat cells are extracted.
Liposuction is not simply
“sucking out fat”. Most fatty deposits consist of a
central “mound” which tapers towards the periphery.
There are very important technical factors which will determine
the final result. The outcome and result are determined by the technical
experience and expertise of the surgeon. The bulk of the fat is
removed evenly and then the area is “feathered” towards
the periphery. This “feathering” is the “contouring”
or “sculpting” aspect of the procedure. Most importantly,
the surgeon must know how much fat to remove and how much to leave
behind. If too much fat is removed the result can be very displeasing
with obvious irregularities of the skin and deep tissues.
Light dressings are applied & a lycra pressure garment is fitted.
The procedure is usually carried out under intravenous sedation
and local anaesthetic, in a fully accredited operating theatre.
The time taken depends on the amount of fat to be removed. This
can be anywhere from 1 – 5 hours. (Small liposuctions maybe
performed in the clinic)
AFTER
SURGERY
Overnight stay is usually advised, with review and discharge the
following morning.
Some oozing of bloodstained fluid expected for 24 hours
Moderate discomfort expected over the first 24 – 48 hours,
subsiding over the week - relieved by oral painkillers.
Moderate swelling & mild bruising.
Rest - with regular light activity - is recommended for the first
few days after surgery.
Resumption of normal daily activities over 1 – 2 weeks
Exercise as tolerated is encouraged after 2 weeks
Pressure garment must be worn for several weeks.
Lymphatic massage advised along with local massage of areas treated.
Return to work depends on the type of work you do, and varies from
1 to 6 weeks
Post-operative follow-up routinely consists of 2 – 3 further
appointments over a 1 – 6 month period.
FINAL RESULT WILL NOT BE SEEN FOR 3 – 6 MONTHS
INITIAL CONSULTATION
Choosing to undergo a Cosmetic procedure is very personal. Naturally
you have aims, goals and expectations with regard to the benefits
of liposuction. It is also very important for you to understand
and be fully informed about the potential risks & complications
involved. Only then can you make your final decision.
During your first consultation, Dr Bambit will take a thorough medical
and surgical history and carry out a general medical assessment.
She will then ask you what your main concerns are and what you wish
to achieve.
Treatment recommendations will be tailored to your individual needs
and desires.
Dr Bambit will explain any proposed procedure/s in depth, including
any alternatives. She will discuss the procedure thoroughly including:
Pre-operative preparation
How the procedure is carried out: Anaesthesia,
Incision sites, the operation
What to expect: immediately after surgery
and during the first few days, weeks and months after surgery
Post-operative period: Garment, Medications,
Recovery time, Activity, Time required off work
Risks and potential complications
Limitations of the procedure
Safety of the procedure
Fee structure and methods of payment
ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK
When performed by a qualified and experienced doctor, complications
are infrequent and usually minor. However, individuals vary greatly
in their anatomy, their physical reactions, and their healing abilities,
and the outcome is never completely predictable or controllable.
All attempts are made to prevent complications and reduce risks
by meticulous attention to surgical detail and technique along with
adequate post-operative care and follow up.
Nevertheless, you must be informed about and understand both the
general risks of any surgical procedure, the specific risks of the
particular procedure/s, and any potential risks which may apply
to you as an individual. It is also important to be aware of the
“side effects” of a procedure, that is what to expect
in the way of bruising, discomfort etc. These expected sequelae
are not classified as risks or complications.
This is a brief outline of some potential complications of liposuction
surgery. I do not wish to alarm you but inform you.
Complications are unexpected problems that can arise during or after
the procedure. Most people are not affected. However, in rare cases
they can be severe and even fatal.
POTENTIAL
COMPLICATIONS OF LIPOSUCTION
Bleeding/Haematoma Bleeding is very rare with the tumescent technique.
Haematoma (collection of blood under the skin) is uncommon and may
require aspiration.
Infection This is rare after liposuction. In addition, the routine
use of antibiotics before and after the procedure further lessens
this possibility.
Seroma Is a localised collection of lymph fluid under the skin that
has leaked from traumatised lymphatic vessels. Treatment involves
regular aspiration of the fluid until it dries up.
Numbness Numbness of the treated area can occur, especially
with liposuction under the chin. It is usually temporary and lasts
about six weeks, but may persist and maybe permanent
Dysaesthesia (altered skin sensation) Very uncommon
and reported to be a greater risk after Ultrasonic Liposuction.
Excessive Bruising Some degree of bruising occurs
in everyone but it largely clears within three weeks. In some people
however, deep bruising may take up to six weeks to disappear.
Contour Irregularities These are wavy contour deformities
of the skin due to irregularities of the underlying fatty tissue.
They may not appear until some months after the procedure. Improvements
in technique and the use of thinner cannulas in recent years have
reduced this possibility.
Loose Skin This can occur when liposuction is performed
on a patient with poor skin elasticity and the skin does not have
the elasticity to shrink to the new shape. Generally, younger people
have good skin elasticity and the skin shrinks successfully, whereas
in older people the skin can end up a little loose after liposuction.
The doctor will assess your skin elasticity at your initial consultation
and advise if this could be a concern for you.
Scars As the liposuction cannula has to be introduced
through one or more tiny skin incisions, each of these small entry
points will leave a small scar. However, they are usually not very
noticeable and tend to fade with time. Whenever possible, they are
placed in inconspicuous locations.
Brown Staining Brown discolouration of the skin
in the area of liposuction can occasionally occur. It is due to
iron from the sub-surface bruising remaining in the skin. It usually
disappears with time.
Further surgery. You may require further liposuction
to achieve your desired result.
SERIOUS POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING COMPLICATIONS
e.g. Deep Venous Thrombosis (Leg Clots), Pulmonary Embolism, Fat
Embolism Syndrome, Necrotising Fasciitis
Complications
can occur after any surgical procedure or anaesthesia but in reality
fatalities due to liposuction when performed in accordance with
established safety criteria have been reported very rarely. Unexpected
reaction to the anaesthetic or other medications can occur during
any surgical procedure.
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) – a clot develops
usually in the leg veins. Rarely a part of this
clot may break off and travel to the lungs – Pulmonary
Embolus, which may be fatal.
Fat Embolism Syndrome occurs when tiny fat globules
enter the bloodstream and lodge in the lungs and/or brain. It is
more often seen after major fractures or crush injuries involving
injury to the bone marrow than after liposuction.
Similarly, Necrotising Fasciitis, an inflammation and breakdown
of the underlying fascia (layer of tissue covering the muscles)
is also very rare and is not unique to liposuction, having been
also reported after some spider bites.
“If
you are considering liposuction I can certainly guide and advise
you. I want your new shape to be as attractive and appropriate for
you as possible. All cosmetic procedures have limitations. Therefore,
if for any reason I feel that I am unable to fulfill your expectations
I will tell you immediately. I look forward to meeting with you
to discuss this procedure.”
Dr Jayne Bambit |
