Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery in Australia. This technique is used to reshape the body by permanently removing localized fat deposits. Generally, the suctioning is performed in the low back above the buttocks, the back of the thigh just below the buttock fold or on the hip at the side of the buttock. The goal is to create a natural rounded curve to the buttock that recalls the look of the slim, well-proportioned athletic body.

The tendency to accumulate fatty deposits on the buttocks may be inherited, and these deposits are often resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients become discouraged at having lost unwanted pounds without seeing a significant change in this area. The overall proportions of the body may be unbalanced, and the extra bulk can keep clothes from fitting well. In these cases, liposuction can successfully trim excess fat to bring better balance and symmetry to the body.

Liposuction is a great way to get rid of those bulges that you cannot seem to get rid of any other way. If’ you’re considering buttocks liposuction, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure.

The Consultation

During the consultation, you’ll be able to talk to your Plastic Surgeon about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. Dr Barnouti will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, its risks and limitations.

Your surgeon will begin with a physical examination to evaluate your overall weight, your skin and muscle tone, and the fat deposits in various parts of your body. He will also record your complete medical history, including any medications that you are currently taking.

Keep in mind that the higher your goals, the more you will have to do to achieve those goals. If you are just concerned about removing fat, liposuction alone will achieve that goal. But if you want an athletic, sculpted look, and you want to look great in a bikini, you may need to incorporate extensive exercise into your plan.

Be sure to ask all the questions you have about the procedure, and ask to see photos of the surgeon’s recent liposuction surgeries, before and after treatment. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision.

The Surgery

The surgeon will mark the precise areas of the body where the fat is to be removed. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in a vein in your arm to make sure the fluid level in your body remains in balance. You or your surgeon may opt for general anesthesia, or you may be local anesthesia and a sedative for relaxation.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the skin, typically in or near the buttock crease, and inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty area. The cannula is used to break up the fat deposits and sculpt the area to the desired proportions. The unwanted fat is suctioned out with a vacuum canula.

In the super-wet technique, a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the area to be treated, which makes the fat deposits easier to break up and extract. This extra fluid also minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue, reducing swelling and post-operative pain. The administration of adrenaline also decreases bleeding during surgery, further reducing risks.

The tumescent technique, in which even larger amounts of liquid solution are injected, has similar benefits.

A relatively new method, water jet soft liposuction, uses water jets to liquefy the fat and numb the area followed by fat suction. Like the super-wet and tumescent techniques, water jet technique minimizes trauma, bruising and blood loss. It is particularly useful for small and moderate amount of fat.

Your surgeon will choose the best technique for you. His choice will be determined by a combination of factors, including the precise area to be treated, the amount of fat to be removed and your preferences.

After The procedure

For a day or two, you can expect to feel tired, as though your body has been through a workout – and it has! Your hips and legs will be stiff and store, and you may experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding or temporary numbness. Your will be prescribed simple analgesic medication to relieve this initial discomfort.

Sometimes a small drainage tube is inserted under the skin to drain excess fluid. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection at the incision sites. Your stitches will be removed in a week to 10 days, unless they dissolve on their own.

You will be fitted with a tight compression garment to be worn for up to six weeks after your surgery. This specially designed garment will help reduce pain and swelling, and help your body settle into its new shape.

Getting you back to work and normal activities

Most of the bruising and swelling should subside within three weeks. You will be able to begin light activity as soon as possible. Return to work within a few days if your work is fairly sedentary. You should avoid strenuous activities for 4 weeks as your body heals, but within 4-6 weeks you should be able to resume all normal activities.

It’s important to continue wearing the compression garment, which should be easily hidden under your clothing, for4-6weeks.