Liposuction
Liposuction is an invasive cosmetic procedure that permanently removes localized pockets of fat under the skin in areas that resist diet and exercise, such as the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, double chin and flanks. By loosening and suctioning fat cells out of the body, it reduces fat volume and reshapes the body's contours.
At Haute-Derma, liposuction is performed to strict surgical standards, combining a refined tumescent infiltration technique with modern assistive technologies such as ultrasound (VASER) or power-assisted liposuction (PAL). This helps us remove fat efficiently, minimize injury to blood vessels and nerves, and leave a smooth skin surface.
How It Works: The Tumescent Technique
The success and safety of modern liposuction depend on infiltrating tumescent solution into the subcutaneous fat before any suction begins:
- What the solution contains: 0.9% saline combined with lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor).
- Swelling and vasoconstriction: The solution makes the fat tissue firm and swollen (tumescent), which helps separate fat cells from the surrounding connective network. Epinephrine constricts small blood vessels, keeping blood loss to a minimum and reducing the risk of anesthetic toxicity.
- Permanent removal: The fat is suctioned out as an emulsion. Because adults have a fixed number of fat cells, removing them directly gives lasting body contouring results.
Comparing Liposuction Technologies
| Technology / Technique | Energy and Mechanism | Preferred Use at Haute-Derma |
|---|---|---|
| Tumescent suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) | Negative-pressure suction with a manually moved cannula | Small areas, double chin, fine refinements |
| Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (VASER) | High-energy ultrasound that disrupts fat cell membranes | Large areas (abdomen, thighs), high-definition (HD) liposculpture |
| Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) | Automated high-frequency vibrating cannula | Fibrous fat, back fat, revision procedures |
| Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) | Laser heat that melts fat and tightens skin | Small fat deposits with mild skin laxity |
Clinical Process and Safety Protocol at Haute-Derma
- Pre-operative screening and body assessment: Patients have a complete blood count, full coagulation panel, liver and kidney function tests, and an abdominal wall ultrasound to rule out a hernia. The surgeon marks the treatment areas with the patient standing.
- Standardized surgical technique
- Tumescent solution is infiltrated at a standard ratio (1 mL of solution for every 1 mL of fat to be removed).
- VASER or PAL is used to loosen and liquefy the fat before a fine microcannula draws it out, without tearing the horizontal connective septa under the skin.
- Aftercare and compression garments: Right after surgery, patients wear a high-compression garment continuously for 4–6 weeks to press the skin back against the underlying muscle, prevent fluid buildup and reduce swelling.
Managing Complications and Surgical Safety
- Fat embolism syndrome (FES): A rare but very dangerous complication that occurs when fat droplets enter a damaged vein. It is prevented by using blunt-tipped cannulas and avoiding the deepest fat layers close to the muscle fascia.
- Seroma or hematoma: Protein-rich fluid collects under the skin in the space left after fat removal. It is managed with a temporary drain, warm compresses and sterile ultrasound-guided aspiration.
- Contour irregularities: Caused by uneven fat removal or suctioning too close to the skin surface. They are corrected with additional micro fat grafting, or with laser or radiofrequency smoothing after 6 months.
