Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK. Offered at every modern London liposuction clinic, this cosmetic surgery involves the removal of excess fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can be performed on the upper arms, cheeks, neck, buttocks, thighs, and abdomen. It can also be done on the chest, ankles, calves and chin. Apparently, this procedure can tackle pretty much every problem body area which is unresponsive to healthy diet and exercise efforts.

While it is considered as a generally safe procedure when carried out by a reliable London liposuction clinic and qualified cosmetic surgeon, as with any surgical intervention, there can potentially be post-op complications in rare cases. To minimise this risk, reduce the downtime and achieve the best outcome of your liposuction, make sure you do not overlook the instructions your surgeon gives you after the procedure. There is, however, something that you can do before the surgery, during your initial consultation at the London liposuction clinic of your choice - ask the right questions.

Asking your surgeon about their exact technique may seem as excessive to find out as much as possible about the procedure. In reality, however, the questions that you will see below can provide crucial information in terms of how quick and successful your surgery will be, since most of the post-op complications and even natural effects of liposuction can be reduced to a certain degree through the latest surgical techniques. So take the most out of your pre-op consultation at the preferred London liposuction clinic, by interrogating your surgeon on the following areas of concern.

Reducing Blood Clots

Blood clots are not common with liposuction surgery, but there may be a relatively greater theoretical risk with liposuction of the calves, inner thighs and abdomen, or with high volume liposuction (greater than 5 litres aspirate). Your surgeon can reduce the risk of developing a blood clot, especially in the legs, by placing compression devices during the surgery. They compress the treated area and are proven to reduce the risk of blood clot formation.

Reducing Fat Embolism

Fat embolism has been linked to the use of large liposuction suction tubes (cannulas), therefore, ensure that the surgeon of your choice plans to use the small ones (3-4 mm). The reason some practitioners use the larger cannualas (5-8 mm) is because they are faster, but a highly professional surgeon will always put the patient's safety and comfort before the ease of the operation. Accordingly, be certain to choose a prestigious London liposuction clinic which works in accordance to these standards.

Reducing Bruising

Cosmetic surgeons typically inject their patients with tumescent fluid prior to performing liposuction. This fluid contains epinephrine, which is a substance pretty much the same as adrenaline. Epinephrine constricts blood vessels and reduces bruising. Some cosmetic surgeons use a concentration of 1 to 1 million parts of epinephrine, yet it has been proven that a higher concentration of this adrenaline-like substance is safe and can dramatically reduce bleeding and bruising. Therefore, do not forget to raise this matter with your surgeon.
Reducing Pain

Using higher concentration of epinephrine, as described above, will also reduce pain through reduction of bruising and swelling. Further, using a muscle relaxant before and after the liposuction procedure will also help with the post-op pain.

All of these things will get you back on your feet sooner, so it is worth interrogating and taking the most out of your initial consultation. Remember that as a patient and client you have the right to raise all of your queries with the surgeon of your choice.