about the inner thighs liposculpture procedure
The inner thighs are one of the most common areas requested by women. This is for at least two reasons. Firstly, fat deposition in the thighs is often hereditary, and can increase dramatically in size at puberty. Also, after pregnancy, there can be an excessive accumulation of fat in the thigh area.
In some women, the lower half of the body may appear to be a larger size than the top half and standard sizes of clothes may not fit that well. Many women may feel they have a ‘body in 2-halves’.
Some of these women may have the condition called lipoedema.
These women may be quite slender from the waist up, but the areas from the hips down may be considered to be disproportionately larger. With liposculpture it is possible to bring these two halves of the body into proportion. Some women may find that their inner thighs rub together and the skin of the inner thighs is irritated. Inner thighs Liposculpture may be able to reduce this rubbing somewhat.
Inner thighs liposuction
Often inner thighs and knees are areas of request together for liposuction. This allows for smoother results particularly when there is no obvious border separating the two areas. Microcannulas are very important in liposuction of these areas, in order to produce smoother results. Incisions in these areas may continue to leak for a few days. Having the liposuction procedure using the tumescent local anaesthetic technique is preferred, due to the ease of having the patient lie on her side, to remove the fat effectively. Lying on one’s back for the whole liposuction procedure (eg. under general anaesthesia) would not sufficiently allow adequate fat removal in these 2 areas.
For a woman who cannot tolerate wrinkling of the inner thigh, there is the option of the surgical thigh lift, but the scarring may be considered worse than wrinkling of the inner thigh, and therefore no surgery at all may be the preferred option.
In some women, the knees may be requested at the same time as the inner thighs.
In some women, the knees may be requested at the same time as the inner thighs. In some women, there may appear to be no distinct border between the inner thighs and knees when it comes to fat distribution, so to have liposculpture in one area and not the other, comprehensive reduction of fatty tissue may not be totally achievable. Two areas may be requested together in order to establish appropriate blending with adjacent areas.
Outer thigh fat in women (often referred to as “saddlebags”) are accumulations of fat over the outer thigh. Reducing them with liposculpture may have a dramatic change in body shape and proportions. Some women may need to purchase trousers or jeans that are looser around the waist, or be a larger size, in order for their outer thighs to fit.
Anterior thigh fat (fat on front of the thigh) is another area that may be requested. Looking from the side, there may appear to be an accentuated curve where the fat protrudes, overlying the quadriceps muscles. Liposculpture of the anterior thigh on its own may be requested but a common combination may be the inner thighs, knees and anterior thighs together, as these 3 areas are adjacent to each other and there may not appear to be a distinct border between them.
What are the benefits of Liposculpture?
Liposculpture is a refinement in the technique of liposuction. Firstly, liposculpture is performed under local anaesthetic which makes it easier to achieve a regular, more even result, by assessing the patient at a later stage of the procedure. This is because it is possible to move into different positions and to stand up toward the end of the procedure which allows the effect of gravity to be seen on the areas that had liposculpture. This enables a much more predictable result to be achieved as more liposculpture is done to refine the areas and try to establish symmetry.
Secondly, as no general anaesthetic is needed for liposculpture, the inherent risks associated with a general anaesthetic are avoided.
Thirdly, liposculpture involves the injection of fluid into the fatty tissues before the procedure is performed. This fluid contains the local anaesthetic (lignocaine) and also a medication which effectively constricts blood vessels (adrenaline). Adrenaline vastly decreases the amount of bruising that occurs with liposculpture while the local anaesthetic produces effective relief of discomfort during the procedure and for up to 12 hours afterwards (and longer).
Fourthly, liposculpture is day surgery. There is usually no need for the person having liposculpture to stay overnight in hospital or to have blood transfusions. You are encouraged to remain active following the procedure, walking soon after, and often returning to work after a few days to a week. Time off work and normal or vigorous activities is usually kept to a minimum. A week off work is advisable for most individuals.
What is the difference with Liposculpture under local anaesthetic?
Liposculpture takes time to achieve the desired outcomes. The average procedure lasts 4 hours, especially when liposculpture of a few areas is performed. Smaller areas may only take up to 2 hours to do. In contrast, liposuction performed under general anaesthesia must be done in a shorter time as longer anaesthetic time increases anaesthetic risks. The recovery period is usually shorter with usually less bruising and less discomfort. However, due to different procedures, different patients will heal differently, and have different pain thresholds and will therefore experience different recovery times for different activities. The subcutaneous fatty tissue is thoroughly anaesthetised (numbed) and vasoconstricted when using the tumescent local anaesthetic technique and this generally contributes to a reduction of pain after the procedure. Liposculpture is performed by many doctors from many specialties.
Dr Heckenberg is specifically trained in liposculpture. She is dedicated and will take the necessary time to strive for the desired results and performs only liposculpture and no other cosmetic surgery procedures. It is important to have these procedures performed by doctors who do the same procedures often, as with any surgery. Allowing enough time, using microcannulas and having patience are the most important factors when performing liposculpture.
What is the safety profile and risks of Liposculpture?
Risks associated with liposculpture are reported in international peer reviewed medical journals. These are made available to you and may be accessed below:
Boeni, R., & Waechter-Gniadek, P. V. (2021). Safety of Tumescent Liposuction Under Local Anesthesia in 9,002 Consecutive Patients. Dermatologic Surgery, 47(5), e184–e187.
This recent 2021 study comprising of 9,000 cases, also concluded that liposuction using the tumescent local anaesthetic technique “is a reliable and safe procedure if it is performed by an experienced surgeon and the guidelines of care are strictly followed”.
Dixit, V., & Wagh, M. S. (2013b). Unfavourable outcomes of liposuction and their management. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 46(2),377.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901919/
This detailed 2013 article compiles unfavourable outcomes, possible risk factors and their management associated liposuction and the importance of appropriate training in this procedure.
Hanke, C. W., Bernstein, G. S., & Bullock, S. (1995b). Safety of Tumescent Liposuction in 15,336 Patients. Dermatologic Surgery, 21(5), 459–462.
A landmark article in the prestigious Dermatographic Surgery Journal reported the survey results of over 15,000 cases of liposculpture performed in America between 1994 and 1995. Authors concluded that complications during the procedure were few, as were problems following the procedure, and the level of complications was much less. Bruising is minimal, but does occur in most cases. It usually lasts for 10 to 14 days. Infections may occur with any surgery, but are fortunately quite rare and antibiotics are given before and after the procedure. Local areas of numbness may occur, although these usually resolve within a few months but may take up to a year.
What are the Doctor's Qualifications?
At Be Sculptured, Dr Heckenberg is trained specifically in liposculpture and she has a medical fellowship from The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) and a Lipoplasty Fellowship. Dr Heckenberg is dedicated to the procedure of liposculpture. It is the only cosmetic procedure she performs. Performing the same procedure often is necessary to acquire appropriate skills for any procedure. Dr Heckenberg has Specialist Registration in General Practice after gaining her Fellowship in 1997 (FRACGP) and a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1996 (DRANZCOG) and has been performing contraceptive and reproductive out-patient gynaecological procedures since 1998. Her medical registration number is MED0001158434.
What actually is Liposculpture?
Liposculpture is a body changing tool. Liposculpture is performed using Dr Klein’s “tumescent local anaesthetic” with micro-cannulas. The administration of the tumescent local anaesthetic makes it possible for the patient to stand up at the later stage of the procedure, allowing the effect of gravity to be visualised. Patients are also able to move themselves into the appropriate positions to adequately remove the fat from specific areas to change the body shape. It is this ability to visualise the patient’s body that provide a more predictable/favourable results.
As no general anaesthetic is needed, risks associated with a general anaesthetic are avoided. Sedation has its risks, such as excessive drowsiness, or inadvertent and unexpected deeper levels of sedation, but recommended dosing and monitoring during the procedure reduces these risks.
Liposculpture involves the injection of fluid into the fatty tissues before the procedure is performed. This saline solution contains the local anaesthetic drug (lignocaine) and also a medication which constricts blood vessels (adrenaline). Adrenaline decreases the amount of bleeding and bruising while the local anaesthetic reduces discomfort during the procedure and for up to 12 hours afterwards. These effects may last longer in some individuals.
Do I need to stay overnight in Hospital?
Liposculpture is performed as a day procedure. There is rarely a need for the person having liposculpture to stay overnight in hospital, or to have blood transfusions. A half to ¾ of a day is required to perform the procedure and to stay in the hospital recovery. You are encouraged to remain active following the procedure, gentle walking soon after, and often returning to work after 1 week or possibly after a few days. Time off work and normal activities is usually kept to a minimum. More vigorous exercise may be resumed 3- 4 weeks after the procedure.
How long does Liposculpture take?
Liposculpture takes time. Taking the time to do the procedure is paramount. Small calibre cannulas (micro-cannulas) are used. The average procedure takes 2-4 hours. Liposculpture of the abdomen and waist takes approximately 4 hours.
What support garments are required?
Special lycra bodysuit compressive garments are used for about two weeks after the procedure. Double suits for the first week and a single suit for the second week. It is important not to wear jeans or belts for 4 weeks post procedure in order to prevent indentations in the skin. An elastic binder may also be used over the 2 compression garments for the first week.
Please take note
Liposculpture isn’t suitable for everyone. Only patients with a Body Mass Index of under 35 will be considered but only after they have been properly assessed during the consultation. Your BMI can be checked using the following online calculator:
Smoking increases the level of carbon monoxide in the blood, which deprives tissues of oxygen. Blood supply is a major concern during any surgical procedure. Combining smoking and cosmetic surgery can categorically result in increased pain, loss of skin, infections, death of tissue or fat cells, delayed healing, thick scarring, permanent vessel damage, or blood clots. Smokers should cease smoking 6 weeks prior to the procedure or consider to not have the procedure at all.
Patients with body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) are inappropriate for liposuction / liposculpture or any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a mental illness. People who have this illness constantly worry about the way they look. They may believe an inconspicuous or non-existent physical attribute is a serious defect. They respond to this by performing repetitive acts such as mirror checking or comparing their appearance with others. The severity of BDD varies. For example, some people know their feelings and / or perceptions aren’t rational or justified, while others are almost delusional in their conviction. BDD causes severe emotional distress. It is not just vanity and is not something a person can just ‘forget about’ or ‘get over’.
The preoccupation of their appearances can be so extreme that the affected person has trouble functioning at work, school or in social situations. People who suffer from BDD can target any part of the body. They may seek out numerous cosmetic procedures to try to “fix” their perceived flaw. Afterward, they may feel temporary satisfaction or a reduction in their distress, but often the anxiety returns and the search for other flaws may resume, along with ways to “fix” them. Treatment of BDD may include cognitive behavioural therapy and medication after an assessment by a Psychiatrist.