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See how ideals of beauty around the world have evolved over the centuries in this kaleidoscope of images that changes throughout the site. |
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Ten people, 10 days
and the challenge to
the best experts in
the field: make these willing guinea pigs look 10 Years Younger. |
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Check this page regularly to find out what's making the headlines – be it health scares or new advances – in the world of cosmetic treatments. |
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Many people have a tendency to accumulate fat in particular areas of their body, often the hips, but also the tummy, thighs, ankles, neck or arms.
These fatty deposits are often reluctant to respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction removes the fat permanently and, because fat cells don't regenerate in adults, the newly contoured shape is permanent. |
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Liposuction can create an improved body shape, and has become a much safer procedure over the last 10 years. It works best on younger people with firm, elastic skin, who have stubborn areas of fat in specific parts of the body. |
Liposuction isn't suitable for people who are very overweight, as it is inadvisable to remove more than three litres of fat from any one area during treatment. Nor is it a long-term solution to all further weight problems as any fat you gain after treatment will accumulate in untreated areas of the body. |
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You will probably have a general anaesthetic. The surgeon inserts a hollow tube through small incisions around the area, while keeping the skin connected to underlying tissue and muscles. This tube is used to break up the fat under the skin, and the fat is then sucked out, either using a large syringe or a vacuum pump.
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Fat is removed permanently, and body contour improved. It can take up to six months for the skin to retract fully and bruising and swelling to disappear completely, so that you can see the full effect of the treatment. |
There are always slight risks associated with general anaesthetic.
Skin could fail to retract well, and be left sagging. This is a particular risk when the tummy is treated, or with patients who are very overweight. The skin surface of treated areas might be uneven, although this can settle over time. The wounds where the tube is inserted can get infected. Some people have excessive bruising.
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Look for a cosmetic surgeon who specialises in this procedure.
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Costs range from £1,000 to £5,000, depending on which areas are treated.
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Follow a healthy diet to control weight; consult a gym for exercises targeting specific areas of the body.
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Channel 4 Television takes no responsibility for the content of any third-party sites.
Links
Fat Suckers – Channel 4 Health
www.channel4.com/health/microsites/0-9/4health/food/ove_fatsuckers.html
Looks at the pros and cons of choosing liposuction.
How Good Is Your Body Image?
www.netdoctor.co.uk/testyourself/facts/body_image.asp
Short online test compiled by Deanne Jade, principal of The National Centre of Eating Disorders, to see what your body image is like.
LipoSite
www.liposite.com
This site has information on various types of liposuction surgery, FAQs, message boards and advice on how to research a surgeon. American-based.
Liposuction
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/liposuction.html
BUPA factsheet providing information on what liposuction is, what happens during liposuction and possible complications.
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Books
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Bodysculpture: Plastic surgery
of the body for men and women by Alan Engler (Hudson Publishing,
2003)
Discusses the most commonly performed cosmetic
plastic surgery procedures of the body for men and women,
including breast enlargements, breast lifts and reductions,
liposuction, and tummy tucks.
Get this book from Amazon
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The Body Image Workbook: An 8-step program for learning to like your looks by Thomas F Cash (New Harbinger Publications, 1997)
Aims to change the negative, unhealthy attitude many people have towards their body, to a more positive and affirming way of thinking.
Get this book from Amazon
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Safe Cosmetic Surgery: A complete guide by Dai Davies and Judy Sadgrove (Metro Publishing, 2002)
Discusses different types of cosmetic surgery, including liposuction, and considers both the desired outcome, and the risks involved, in undergoing the various operations. It also features interviews with people who have undergone surgery.
Get this book from Amazon
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