During liposuction, excess fat deposits are removed, improving body contours and proportions. Localized fat deposits on the waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, abdomen, back and chin can be reduced. Liposuction is used, among other things, for so-called "problem areas" that cannot be eliminated despite exercise or a diet. By targeted suction of the disturbing fat pads, the body contours can be improved and a harmonious appearance can be achieved. By means of liposuction, for example, abdominal fat or "love handles" (so-called "hip fat") can be suctioned off, but also "riding pants" can be removed. There are various liposuction techniques, the most common being vibration, laser, ultrasound and water jet assisted liposuction.
Liposuction can also be combined with autologous fat transfer (lipofilling). In this case, the removed fatty tissue is reintroduced into another part of the body that is to be enlarged. For example, a Breast augmentation with own fat possible.
The consultation
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Lüdi specializes in body contouring procedures and will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of liposuction in her clinic in Basel.
In an initial detailed consultation, Dr. Lüdi will take the time to address your concerns, analyze the findings together with you and advise you whether liposuction is the right choice for you or whether, for example, another treatment method is more suitable for you. Dr. Lüdi will also inform you about the expected result, the surgical technique and possible risks and complications of the treatment. Dr. Lüdi will also be happy to show you before and after photos of liposuction.
On the day of surgery
On the day of the operation, Dr. Lüdi prepares a photo documentation before the procedure and precisely draws the areas on the body to be suctioned. You will then be prepared for the upcoming operation and accompanied to the operating room.
The operation
Liposuction can be performed on an outpatient basis in our clinic in Basel under local or general anesthesia and takes about 1 to 3 hours, depending on the effort involved. At the beginning of the operation, the so-called tumescent solution (contains, among other things, local anesthetic and adrenaline) is injected into the fatty tissue. The tumescent solution has an anesthetic and vasoconstrictor effect and loosens the fat cells. After an exposure time of about 20 minutes, the excess fat cells are gently suctioned out using a suction cannula. The skin incisions are only a few millimeters long and are finely sutured. At the end of the operation, we put on your fitted compression garment.
Immediately after surgery
After the operation, you can recover from the procedure in our beautiful patient rooms with a view of the Rhine and will be looked after by our team. After another visit by Dr. Lüdi, you can be picked up by an accompanying person and return home the same day.
The aftercare
- After about a week, the first follow-up inspection takes place.
- Showering is possible from the 1st day
- For 6 weeks you should wear the fitted compression garment consistently.
- We recommend a rest period of 4 to 6 weeks to support an optimal healing process. During this time, you should also refrain from sports.
- However, regular light exercise and walks are recommended and important immediately after surgery to minimize the risk of thrombosis.
- Pain intensity after surgery is generally moderate and well controlled with common analgesics.
- Scar care can be started from 3 weeks postoperatively.
Risks and complications
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure and complications are very rare. There are the general surgical risks (e.g. bruising, wound healing problems, infection). After surgery, bruising and local swelling are usually expected. These will heal within the first few days to weeks. Mild numbness will also disappear within the first few weeks. Rarely, dents may appear, which can be smoothed out in a minor corrective surgery. The small scars are usually barely noticeable after scar maturation. It can take 6 to 12 months until the tissue has healed completely and the final result is visible. Only then is the final result available and can be assessed.
Cost liposuction
The cost of liposuction depends on your wishes, the type and extent of the operation and the type of anesthesia. During a consultation, Dr. Lüdi will put together a treatment tailored to you personally and provide you with an individual cost estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Dr. med. Simona Lüdi will be happy to welcome you for a personal consultation for liposuction/lipo in Basel. We look forward to seeing you.