Lipofilling of the Breasts

During the first consultation, all information regarding the liposculpture and lipofilling treatment will be discussed such as: what method is best for you, what results you can expect, the possible risks and the aftercare. The doctor will also determine whether you are a suitable candidate for liposculpture and lipofilling treatment and whether there are any contraindications (e.g. an increased risk of thrombosis). The doctor will determine if and how much fat can be removed and if you are a suitable candidate for lipofilling. He will also consider where liposculpture should be done to achieve the best possible result from lipofilling. He will also discuss what result you can expect from the procedure. The doctor will advise you whether one or two lipofilling is necessary to obtain the desired end result. He will ask you about your medical history and what medication you are currently taking. You should stop using blood thinning medication at least one week before the treatment.

You will receive a preoperative prescription for an antibiotic treatment for one week, which serves as coverage over the operation. You will also receive an antiseptic, iodine-containing soap to clean yourself the day before the operation and the morning before the operation. No body lotion and/or nail polish to be used before the procedure.

Before the procedure, the doctor will accurately mark out the areas to be treated, and photographs will be taken for your medical file. A fine cannula will be used to insert the tumescent anaesthetic. As soon as the anaesthetic works, the incisions will be made. We use the Vibro – liposculpture using a vibrating cannula. This liquefies the fat cells, and the fat can easily be removed (with little suction) without damaging the surrounding tissue. The result is a lifting of the skin, this in combination with the elastic tights. The duration of an operation varies between 3 to 3.5 hours.

Only living fat cells, which after they have been injected at the desired location, will continue to receive blood again and must therefore be treated with great precision and injected as soon as possible. The living fat cells are therefore injected dropwise evenly with a very thin cannula into the previously marked areas. This way, at least 70 – 80 % of the fat cells remain alive, provided that there is sufficient blood supply at the destination. The limiting factor is not whether you have enough fat cells available to move, but whether there are enough blood vessels available in the location where you wish to have injected, to keep the inserted cells alive. In addition, the pressure in the donor area should not be too high because this will lead to necrosis of the infiltrated fat.

After the Operation:

After treatment, the small incisions are covered with a transparent adhesive plaster. After one week, the plasters are removed during the first check-up. The incisions are so small that no visible scars remain. You will be given elastic, compressive tights which you will have to wear for 6 weeks, day and night. Sanitary towels will be applied over the tights with tape to prevent leakage.  During the treatment, not all tumescent fluid is removed, therefore, after the treatment you will continue to experience leakage from your wounds until the next morning. The sanitary towel should be removed the next morning at the latest. After the treatment you can go home, but you are not allowed to drive. Make sure you bring someone who can take you home.

After pain and Recovery:

The anaesthetic effect of the tumescent fluid will continue for a few hours. After the treatment you will experience a bit of bruising and stiffness. A mild painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen is sufficient to relieve some discomfort. The treated area is sensitive during the first week. It is important to keep light movement in order to help with blood circulation and to help the healing process. Showering (bathing after 10 days) can be done in the evening the day after the operation with your tights on. The swelling usually disappears within four weeks. Most people go back to work after a few days to a week, some even sooner if their job includes sitting down for most of the time.

Due to the sophisticated technique we use at Lipocentrum Maastricht, complications rarely occur. Complications that may occur are infections, poor wound healing and allergic reactions. Another risk is thrombosis. To avoid thrombosis it is important that you maintain regular light exercise to keep blood circulation moving. Side effects that may occur after an operation are bruising, and temporary numbness.

Immediately after the treatment, you will see little difference due to the treated area being swollen. However, after a few days you can already see a nice improvement in the shape of the body. It often takes four weeks before the swelling has gone away and the first results are visible. The final result can only be assessed after six to twelve months. During this period, the skin adapts to the new contour and is lifted. After twelve months, you will be given a final check-up and final photos will be taken.