Lipo-sculpting involves removing and transferring patient’s own fat into certain regions that start to lose fat. Only small amounts are removed so this should not be equated with liposuction. Modern surgery techniques development made it possible to transfer own fat to add volume to any problem area and improve signs of aging. One of the modern lipo-sculpting techniques used in our clinic is called LIPEX and was patented in Latvia in 1994. It has been used in Ukraine, specifically in Odessa since 1998. What makes this technique special? Fat masses are supposed to be separated from stroma (localized fat deposits) prior to aspiration (extraction). According to LIPEX technique subcutaneous fat deposits are not damaged while separation. Our practical experience results show that after 1.5-2 months period, disrupted fat creates aesthetically unacceptable postoperative skin surface irregularities thus failing to meet our patients’ high demands.
Many people consider liposuction as a solution to their problems on overweight. It is not a weight loss treatment. It is a body sculpturing procedure that removes fat from the body so as to get good body lines in specific areas of the body. It affecting only the operated area and not the entire body.
LIPEX technique is based on various special procedures capable of shaping a nice body contour via transferring fat cells within operated area. To achieve good aesthetic results, a surgeon distributes disrupted fat cells by proper manual procedures subcutaneously. The technique (process) resembles sculpturing new body contour. Special postoperative elastic bandaging is applied on the treated areas providing spontaneous skin tightening and minimizing skin excess. Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia to use depends on the operated area size, whether lipo-sculpting is combined with another body reshaping operation and patient’s preference. The ideal anesthesia option, convenient for both patient and surgeon, is a monitored sedation which offers (provides) quick awareness resumption and the ability to respond surgeon’s instructions during operation.
Indications for liposuction and lipo-sculpting
Liposuction may help people who would like to reduce excessive amount of fat in some parts of their body, contouring the figure, but it can not be considered a quick means to resolve lose weight. If a woman thinks that she is a bit overweight (having fat excess) she is rather encouraged to go in for sports or to do regular exercises and have a healthy, balanced diet. Decision to undergo any type of surgical procedure should be taken only in case it is absolutely necessary (of extreme necessity). In case the problem is not the excessive weight, there is a good choice of appropriate cosmetic procedures offered at our clinic that help to get rid of existing cellulite. For example we use “Slim body without a scalpel” program, based on LPG (Endermologie) professional system. The following are some of the lipo-sculpting indications: double chin, localized facial “fat pockets”, love handles, saddlebags, buttocks, inner thighs, outer thighs, thighs, arms, stomach and other localized “fat pockets” that quite distort body contours even in case of normal weight. We can improve facial wrinkles whenever it is necessary, augment breast, correct legs irregularities or posttraumatic defects by means of the“ construction material” (collected fat).
In case of numerous localized fat deposits (all over the body) a series of operations may be required. This possibility is usually discussed at consultation. Зоны для проведения липомоделирования: 
Lipo-sculpting zones images (AAPS copyright) Lipo-sculpting (body contouring) is used to treat fat deposits in the following areas: - Face (chin and cheeks)
- Abdomen
- Waist (love handles)
- Thighs (inner and outer)
- Back (bra line)
- Hips (saddle bags)
- Knees
- Ankles
Postoperative care
Lipo-sculpting surgery takes from 1 to several hours. Then patients are taken into the recovery room where a well-trained and competent recovery room staff and nurses will provide close required follow up care including close monitoring of hemodynamics, pulmonary function, and fluid balance. Lipo-sculpting techniques are constantly developing and improving in order to achieve better and effective results as well as easy recovering
Currently LIPEX is the safest and most up to date lipo-sculpting technique used in Ukraine. In case the procedure is performed following all recommendations and specific LIPEX instructions, the recovery period does not normally encounter any complications.
There are 3 stages of the post operative period that a patient should be aware of.
The operated area is covered by special compression tape and the patient stays under the constant doctor’s and nurse’s control for the first 24 postoperative hours.
On the second day after the procedure the patients are able to get up and begin carefully inspecting the postoperative body contours, being often quite disappointed with the results. As the operated area swells creating discomfort they start to doubt about the chosen procedure. The preliminary evaluation of the lipo-sculpting result is not achieved for three to four months until the resolution of small areas of swelling and residual contour irregularities.
Also, considering the term of the connective tissues development (formation), the final results can be seen only over a period of around 9 months, contrary to the common misconception that a patient can start looking sexy immediately after the surgery.
That is why it is very important for physicians to counsel their patients about reasonable postoperative expectations and specifics of recreational (healing) process. 3 phases can be singled out here: early postoperative period, period of dissatisfaction and harmony (well-being).
Early postoperative period lasts for 7 - 10 days and associated with moderate pain in the treated areas, increased swelling, mild weakness, bruising and chill.
Most of the complains occur on the 3rd and 4th postoperative days and mostly related to the growing swelling and pain. Sutures are removed on the 7th-10rd day.
Period of postoperative discomfort normally lasts up to 1 month. Patients practically stop complaining but the look of bruising skin, often treated as the left over fat tissue, still very confusing to them. Sometimes the volume of the swollen tissue can exceed the amount of the removed skin as a result of (due to the) residual blood and anesthetic solution that remains trapped under the skin after liposuction and this condition should be explained to them by physicians before the procedure. During this period there may also be some reddening with intensive shrinkage (contraction) and irregularities of the skin beneath the treated area, and these conditions will improve (resolve) with time. At this point, to improve the circulation of lymph, blood capillaries and veins, it is recommended to practice (apply) therapeutic use of ultrasound and light massage of the Lymph Drainage Therapy type 
Before and after lipo-sculpting Starting from the end of the 3rd postoperative week patients are allowed to take off their compression garment during the night time but it is very much recommended during day time to reduce the degree of swelling and provide better skin tightening (contraction).
The period of satisfaction starts at the 2nd postoperative month when the general look is acceptable although the sites of swelling may take place after some physical overstrain or too much fluid intake. Compression garments regiment then becomes less strict but the it is recommended during intensive physical activities. Swimming is also very much encouraged at this time as it provides skin tightening. Due to (because of the) significant and aesthetically specific changers that organism undergoes in the course of the procedure the most convenient time to consider liposuction is a fresh time (season) of the year. If the procedure has been completed following all the LIPEX technique requirements the desired outcome is guaranteed.
Most frequently asked question by our patients’ is whether the fat cells of the operated sites grow back.
The fat cells that are removed by liposuction can never come back; however, if the patient gains a significant amount of weight, then new fat cell can develop. If the patient does not gain excessive amounts of weight, then the “fat pockets” remain empty and new more pleasing silhouette is permanent.
However the main question is whether to do liposuction or not in case of direct indications like double chin or excessive hips and thighs areas fat volume? Like any other operation, liposuction is associated with post-operative discomfort and that is why. |
