Through Thick and Thin

By: Ruth Donnelly
Created on 23rd January 2012

With recent research revealing that three out of five Brits dream of having liposuction, we take a look at the best options available today

While breast augmentation is commonly thought of as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, it can come as no surprise that most people would jump at the chance to rid themselves of a bit of unwanted fat.

In fact, a new survey has shown that 59 per cent of men and women in Britain would like to have a lipo procedure, with over a third of those stating that they definitely will be having it done in the future.

These days, however, there is a wealth of different techniques to choose from, so how do you decide which is best for you? We tracked down Mr Bryan Mayou, founder of London’s prestigious Cadogan Clinic and the man credited with introducing liposuction to the UK in 1982, to get the inside track.

“When I started with liposuction it was revolutionary,” he explains. “At the time, it was a ‘one-sizefits- all approach with only one technique available.

“Over the years, I have researched and developed other techniques and watched as new types were introduced. Some have impressed me and I have been pleased to use them, while others have promised much but delivered little.”

Cadogan Clinic is unique in the UK as it offers six different types of liposuction, each of which has been painstakingly researched, tested and evaluated by Bryan and his team of specialists to ensure that it delivers on its claims.

“Everybody is different and every body is different,” says Bryan, “so it’s important that patients seeking liposuction have the widest choice of methods and techniques available to them, to ensure they get the right one for them and the results they require.”

The Super Six

■ Conventional liposuction

In the original form of liposuction, fat is sucked out dry. Although technology has advanced since its introduction, you should never underestimate an old faithful, and this technique is great for small areas of fat or as a refinement after breast reduction or abdominoplasty.

■ Tumescent liposuction

A variation on the original; in tumescent, or ‘wet’, liposuction large volumes of local anaesthetic solution are injected to distend the fat, making it easier to extract with less bruising. This form of liposuction can be performed entirely under local anaesthetic, which some patients prefer.

■ BodyJet

“This technique can be used to obtain fat in perfect condition for grafting into other areas,” Bryan tells us, “particularly in the breasts and buttocks.”

BodyJet uses a water jet to break down and wash out body fat. Fatty deposits are broken down within seconds, causing less swelling and bruising than other methods. The technique tends to be used in places where fat is more difficult to remove, such as in the breast; for people with black skin, where fat tends to be more fibrous, and for removal of sweat cells in the armpits.

■ BodyTite

“All liposuction techniques tighten the skin slightly,” says Bryan, “but with BodyTite, tightening is the main aim.”

BodyTite is a combination of standard liposuction and radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, used to tighten loose skin at the same time as removing fat. Energy is delivered to the target area to liquefy fat, which is then removed through liposuction. The procedure creates a unique internal healing process, which tightens the skin and prevents excessive bleeding.

■ LipoSonix

“LipoSonix is an entirely noninvasive technique,” Bryan explains, “in which high powered external ultrasound is focused to dissolve fat beneath the skin.”

LipoSonix is the first noninvasive fat removal procedure that the UK’s top surgeons have felt able to endorse. A paddle on the abdomen delivers ultrasonic waves to the fatty tissue under the skin without damaging tissues above or below. The destroyed fat is excreted normally and fat is permanently reduced.

■ Smart Lipo MPX

“Smart Lipo MPX is the first effective laser-assisted liposuction,” says Bryan. “It is a fantastic procedure for chins, arms and thighs.”

Smart Lipo MPX is an advanced version of “Smart Lipo, which is much more powerful than its earlier incarnation and incorporates double wavelength laser light. One wavelength targets the fat cells and the other tightens the skin. The process usually takes less than half an hour for each area and can be performed under local anaesthetic. The use of the laser ensures minimal scarring.