Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

Dr Maresky performs liposuction on various body areas including:

Common Treatment Areas:
- Abdomen (upper and lower belly)
- Flanks (love handles)
- Thighs (inner, outer, front, back)
- Hips and buttocks
- Arms (upper arms, "bat wings")
- Back (bra rolls, lower back)
- Chest (male breast reduction, gynecomastia)
- Chin and neck (double chin, jowls)
- Knees (inner knees)
- Calves and ankles

Liposuction may be considered for localized fat deposits that do not respond to lifestyle measures. It is not a weight-loss procedure, and suitability depends on assessment of skin quality, anatomy, and health history.

Dr Maresky uses techniques such as tumescent liposuction and VASER (ultrasound-assisted) liposuction when appropriate for the patient's anatomy and treatment goals.

Liposuction (Lipoplasty) at Dr. Maresky's practice typically ranges from R55,000 to R90,000, depending on your specific needs and goals. Final pricing is always confirmed during your consultation, once Dr. Maresky has assessed your individual case.

Factors that influence the cost:

• Number of areas treated
• Technique add-on

The consultation is an independent clinical assessment. Final costs are confirmed before any treatment is scheduled.

Prices are indicative and quoted at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. Subject to change. Medical aid contributions may apply for reconstructive or medically indicated cases.

Duration: 1-4 hours depending on number of areas treated and amount of fat removed

Anesthesia: General anesthesia or IV sedation with local anesthesia (tumescent technique) depending on extent of procedure

Location: Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital - private hospital facility

Procedure Steps

1. Anesthesia: You're given general anesthesia or IV sedation for comfort
2. Marking: Dr Maresky marks treatment areas while you're standing
3. Tumescent solution: A solution containing saline, lidocaine (anesthetic), and epinephrine (to minimize bleeding) is injected into treatment areas
4. Incisions: Small incisions (3-5mm) are made in inconspicuous locations
5. Fat removal: A thin cannula (hollow tube) is inserted through incisions and moved back and forth to break up fat, which is suctioned out using a surgical vacuum
6. Contouring: Dr Maresky sculpts the area for smooth, natural-looking contours
7. Closure: Incisions are closed with sutures or left open to drain
8. Compression garment: A compression garment is applied to reduce swelling and support healing

Recovery Timeline

Immediately after:

Compression garment applied; mild to moderate discomfort managed with pain medication

24-48 hours:

Drain tubes removed (if used); continue wearing compression garment

1 week:

Sutures removed; most swelling and bruising present; return to light activities

2 weeks:

Significant improvement in swelling; return to work (desk job); continue compression garment

4-6 weeks:

Most swelling resolved; return to exercise gradually; may still wear compression garment

3 months:

90% of swelling resolved; results becoming apparent

6 months:

Final results visible; all swelling resolved; scars fading

1 year:

Scars mature and fade to thin, barely visible lines

Post-Operative Restrictions

First 24 Hours

• Bed rest with assistance for bathroom
• No driving
• Keep compression garment on at all times
• Take prescribed pain medication as directed

First 2 Weeks

• Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise
• No swimming or soaking in water (showers okay after 48 hours)
• Wear compression garment 23 hours/day (remove only for showering)
• Sleep with head and torso elevated
• Walk regularly to prevent blood clots
• Avoid alcohol and smoking

2-6 Weeks

• Gradually resume exercise as approved by Dr Maresky
• Continue wearing compression garment during day
• Avoid sun exposure to incision sites
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Long Term

• Maintain stable weight through healthy diet and exercise
• Protect skin from sun damage
• Stay hydrated and maintain healthy lifestyle

Pain Management: Moderate discomfort for first few days, managed with prescribed pain medication. Most patients describe it as muscle soreness similar to intense workout. Pain significantly improves after first week.

Scarring: Minimal scarring - incisions are very small (3-5mm) and placed in natural skin creases or inconspicuous areas. Scars fade to thin, barely visible lines within 6-12 months.

Initial improvement: 2-4 weeks
Significant improvement: 3 months
Final results: 6-12 months (after all swelling resolves)
Permanence: Fat cells removed are gone permanently, but remaining fat cells can enlarge with weight gain