Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

Procedure:

     
Women may have liposuction performed under the chin, on their hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the underarm and breast area.  The most common areas for men include under the chin and around the waist.  Liposuction is also often used in male breast reduction (gynecomastia)

     
The best candidates for liposuction are of normal weight with localized areas of excess fat - for example, in the buttocks , hips, and thighs.

The surgeon inserts a cannula through small incisions in the skin.  At the other end of the tube is a vacuum pressure unit that suctions off the fat.

    
A snug compression garment worn after surgery helps reduce swelling.  Improvement will become apparent after about six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided.

    
As healing progresses, a more proportional look will emerge.  A slimmer body contour can help you feel more confident and comfortable.

Recovery:

You will wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area for several weeks.  You will go home after the procedure and rest for at least 24 hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated.  Most patients return to work within 2 days after surgery.

Questions:

Is the fat reduction permanent?
Because a portion of the fat cells are permanently removed by liposuction, so you will not tend to regain weight in that area. It is important to note, however, that abdominal liposuction does not guarantee that you won’t gain weight or fat deposits in other areas of your body. Moreover, since fat cells have been removed from the treatment site but not from surround areas, this weight gain can appear uneven. It is important to maintain your weight and contour with exercise and proper diet.

Does liposuction remove cellulite?
Although many patients do notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after the fat cells are removed, liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite.

Will I need more than one procedure?
Most patients only need one procedure.  The advancement of Power Assisted Liposuction appears to reduce the number of patients requiring any touch-up procedures in the future.