Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty and suction-assisted lipectomy, is designed to re-contour the body through the removal of excess fat from specific areas. It is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure. Commonly treated areas include the chin, neck, upper arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks.

When performed by a qualified surgeon, liposuction is very safe and results in minimal scarring and short recovery times. As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with liposuction that you should discuss with your doctor. Though weight loss may not be remarkable after the procedure, the changes in body contour can be dramatic because fat is removed from targeted areas.

Liposuction performed on small areas often requires just local anesthesia, which numbs a specific area of the body. Areas that are more extensive may require twilight anesthesia, a form of conscious sedation that helps block pain and reduce anxiety, or general anesthesia, a form of sedation that renders you unconscious throughout the procedure. Liposuction may be also combined with other procedures to obtain the best results.

Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction

Ideal candidates for liposuction include men and women who are of normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat which have proven resistant to diet and exercise. These areas are where ‘slow-burning’ fat is stored, and this helps define the shape of your figure (hourglass, pear, etc.). The location of these areas varies from person to person, but they can make the body look disproportionate. In addition, they can be very hard to get rid of; even with diet and exercise, weight loss is most likely to occur in other areas of the body first.

The good news is that liposuction can specifically target these stubborn areas of fat. By eliminating or reducing the fat-producing cells in these areas, liposuction helps redirect where fat is being stored and change the shape of the body.

Though liposuction may be performed at any age, the best results tend to be achieved on patients who have firm, elastic skin, which can provide a smoother contour after surgery. Because muscle tone and skin tone are not affected by liposuction, patients with hanging skin may be better candidates for dermolipectomy, otherwise known as a tummy tuck.

Benefits

If you feel your body looks disproportionate, liposuction can help target specific areas and literally sculpt the body into a more attractive shape.