Liposuction | Find a Liposuction Surgeon Near You

Liposuction

What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat through a suctioning process. Although it is not a substitute for weight loss, liposuction is a way of changing the body's shape and contour.

Women usually have liposuction performed under the chin, on the hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the under arm and breast areas. In women, the single most frequently treated areas with liposuction are the outer thighs, followed by the stomach.
Men usually have liposuction performed under the chin and around the waist, or in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. In men, the waist area or "love handles" are most frequently treated with liposuction surgery.

What are some different liposuction techniques?
Some of the different liposuction techniques include the following:
tumescent technique
The tumescent liposuction technique involves the injection of a large quantity of a medical solution into a fatty area. The medical liposuction solution is a combination of drugs that numb the area, as well as shrink the capillaries and prevent blood loss. After the injection, a small incision is made into the skin and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty mass. The fat is then suctioned out.
super-wet technique
Similar to the tumescent technique, the super-wet liposuction procedure uses a smaller amount of the injected medical solution. After the injection, a small incision is made into the skin and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty mass. The fat is then suctioned out.
ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty
In the ultrasound-assisted liposuction lipoplasty, a special tube that produces ultrasound energy is used. This ultrasound energy breaks down the walls of the fat cells turning them to liquid. The fat is then suctioned out.

Possible complications associated with liposuction surgery may include, but are not limited to, the following:
injury to the skin or deeper tissues
In the ultrasound-assisted liposuction lipoplasty, there is the potential of damaging the skin or deeper tissues from the heat transmitted from the ultrasound device.
irregular skin surface
Changes in the skin surface can occur after liposuction, giving it an asymmetric or baggy look. There can also be changes in the skin pigmentation and areas that may become numb after liposuction.
greater risks if large areas are treated
The risk for infection, the formation of blood clots or fat clots, excessive fluid loss, and damage to the skin, nerves, or vital organs is greater when large areas are treated with liposuction.
lidocaine toxicity or fluid in the lungs
If the lidocaine content is too high, it may cause lidocaine toxicity. If too much fluid is injected, it may cause fluid build-up in the lungs.

Who are candidates for liposuction?
Generally, people of normal weight who have localized areas of protruding fat achieve the most desired results with liposuction, however, persons who are slightly overweight can also benefit from liposuction. The best candidates for liposuction include the following:
normal-weight (or slightly-overweight) people
people with firm, elastic skin
people who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas
physically healthy and psychologically stable people
people with realistic expectations
Age is not a major factor, although older persons with diminished skin elasticity may not have the same results as persons with tighter skin.

In addition to the benefits of liposuction surgery, make sure you understand its limitations.
• Don't expect perfection.
• Have realistic expectations. Liposuction surgery can reshape your body, but not your life.
• Know the liposuction risks.
• Don't do it on the cheap. Pay what it takes for safe liposuctions.
• Make sure your liposuction surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
• Do your homework. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Liposuction
• Liposuction

As the demand grows for cosmetic liposuction surgery, consumers must realize that all cosmetic surgery procedures carry risks. If you are thinking about having liposuction surgery, become an informed consumer about the specific procedure and its risks. Select a qualified doctor. Have realistic expectations about the results and know the benefits and limitations of liposuction.