Liposuction

Cosmetic Surgery & Plastic Surgery Procedures

any people are stuck with disproportionate body contours despite their best efforts at physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Localized fat deposits are often due to genetics rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. Fortunately, people with disproportionate body contours have liposuction as an option. Liposuction is a procedure that slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your self-image.

It is important to note that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Furthermore, it is not an effective treatment for loose saggy skin, or cellulite - the dimpled skin that typically appears on the hips, thighs, and buttocks.

Liposuction techniques

• Super-wet and tumescent liposuction – this technique involves the injection of a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and adrenaline into the area to be treated. This makes the fat deposits easier to break up and extract. This extra fluid also minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissue, reducing swelling and post-operative pain. The use of adrenaline also decreases bleeding during surgery. The tumescent liposuction technique is similar, but involves even larger amounts of liquid solution. The tumescent technique is the only technique that permits liposuction totally by local anesthesia.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) – this is a newer method which uses sound waves to liquefy the fat after the injection of fluids. UAL also minimizes trauma, causing less bruising and blood loss. UAL is particularly useful on fibrous areas of the body, such as the male breast, the upper abdomen, and the upper back, which are difficult to treat with traditional techniques.

Ideal candidates for liposuction

Liposuction is a good choice to enhance your physique, but not to completely transform it. A thorough understanding of the procedure will help you form realistic expectations. The best liposuction candidates are emotionally well-adjusted, in good general health, have a history of physical activity, and eat a healthy diet. A consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon will help ensure that your goals are realistic and healthy.

If you feel you might be a good candidate for liposuction, or if you have further questions or concerns about the procedure, please click here to find a cosmetic surgeon in your area.