Liposuction is the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Invented in the late 1970s, it was introduced in 1982 to the United States, where it is now performed on more than 400,000 people annually.

Liposuction is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction-assisted lipectomy.” All of these refer to the removal of unwanted lumps, bulges, and areas of fat using a thin suction metal tube or a “cannula.” This instrument is inserted into subcutaneous body fat through small incisions. A strong vacuum is then applied through a hose attached to the cannula, which draws fat from under the skin.

Liposculpture Information

The term “liposculpture” refers mostly to the practice of liposuction where the body parts are contoured and shaped into a slimmer profile. Because it involves sculpting and contouring, your plastic surgeon should be one who is blessed with a strong artistic sense. It is, after all, not the latest liposuction technique or machine that will give you the ultimate figure. Rather, it is the skills of the plastic surgeon who uses them!

Liposuction Candidates

The first group includes those who are large and wish to reduce their size, for many reasons, including being able to feel good in their clothing. These include women who gained much weight after pregnancy, or who take medications or hormones that cause weight gain. This also includes people who have gained much weight due to a bodily injury or disability that prevents them from exercising. And finally, there are many people who gain weight with aging.

The second group includes those who are generally fit, but who are frustrated with disproportionate fat buildup in specific areas, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, upper thighs, cheeks, and neck. The reason for fat growth in these stubborn areas is genetic and therefore, cannot be reduced much — even through exercise or starvation.

The third group includes men who have gynecomastia – an excessive breast growth. Although some of this breast growth is the result of the actual enlargement of breast glands, there is also extensive growth of the fatty tissue in the breasts. Breast growth in men is rather prevalent. In fact, one third of adolescent men grow breasts. One third of this group actually keeps their breasts into adulthood. This can pose much embarrassment, loss of self-confidence, and the inability to wear clothes comfortably.

During your consultation, the plastic surgeon will review your treatment options for body contouring and Liposuction, including pros and cons, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes.

Preparing for surgery:

Patients should stop taking anticoagulants for two weeks prior to surgery. Smoking must be avoided for at least one month prior to surgery as it can interfere with circulation and causes blood clots.

The surgery:

The time required to perform liposuction varies considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and techniques used. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is then pushed and pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out by a vacuum pump or a large syringe. The fluid lost along with the fat is replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. The patient is under careful observation throughout the procedure and receives intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery

Recovery:

To control swelling a compression garment will be worn for several weeks. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. You may experience some initial discomfort, swelling, and temporary numbness. All of this will subside with time; depending on the amount of liposuction, normal activity can be resumed anywhere from 10 days to several weeks.

Whether you’ve just lost ten pounds or one-hundred, you may have noticed that your body didn’t return to the shape you expected it to. Either minor or massive weight loss can stretch the skin beyond natural repair, leaving behind unsightly stretch marks, saggy skin, and unwanted lumps. All of the exercise in the world won’t make that skin shrink back to size. If you find yourself unable to trim and tighten certain areas of your body, you might consider some of the plastic surgery options. There are many different plastic surgery procedures available that can help sculpt your body back into shape.

Liposuction:

Liposuction is an effective procedure for those looking to smooth minor bumps, bulges, and other fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. You may find that no matter how many crunches you do, you just can’t make those love handles vanish. If that is ’s the case, then you may be a good candidate for liposuction.

During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will place a hollow tube into the target area. The tube is moved through the layers of fat and will act as a vacuum, sucking out excess fat cells. The process can be used in a variety of areas from the knees and chin to the stomach and thighs. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a way to lose weight, but rather a sculpting tool. The biggest perk is that once performed, the results are usually permanent. As long as you maintain your weight, you probably won’t have to worry about accumulating fat there again.

Tummy Tuck:

The tummy tuck is a very extensive procedure which should only be considered in extreme cases. It is often the only solution for those who were previously obese, and a massive weight loss has left them with an apron of sagging skin hanging over the belly. The procedure involves making a long incision just above the pubic area in order to make it as concealable as possible. Excess skin is cut away (including stretch marks when possible), and the muscle is sewed tight back into place. This cosmetic surgery procedure can transform your body, but the recovery period can be long and difficult. It also leaves very visible scarring.

Lifts:

There are many different types of lifts that can be performed on various areas of the body. Common ones include arm and thigh lifts. A lift can successfully tighten and sculpt skin that sags excessively.

These procedures vary slightly depending on the region, but all basically involve the same process. The length of the incision will depend on the size of the area to be operated on. The entire length underneath the arm will require a large, visible incision while a smaller area underneath the buttock will be less noticeable. Excess skin is removed and the remaining is sewed tight back into place. Recovery periods will vary, depending on the extent of the surgery.

It is important to thoroughly research all cosmetic surgery options and potential surgeons before committing to any procedure. Remember that every surgery carries certain risks.