Considering Liposuction ?

Liposuction (lipoplasty) is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them.

While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not redrape well and a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized excess fat or if you desire contouring in any of the following areas:

• cheeks, jowls and neck
• upper arms
• breast or chest areas
• back
• abdomen and waist
• hips and buttocks
• inner and outer thighs
• inner knee
• calves and ankles

Liposuction may sometimes be used to treat a condition called gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which frequently occurs among both teenage and adult males.

Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for overall weight loss, nor is it an effective treatment for cellulite, a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. Alternative treatments may be considered, in some instances, to improve this problem.

Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body at the same time, and it can also be done in conjunction with other aesthetic plastic surgery.

How Liposuction is Performed

Fat is removed by first inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat.

What are some variations to the liposuction technique?

Prior to performing liposuction, fluid is instilled into the areas to be suctioned. Plastic surgeons may use a "dry" technique, a "tumescent" technique that introduces large amounts of fluid, or other variations. Your surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for treating specific areas of your body.

Other options may involve the type of instrumentation used or whether suctioning is performed on the deep or more superficial layers of fat.

These considerations are based in large part upon the goals that you and your plastic surgeon have set for your body contouring surgery.