Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can pick up where a healthy diet and exercise leave off to help you achieve your desired look.

Liposuction, which is also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, has been used for over two decades to remove unwanted fat from a woman's hips, thighs, knees, buttocks, abdomen, cheeks, and neck or a man's "love handles", breasts, abdomen and neckline. During the past several years liposuction has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, power-assisted lipoplasty (PAL) and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you. The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured.

Liposuction is one of the safest and most effective cosmetic surgery operations. The improvement in shape and size achieved with liposuction is permanent. Our bodies do not make new fat cells after adolescence. So the fat cells that are removed with liposuction do not come back. Liposuction reduces the size of a part of the body (the thighs, for example) and improves its shape. It is great for removing bulges and for correcting undesirable fat deposits. Liposuction is not a technique for overall weight loss.

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Your surgeon will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" may more effectively meet your goals.

Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis for reasons of cost and convenience. However, if a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, an overnight stay in our surgical facility may be required.

If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas. However, if you prefer, the local anesthesia can be administered along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the procedure. Regional anesthesia such as an epidural block or general anesthesia may be required when large volumes of fat needs to suctioned from multiple sites.

Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to re-contour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed, then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe.

Fluid is lost along with the fat, and it's crucial that this fluid be replaced during the procedure. Patients are carefully monitored and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after surgery.

TECHNIQUE VARIATIONS

The basic technique of liposuction, as described above, is used in all patients undergoing this procedure. However, as the procedure has been developed and refined, several variations have been introduced.

Tumescent Liposuction: In this technique, a medicated solution, consisting of saline, local anesthesia and adrenaline, is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed and is most commonly used by plastic surgeons today. The fluid helps the fat be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.

Super-Wet Technique: This technique is similar to the tumescent technique, except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.

Ultrasoound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL): This technique requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy explodes the walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique.

UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in secondary procedures, when enhanced precision is needed. In general, UAL takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): This refers to a new technology whereby the tip of the suction tube vibrates at a rapid speed. This vibration loosens the fat cells so that they may be suctioned away gently with less trauma to the surrounding tissues. PAL is performed using the tumescent technique. This maximizes the effectiveness of the fat removal and patient comfort, and it helps to minimize bruising. The suction device glides through fat more easily and allows for a level of precision in body sculpting that was not previously possible.

WHAT WILL MY RECOVERY BE LIKE?

After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions that will gradually subside. You will be fitted with an elastic compression garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks, in order to control swelling and allow your skin to better mould over its new contours. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

You may experience some pain that can be controlled with medication
Healing is a gradual process. Your may start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. The stitches are removed in a week or dissolve on their own. Most patients feel better in 10-12 days and return to regular work. Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling may remain for four to six months.

YOUR NEW LOOK

You will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body quite soon after surgery. However, improvement will become even more apparent after about four to six weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling usually disappears and the final contour will be visible.

If your expectations are realistic, you will probably be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in a wide variety of clothes and more at ease with your body. By eating a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can help to maintain your new shape.