Liposuction

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What is Liposuction?

Liposuction has become the most popular cosmetic surgery in the world. It improves the body's contour by removing excess fat between the skin and muscles. Liposuction is also known as lipolysis, lipoplasty and suction lipectomy. The prefix "lipo" means "fat."

Men and women, young and old, have liposuction for many reasons. The psychological benefit from this cosmetic procedure results in greater self-confidence and self-esteem. This is the case, for example, of many women who find it hard to lose fat after giving birth and men who cannot diet or exercise away stubborn love handles. Fatty deposits are usually determined genetically and don't respond to diet or exercise, so this procedure might be the only way to eliminate them.

The suctioned fat cells are permanently removed using an instrument called a cannula. Not all fat cells are removed-your body needs them for energy, metabolism, insulation and many other reasons. So, if you don't maintain a proper diet and exercise regimen after liposuction, your remaining fat cells will enlarge, and you will gain weight.

Liposuction - How Does it Work?

The main concept behind this surgery is very simple: Excess fat is removed through a tube called a cannula. Generally, it is considered a low-risk surgery, and in order for it to be successful, choose a surgeon who is experienced in this procedure.

Areas That Can Be Treated by Liposuction

The body areas that can be treated with this procedure include:

• Neck and jowls
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Inner and outer thighs (saddle bags or riding breeches on women)
• Knees
• Legs
• Flanks (love handles on men)
• Enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia)

Liposuction can be used in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, as well as aid in the performance of other, non-cosmetic surgical procedures. This surgery is not considered a weight-loss method nor is it a cure for obesity. It is designed to sculpt a patient's body and remove excess localized fat. In cases of excess skin, additional procedures might be recommended. Newer types of liposuction also promote skin tightening. Ask your surgeon during your initial consultation.

Benefits of Liposuction

As in most cosmetic procedures, the benefits from this procedure are physical and psychological. Some of these benefits are:

• Removal of stubborn fat, pockets, deposits
• Improved body contour in general
• Removal of excess skin
• Improved skin tone and tighten skin
• Barely visible scars (usually located in a hidden position)
• For some patients liposuction can lower cholesterol

Find a Doctor in Your Area

Our guide will help you learn everything you need to know about lipo surgery and determine the technique that is best for you. In addition, our directory will link you to surgeons in your area. Use the menu items to the left to navigate our site and view before-and-after photos, learn about liposuction techniques, body areas, pre-op and post-op care, and to locate a surgeon.

When you want to find a doctor in your area, click on our Surgeon Locator and choose your state and/or city. You'll see a list of qualified doctors in your area. Read their credentials, visit their websites, learn about the procedures they perform and view pictures of their office and patients.

Liposuction Consultation

Once you have reviewed this website and selected a plastic surgeon, schedule an initial consultation. You and your surgeon will discuss liposuction techniques and select one based upon the surgeon's systems and experience. After your consultation, you may schedule your surgery, and you will receive a list of before and after surgery instructions.

Make sure you go over all details about your procedure with your surgeon. He or she can answer your questions about the type of surgery you will receive, what to expect, the recovery process, what medications to take after your procedure and many other details.

Learn About Liposuction Surgery

On the surgery day, you will be prepped in advance and given a mild sedative with a local anesthetic. You might remain awake and alert throughout the procedure, or you may fall asleep from the sedative. Many surgeons allow patients to watch movies or listen to relaxing music. After you are comfortable and numb, the surgeon will make tiny incisions in the skin to introduce the liposuction instrument.

Your doctor might use a device to break up or melt the fat by gently moving a fine, slender instrument to create tiny canals and paths for the fat to be removed. He or she will then suction and remove the fat with a cannula. Usually, in one session, the quantity of three liters or 3,000 cc (which is equivalent to about 6 pounds) is the maximum amount that can be extracted. Depending on the number of areas being treated during the same surgery day, if you want more than the recommended amount removed, you will have to wait and schedule another surgery.

After the surgery, your surgeon will wrap the areas in compression garments that provide support and protection.

The recovery process is different for everyone, and you might experience moderate or mild pain, swelling, bruising and blood loss, but the post liposuction side effects are minimal. Most patients can return to work within 1-7 days, depending on the areas treated and their job requirements.

The particulars of your surgery will depend upon the specific liposuction technique your surgeon performs. These are the common techniques:

• Tumescent
• Laser-assisted
• Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
• Laser
• Ultrasonic-assisted
• Power-assisted
• Water-assisted (WAL)

All of these liposuction techniques have pros and cons, and many of them are discussed in further depth on other pages of this site.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

The procedure will range from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the extent of the procedure, the number of areas treated and the needs of the patient. Almost all patients are able to go home on the day of the surgery, but some remain in the hospital for one or two days, especially if they elect for hospitalization or if they have had additional procedures, such as tummy tuck, mommy make-over, or breast augmentation.

Recovery

Depending on the extent of the liposuction surgery, patients are generally able to return to work within one to seven days. Most people are completely back to normal within a couple of months. The removable compression garment is worn for one to a few weeks. Pain after surgery is controlled by a prescription or over-the-counter medication. Bruising and swelling are common. Normal activity can be resumed from several days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure. Results will be evident one to six months after surgery, although the patient will see noticeable difference within days of the surgery. The small incisions will fade over a number of months and become barely visible.

Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?

If you are otherwise healthy and need help getting rid of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, you are probably a good candidate.

The following factors might indicate that you are a good candidate for this surgery:

• You have localized deposits of fat.
• You have areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of your body and do not go away with diet and exercise.
• The areas with the localized fat have minimal amounts of excess skin and good skin elasticity.
• You have good skin tone.
• You are in good health and psychologically stable.

People who struggle with bulging bellies, "man boobs," lumpy backs and bra bulges, flabby upper arms, thunder thighs, chin waddles, love handles, saddle bags, double chins, muffin tops and saggy knees-all benefit from liposuction surgery.

As with all medical procedures, a consultation with a surgeon will help you find out if you are a good candidate based in your health history, weight and other basic factors.

The following are not good candidates for liposuction:

• Pregnant women
• People with diabetes
• People with uncontrolled hypertension

If you suffer from any of these conditions, visit a specialist to learn if you could be eligible for liposuction.

Planning Your Liposuction Surgery

If you are considering liposuction, make sure all your questions are answered during your consultation, before scheduling your surgery. Read through this site and click on the different sections to learn more and to find surgeons in your area.

Make sure your surgeon makes you aware of pre-surgery recommendations, recovery time and before- and after-care instructions. It is important to that you feel comfortable with your surgeon and his or her experience.

What Are the Side Effects of Liposuction?

Although modern techniques are relatively safe, there are still minor side effects to consider, such as: moderate pain, temporary bruising, numbness, swelling and tingling sensations-in addition to minimal blood loss.

Risks of Liposuction

All medical procedures and surgeries carry risk factors. Liposuction surgery is considered a minor surgery, but overall health is important to deal with the surgery and the recovery process. Taking care of your body and following the guidelines provided by your surgeon will ensure the most ideal outcomes. Risks include:

• Contour irregularities, though today's technology and an experienced surgeon will minimize the risk.
• Collateral damage of adjacent tissue and organs. Many of today's devices and techniques allow surgeons to accurately target specific areas, which minimizes risk of affecting non-fatty areas.
• Infection is a risk with any surgery, and it is a rare occurrence in liposuction.
• Temporary or permanent numbness.
• Blood clot

The Costs for Liposuction

Because liposuction is an elective cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by insurance and is an out-of-pocket expense. Many cosmetic surgeons offer financing options for people who cannot afford the lump-sum fees, which can range between $1,200 to $12,000.

The costs for liposuction depend greatly on the surgeon, the technique that will be performed, the body areas that will be treated, and the procedure to be performed in conjunction with other procedures.

Visit our cost page to get a general idea of the costs for liposuction surgery. The best way to know the cost of this procedure is to schedule a consultation with a specialist.

Liposuction Guide

Our site is dedicated to liposuction only. Our goal is to provide patients the most complete and quality information about this procedure on the Web. You will also find useful tools and resources on our site to help you understand this procedure. LiposuctionGuide.com offers links to experienced physicians. Compare doctors, view before-and-after photos, and hear testimonials from patients who are happy with their results.