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Patients with figure faults due to localized excess fat benefit the most from liposuction. Excess body fat in specific locations can be removed by high vacuum suction with a high degree of patient safety when performed correctly and when the proper precautions are followed. Candidates for liposuction complain most frequently of fatty hip rolls, bulky thighs, excessive abdominal fat, fatty arms, and fat beneath the chin. The body may store excess fat in unbecoming places, which detract from natural body proportion. The removal of excess body fat from the subcutaneous tissues by liposuction is an effective method for selectively contouring the body. It should be understood that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. It is designed to correct localized areas of excess fat, or “figure faults”.  Liposuction for body contouring is surgical sculpture. The key issue in liposuction is patient safety. This relates to the amount of fat removed, the body surface area (suctioned), and whether or not it is done in combination with other large surgical procedures. Combination of liposuction with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for example, can significantly increase the risk of serious complications. In our practice the amount of fat removed is carefully monitored and all parameters are carefully followed to assure the utmost in patient safety. While there are a number of techniques available for performing liposuction, the results from an appearance standpoint are similar. These include using a high vacuum approach, ultrasonic liposuction (ultrasonic energy to destroy the fat in place), and power assisted liposuction, (utilizes an oscillating cannula). Liposuction can also be performed using a hand syringe technique; this has specific indications such as soft tissue contouring by fat grafting, as the fat undergoes less damage from the technique. The pros and cons of each one of these techniques as well as the risks will be explained in detail at the time of your consultation. Liposuction is a highly effective method for localized fat removal; however there is a significant post-operative period of swelling, and one cannot to appreciate the final result until sufficient time has passed and the swelling has resolved. The process of maturation and softening goes on for a number of months. Typical areas which respond well to liposuction include the abdomen, the outer thighs, the inner thighs, the hip rolls, knee fat pads, upper arm fat, fat deposits beneath the chin, as well as fatty breast enlargement in males.     |
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