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About this procedure

The human body has a tendency to store excess fat in some of the most unbecoming places. However, 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 proper precautions are taken.

The first thing to understand is that liposuction is not intended for weight loss. It is not a substitute for diet and exercise; however, for those uncontrollable figure faults, liposuction can be the answer. Patients must beware of undergoing too much liposuction by volume, as high-volume liposuction can be very dangerous.

Patients with localized excess body fat may complain about large hip rolls, bulky thighs, excessive abdominal fat, bulky arms, and fat beneath the chin, all of which detract from the body’s natural proportion. The removal of excess body fat from the subcutaneous tissues through liposuction is an effective method for selectively contouring the body.  Liposuction is intended to correct “figure faults.” Again, it is not for weight loss. It is not for weight loss.

Areas that respond well to liposuction include the abdomen, thighs, hips, knees, upper arms, chin, and the chest area in males (fatty male breasts).

The most important issue in liposuction plastic surgery procedures is patient safety. This relates to the amount of fat removed, the body area suctioned, and whether or not the liposuction is performed in conjunction with other large cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, which can increase the risks of surgery.

A hand syringe technique is also available. This causes less damage to the fat. This technique is typically used in situations where the fat is to be grafted to another part of the body, such as the breasts, face, hands, lips, etc…

Liposuction is a highly effective method for removing localized excess fat. There is a period of post-operative swelling, and one cannot appreciate the final result until the swelling has subsided. The process of maturation and softening goes on for a number of months. One of our plastic surgeons will discuss the pros and cons of each technique during your consultation.


Things to Avoid in Liposuction

The dangerous combination of liposuction with an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, for example, can significantly increase the risk of serious complications. At Fairbanks Plastic Surgery Center, the amount of fat removal is carefully monitored, and we do not recommend performing liposuction procedures in conjunction with other large cosmetic surgery procedures. We follow all parameters carefully to ensure the utmost in patient safety.

Liposuction should not be used in an attempt to reduce the size of the female breasts. In the female with larger breasts, who is in her normal weight range, most of the breast enlargement will be glandular tissue. One must not be seduced into thinking they can achieve a breast reduction by liposuction. Any attempt to remove glandular tissue from the breast through liposuction will not succeed and will result in breast damage and deformity. The patient’s goals will not be achieved and it may result in serious damage. Breast gland, male or female, cannot be removed by liposuction. By definition, liposuction refers to the removal of fat and only fat.

There are a number of techniques available for performing liposuction, including ultrasound-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (which utilizes an oscillating cannula), and laser-assisted liposuction. We consider laser liposuction, which kills fat cells, to be dangerous and fraught with unnecessary complications. We, therefore, recommend against it. Despite catchy names, none of these variations have been shown to improve the results compared to safe vacuum liposuction.  They can increase the risk of complications and will be more expensive, guaranteed.

Proper sterile techniques are essential in performance of the surgery.  Infections in the subcutaneous layers, from improper technique, are serious and can be life threatening.


Liposuction Plastic Surgery Before and After

Tummy tuck before and after
This patient had liposuction surgery performed on her hips and abdomen.

Liposuction Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Tummy tuck before and after
This patient had liposuction surgery performed on her abdomen.

Liposuction Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Tummy tuck before and after
This patient had liposuction surgery performed on her hips, thighs, and abdomen.

Liposuction Surgery Male

Tummy tuck before and after
This patient had liposuction surgery performed on both abdomen and hips.

Liposuction Surgery

Tummy tuck before and after
This patient had liposuction plastic surgery performed on her hips.

Liposuction Surgery

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Liposuction Plastic Surgery Before and After

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Liposuction For Male Fatty Breast Enlargement

Gynecomastia

42-yea-old male with breast reduction by liposuction.

In the male with fatty breasts and no glandular enlargement (gynecomastia), liposuction can be very helpful.

WARNING: Liposuction of the female breast for a breast reduction should not be attempted. In younger patients with overly large breasts (virginal hypertrophy), the enlargement is due to excessive glandular tissue, not fat. An attempt to suction breast gland will not succeed and can result in damage to the breast gland. In most women, the breast tissue is 50% fat and 50% gland. In obese women, the percentage of fat may be greater. Removal of breast fat in these patients without tailoring the skin envelope will result in undesirable breast deformity. Do not buy into any practitioner who claims to be able to reduce your breast size by doing liposuction. This is a sales-job that should be avoided. Call our office if you have any questions about liposuction and breast reduction.

If you have significant figure faults, which can be corrected by liposuction, be sure to call Fairbanks Plastic Surgery at (801) 269-8838 and schedule an appointment for a consultation/examination.

*All before and after photos are real patients of Fairbanks Plastic Surgery. Identifiable images are used with patient permission.