Liposuction or suction assisted lipectomy, is a surgical technique that removes unwanted fat deposits (adipose tissue) from specific areas of the body such as the face and neck, arms, torso, abdomen, back, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.
Liposuction is not a weight loss surgery or a surgery against obesity. Liposuction is a method that removes localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or regular exercise.
Liposuction can be performed as a single procedure for body contouring or combined with other surgical procedures such as a breast lift breasts, an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or a thigh lift to tighten loose skin.
The best candidate (s) for liposuction are individuals who :
- Are in good health
- Have a relatively stable and normal weight
- Have excess fat in certain body parts
Individuals with firm and elastic skin will result in a better final contour following liposuction. Skin that has lost elasticity due to stretch marks, weight loss, or natural aging, may require additional surgery to remove and tighten excess skin.
Liposuction can reduce excess fat, but can not change the structure (morphology) of a person.
Liposuction will not make “cellulite” dissapear.
Liposuction surgery is performed using a hollow metal instrument called a “cannula,” which is inserted through multiple small incisions, and is passed back and forth through the area of fatty deposits. The cannula is attached to a negative pressure vaccum, which removes the unwanted fat.
Plastic surgeons may use different techniques when performing liposuction. Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia with or without sedation or general anesthesia.
The technique of liposuction involves injecting a liquid containing dilute local anesthesia with epinephrine in regions of fat deposits that you want to treat. This technique can reduce pain and blood loss during surgery, and bruising (blue) and postoperative pain.
The support garments and dressings help limit swelling and promote healing.
Alternative Treatments
Not undergoing liposuction is one option. A diet and exercise program may be beneficial in reducing one’s overall weight and excess of localized fat. If you have excess skin, a “lift” of that specific area can be an alternative.