Liposuction

Liposuction is a procedure that helps sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck. The goal of liposuction is not to reduce weight, but rather to improve a person’s shape and body contours. Although liposuction should not be viewed as a substitute for diet and exercise, the procedure can remove stubborn areas of fat that won’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

During the past decade, liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, has seen several new refinements that have resulted in improved patient outcomes and reduced downtime. Today, a number of new techniques, including Smartlipo™, the tumescent technique and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons provide patients with more precise results and shorter recovery times.

Benefits of liposuction

In addition to an improved appearance and increased self-confidence, liposuction offers numerous benefits including the safe removal of fat deposits, reduction in cellulite, and targeted sculpting to areas of the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

How does liposuction work?

During your procedure, your surgeon will use various tools to remove fat from the areas to be treated. Liposuction can be performed by itself or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as a body lift or a breast lift.

The best candidates for liposuction

The best candidates for liposuction are those with normal body weights who have firm, elastic skin and pockets of excess fat in certain areas. Candidates should be physically healthy and have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve. Patient age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have less skin elasticity and may not be able to achieve the same results as younger patients with tighter skin.