What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?

Virtually all forms of liposuction utilize the tumescent technique, in which anesthetic solution containing adrenaline is injected into the fat to limit bleeding and emulsify the fat prior to suctioning out. A variety of additional modalities are also available to help break up or dissolve the fat prior to suctioning, including ultrasound (VASER), laser (SmartLipo or SlimLipo), power-assisted liposuction (PAL), Vibroliposuction (Tickle liposuction), etc. In different circumstances, all of these modalities have benefits.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Good candidates for liposuction are in good overall health and maintains a healthy lifestyle, but have one or more problem areas with fat deposits. Liposuction is particularly useful for treating problem areas in the thighs, abdomen, love handles, arms, face and neck, calves and ankles.

What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?

Risks include bleeding, infection, contour abnormalities, asymmetry, and loose skin.

How long is the recovery period?

Most people refrain from work for a few days and are asked to avoid strenuous exercise for 3-4 weeks. Patients also need to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure to help the skin re-drape optimally after surgery. Although patients look good just a few weeks after surgery, it takes several months for all the swelling to disappear.

Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction should not be used as a method for treating obesity. Patients well above their ideal body weight should not expect good results with liposuction. In addition, liposuction cannot be used to treat inelastic skin, stretch marks, or abdominal muscle looseness, all of which are commonly seen after pregnancy.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction, or suction-assisted lipectomy, involves selectively removing fat from various locations in the body. Tiny incisions are made and a local anesthetic solution containing adrenaline is injected into the area to help expand and firm the fat, making it easier to remove; this is called the tumescent technique. A hollow metal rod called a cannula, which is attached to a suction apparatus is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat.