What is liposuction?

Liposuction is the suctioning of fat from areas of the body where excess undesirable fat cannot be removed otherwise by diet or exercise.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

The best candidate for liposuction is a healthy person between the ages of 18 and 65 who has localized deposits of excess fat particularly of the outer thighs, inner thighs, knees, abdomen, flanks, hips, and under the chin. Other areas that can be reduced by liposuction are upper arms, the back, buttock, calves, ankles and the male breast.

Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. It is not safe to remove many liters of fat. Also, one cannot expect to have ideal results if the skin is very irregular, aged and poor in elasticity and tone.

What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?

There are several methods used for liposuction. I prefer general anesthesia for most patients using a "superwet" technique (sometimes called tumescent). Fluid is infused into the fat in the same volume as the fat to be removed. The fluid as a local anesthetic to help control post operative discomfort and a vasoconstrictor to keep blood loss very scant. Small cannulas (tubes) are used to suction the fat out producing smoother more even contours.

How long is the recovery period?

The recovery period is short, a few days or so, depending on the number of areas. Most activities can be resumed after a week. Compression is worn for about 6 weeks. The results are visible, but final results may take 3-6 months and, rarely, up to a year.

What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and may have risks, although they are usually very rare. Possible risks include bleeding, infection, unsatisfactory results, need for revision, unsatisfactory scars, contour irregularity or prolonged swelling. Extremely rarely deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) or pulmonary embolism have been reported. If low volume liposuction is performed (less than 4 liters), procedure is performed outpatient and the risks are very small.