What is liposuction?

Liposuction means fatsuction. It encompasses a variety of procedures designed to selectively remove areas of fullness caused by disproportionate fat. Liposuction is different from weight loss, in that the area to be reduced can be selected. It does not fix loose skin like a tummy tuck, but, for appropriate patients, liposuction requires less downtime, very small incisions and a shorter recovery time.

Liposuction is not a good way to lose weight. In fact, the amount of weight removed is relatively small (usually less than 11 pounds), but the results can be dramatic. For those stubborn areas, that just won't go away with diet and exercise, liposuction may be just what the doctor ordered.

The most widely used, safest and most predictable form of liposuction available today is tumescent liposuction. This technique removes greater volumes of fat, with less bruising and a faster recovery than the traditional liposuction. It does not require expensive lasers or ultrasound machines, but this can be added for the appropriate patient. Lasers and ultrasound can burn the skin, so unless they are providing a real benefit, why take the chance. Patients treated on one side with tumescent liposuction and tumescent liposuction with a laser (laser liposuction) saw no difference between the two sides.

More information on liposuction is available on my main web site: www.DrMele.com, and my blog www.SanFranciscoPlasticSurgeryBlog.com. Just click on the links below:

Website Liposuction Information.

Blog Liposuction Information.

Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, FACS
Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery
Walnut Creek, CA (925) 943-6353
www.DrMele.com
www.SanFranciscoPlasticSurgeryBlog.com
www.CirugiaPlasticaSanFrancisco.com
www.SanFranciscoBreast.com