With all the improvements in liposuction technology and techniques that have evolved in the past thirty years or so, you can have liposuction done on pretty much any body area.

Originally, in the early 1980s, liposuction was done on the abdomen. To reduce bleeding and remove larger amounts of fat with less discomfort, tumescent liposuction was developed, where large volumes of fluid are first injected. The fluid is a saline solution (salty to match the body’s saltiness) with ingredients to shrink blood vessels and anesthetize the area. Then high-powered suction removed fluid and fat together.

That enabled people to have fatty tissue removed from much of the lower body:

· Abdomen

· Thighs

· Buttocks

· Flanks

A remaining problem was that some body areas have more fibrous fatty tissue which is harder to suction out. Examples are the back, chest and hips. In efforts to solve this problem, ultrasonic liposuction was developed in the early 1990s.

Ultrasound (vibration with sound beyond our hearing range) is used to break the fibrous cell membranes, emulsifying the fat before it is removed by suction. This approach has the added benefits of reduced bleeding and bruising, and smaller incisions because the cannulas used to remove fat are narrower. Ultrasound also helps the skin shrink over the reduced body area.

Ultrasonic liposuction is effectively used for both males and females in:

· ****** reduction

· Love handles

· Fat removal from the upper back

SmartLipo™

SmartLipo, also called laser liposuction, uses a laser to dissolve fat instead of suctioning it out of the body. This is a very different procedure from tumescent or ultrasonic liposuction, although the goal is the same. The targeted area is given local anesthetic and a very small incision is made. The laser is a hand-held device like a pen, inserted beneath the skin and moved so as to target the designated treatment areas. When the laser light is directed to fat cells, they break up instantly. The fatty fluid thus released is naturally excreted by the body’s lymphatic system.

As with all procedures using medical lasers, there is the added benefit that the laser seals the blood vessels, reducing bruising, and reducing bleeding to virtually none. It also tightens the skin’s collagen, causing the skin to shrink more tightly over the reduced body area. This is especially helpful on ****** areas.

Because of the greater precision and subtlety of laser liposuction, smaller body areas can be treated, such as:

· Below the chin

· Face

· Knees

· Waist

· Neck

· Arms

All liposuction procedures are customized. If you are wondering about your own particular areas of excess fat and whether they can be treated with some form of liposuction, the first step would be to schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon.

If you are in the Indianapolis, Indiana area, you could not do better than to see Dr. Richard Linderman. He has been in the vanguard of liposuction improvements since 1982 and was the first cosmetic surgeon to offer liposuction in Indianapolis.

By: Patricia Woloch

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Liposuction was originally designed for body contouring. Liposuction is one of the commonest and most popular cosmetic procedures for removal of localised areas of fat. ****** liposuction is a youth-enhancing cosmetic procedure that is quickly becoming a popular choice among men and women alike. Some patients are genetically predisposed to carry excess fat in their jaw line, creating a jowl-ed appearance. Liposuction surgery is not a treatment for obesity. Liposuction surgery can be of many types such as, ****** liposuction and stomach liposuction. Liposuction Surgery should be thought of as a way of improving the contour and shape of the body rather than as an easy way of losing weight. ****** Liposuction may be done alone. In older patients, it may produce optimal results when combined with a facelift, browlift, eyelid or nose surgery. This surgical liposuction procedure may involve either an intra-oral or extra-oral incision.

Liposuction surgery is also referred to as lipoplasty or lip sculpture. Liposuction surgery in fact is a plastic surgery procedure which reshapes the body part by getting rid of unwanted fat by suction from specific fat pockets. ****** liposuction does present some possible risks to the patient and will be discussed prior to the operation. Asymmetry, hematoma, lumpiness, and numbness are possible. ****** liposuction in most cases is able to make a dramatic change in the way a person looks by removing the excess fat from under the cheeks, chin and neck. ****** and neck liposuction is an effective liposuction procedure for removing localized fatty deposits in the undersurface of the neck area and the neck region. It is also effective in region in front of the ears. Some persons are at higher risk of complications due to liposuction surgery.

A pregnant woman must never resort to liposuction surgery. One thing most prospective patients should know is that liposuction is a real medical procedure. It requires incisions and sutures, and a lengthy recovery time. Many people confuse liposuction with a tummy tuck. However, these are not the same procedure. Sometimes they go together, but lipo is the more popular alternative in today’s culture. ****** liposuction surgery is an excellent procedure that can benefit those who want to remove unsightly fat deposits from localized areas of the face. This technique can be performed in a specially equipped doctor’s office using local anesthesia and the recovery is usually rapid. Microcannalicular liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed through tiny incisions under the jaw line or at the bottom of the ear. Patients are generally quite comfortable as they recover at home with a ****** bandage under the chin to provide mild compression.

By: Juliet Cohen

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Tummy tuck and Liposuction has always been the two top choices of cosmetic surgery that are focused in reducing excess fats in different areas of the body. While choosing to undergo a tummy tuck, liposuction or both can be a confusing decision, the only way to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of these procedures is to understand how each reduces fat.

Tummy tucks are recommended for people that have lost excessive amounts of weight produce drooping skin folds. After a liposuction, tummy tuck can also be used to tighten the skins that become loose after removing fat deposits. On the other hand, skin usually shrinks after a liposuction procedure, making it unnecessary to undergo additional tummy tucks.

For most people, undergoing liposuction could easily correct their problem. Compare to liposuction, tummy tucks can be a traumatic procedure due to its 2-feet-long incisions from one hip to the next. In addition, the belly button is usually moved downward after a tummy tuck. During a liposuction surgery, only tiny, barely visible incisions are made.

The Risks in Combining Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Procedures

Majority of deaths associated with liposuction are patients that have undergone multiple procedures, such as tummy tucks. While looking for cosmetic surgery promotions that offer “buy two, take one surgeries” can seem like a great deal, be aware of the consequences of undergoing a tummy tuck, liposuction and a combination of both.

Liposuction is generally safe when the procedure is “closed”. Meaning, only a little incision is made. When this happens, only few germs can be able to get into entrance wounds, which increases the body’s potential in defending against possible infections.

When tummy tuck and liposuction are combined, additional germs are likely to enter the wounds.  Combining tummy tuck and liposuction could also lead to a significant decrease in blood supply, particularly in the around he areas being treated. Both the entrance of germs and loss of blood supply contribute to harmful results that could be experienced after having a tummy tuck liposuction combination.

For this reason, it is best to ask different advices from cosmetic surgeons to make an informed decision whether to ask for a tummy tuck, liposuction or a combination of both.

By: Lee Milne

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A good candidate for liposuction should have realistic expectations about the results of this procedure as well as these basic qualities: Average or slightly above-average weight, firm, elastic skin good overall health, concentrated pockets of fat that do not respond well to diet and exercise

What Do I Need To Know Before Undergoing Liposuction?

During an initial consultation your plastic surgeon will evaluated your health, assess the condition of your skin, and discuss the options that are best for you. Body contouring methods that are appropriate for your particular situation, the effectiveness and safety of the procedure, and your expectations will be discussed in detail.

Once you have decided to undergo liposuction, your plastic surgeon will give you the necessary instructions that you will need to prepare for the surgery.

How Is Liposuction Performed?

In general, liposuction procedures use small incisions in selected areas and with a high vacuum suction device attached to a small, stainless steel instrument called a cannula, remove fat cells. After the fat is removed, sutures (stitches) will be used to close the incisions, followed by the application of a dressing and compression garment (girdle) to minimize the post-operative swelling.

Are There Different Liposuction Techniques?

Though the basics of liposuction remain the same, there are different techniques that can be used during liposuction. “Tumescent Liposuction” During this technique the plastic surgeon will inject a medicated solution into the fatty areas before the fat is removed. The solution is a mixture of intravenous salt water, a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a drug that contracts the blood vessels (epinephrine).

This fluid injection helps the fat to be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and bruising after surgery, and provides anesthesia during and after the surgery. The amount of fluid injected varies and depends on the preference of the surgeon. “Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) This technique requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. As the ultrasonic energy passes through the areas of fat it causes the fat cells to liquefy. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique.

Because the fat is liquid at the time that it is removed, UAL is smoother and mechanically more efficient. UAL also minimizes trauma, resulting in less bruising and blood loss and especially improves the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body.

What Are The Risks And Complications Of Liposuction?

Undergoing any surgical procedure may involve the risk of complications such as the effects of anesthesia, infection, swelling, bleeding, and pain. Liposuction is normally safe and with minimal risks and possible complications when patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is properly equipped, and the physician is adequately trained.

Liposuction is the most frequently performed cosmetic surgical procedure and has a very good safety record when performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Lipoplasty Society.

What Type Of Anesthesia Is Required When Having Liposuction?

Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures. If a small of amount of fat is being removed from a limited number of areas local anesthesia with a light sedative to make you feel drowsy and relaxed may be considered. When treating larger areas, general anesthesia is typically used causing you to be asleep during the procedure. Together, you and surgeon will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of comfort for your surgery.

On What Areas Of The Body Can Liposuction Be Done?

Common locations for liposuction include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Can Liposuction Be Done On More Than One Area At The Same Time?

Liposuction can be done on more than one area at the same time if the amount of fat removed does not exceed the recommended amount within the limits of safety.

How Long Is Recovery After Liposuction?

Every person’s outcome will vary based on factors such as volume of fat cells removed and area/s of removal. Under most circumstances, liposuction is an outpatient procedure. Depending on the areas treated, most people are able to return to work within a few days to a week and to most normal activities within two to three weeks.

Immediately, after surgery, it is necessary to continuously wear a support garment for three to four weeks. Bruising, swelling and soreness can be expected for at least a few weeks.

Are The Results Of Liposuction Permanent?

Liposuction may be performed in a surgeon’s office-based facility, in an outpatient surgery center, or in a hospital. Smaller-volume liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis for reasons of cost and convenience. If a large volume of fat will be removed, or if the liposuction is being performed in conjunction with other procedures, a stay in a hospital or overnight nursing facility may be required.

How Long Does Liposuction Take?

The time to perform liposuction may vary considerably, generally requiring between one to four hours, depending on the size of area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique being used.

How Do I Prepare For Liposuction?

Prior to your surgical procedure, your surgeon will perform a complete health history and physical examination to evaluate your overall weight, your skin and muscle tone and overall distribution of fat deposits. Knowledge of your allergies, medications and previous surgeries should be brought to your surgeon’s attention at this time. Specific instructions to assist you in preparing for this procedure will be given to you after the health history and physical are complete.

Instructions will be given that include guidelines regarding your diet, alcohol intake, smoking and which medications to take and avoid. You should also make arrangements ahead of time for someone to drive you to and from your procedure and to assist you with your daily activities during your recovery period.

What Can I Expect After My Liposuction Procedure?

Don’t expect to feel or to look great following your surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. You will be wearing a snug elastic garment over the treated areas to control swelling and bruising immediately following your surgery.

You may also experience some drainage from the incisions sites for a day or two following surgery. Pain can be controlled with medicates prescribed by your plastic surgeon, though you still may feel stiff and sore for several days.

When Can I Resume My Normal Activities?

Healing following liposuction is usually gradual. You will be encouraged to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to prevent any possible blood clot from forming in your legs. You usually are able to return to work within a few days and will begin to feel progressively better over the next two weeks.

Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the swelling and bruising usually resolve in the first four to six weeks, final results of surgery may not be fully realized for six months or longer after surgery.

How Is The Cost Of Liposuction Determined?

The cost of liposuction is determined by several factors: In what geographic area do you live? Anesthesiologist and plastic surgeons fees? Where will your surgery be done, in the hospital, surgery center, or office? The number of areas requiring liposuction? An exact quote will be given at the conclusion of your consultation with a plastic surgeon following examination and evaluation.

Can I have more than one area treated at the same time?

Yes, more than one area can be injected at the same time.



By: Dave Stringham

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