During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), and the tumescent technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

 
 

Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.

 
 

Liposuction is currently the most common aesthetic procedure being performed today. It is designed to remove unwanted fat from many areas of the body, including the face, neck, arms, back, hips, thighs, buttocks and knees and legs.

 
 

One of the most popular procedures today, liposuction is designed to eliminate fatty deposits in various areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks or neck. This is not a weight loss procedure but rather a sculpting of areas that are refractory to dieting and exercise. During the tumescent liposuction procedure, fluid is injected into the tissue to improve the efficiency of fat removal and to decrease the blood loss. Then, a cannula connected to a vacuum pump is inserted through a small 1/4” incision in a normal skin fold, and the area is suctioned. Today, advanced techniques using ultrasonic and power assisted cannulas have enhanced results. This body contouring procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, and the patient can resume normal activities within a week's time, but must refrain from exercising and sports for three weeks postoperatively.

 
 

Have you ever looked at your silhouette and imagined that you could just wish away those areas that just protrude out too far? Have you ever wished you could have those fatty bulges just melt away? There is no need to feel alone as most of us have similar problem areas that we wish would just go away. That is why liposuction is the most popular plastic surgical procedure performed in the United States. Liposuction is a procedure, which is ideal for improving one’s shape, silhouette, contour or figure. It is perfect for those stubborn, unsightly collections of fatty deposits.

 
 

Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
If you're considering liposuction, the information below will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it is performed and how you might look and feel after surgery. It won't answer all of your questions, since much depends on your individual circumstances. Please ask your plastic surgeon if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.

 
 

Liposuction can remove localized fat deposits from almost any area of the body. Many plastic surgeons use an "ultrasonic" technique, during which sound waves liquefy fat cells before liposuction begins. This allows the elimination of more tissue, especially in difficult to treat areas such as "love handles" and the upper abdomen. Ultrasound breaks up fibrous tissue in the fat, and gives smoother results than with other types of liposuction.
By injecting saline, anesthetic solution and epinephrine during liposuction ("tumescent" liposuction), bruising is minimized. Incisions for liposuction are small and easily hidden.

 
 

Many plastic surgeons use a "tumescent technique." After the induction of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, a large volume, up to several quarts, of very dilute local anesthetic is injected into the areas to be treated. There is a tiny dose of adrenaline in the fluid as well, which makes the blood vessels in the area clamp down. This prevents perhaps 95% of the blood loss that would otherwise occur during liposuction.
Thin hollow stainless steel tubes are placed through short (perhaps 1/4") incisions in the area treated and are used to suction away the appropriate amount of fat. Sheets of lightweight foam are placed on the treated areas, and a compression garment, like a corset, is placed. Bruising is usually scant.

 
 

While plastic surgeons encourage approaching liposuction from a state of good health, diet and exercise, they can effectively remove stubborn areas of fat that won't respond in any other way. Through a very tiny incision, which can be concealed, a plastic surgeon will place a tube deep beneath the skin. With a combination of ultrasound energy and suction, a plastic surgeon can remove and sculpt fatty layers. The liposuction they perform is usually circumferential which will tailor the area front to back and avoid any irregularities. Afterwards a compression garment or girdle will help control swelling and provide comfort while the skin shrinks and the bruising resolves.

 
 

A liposuction can help individuals restore a thinner and fitter looking contour to their bodies. The specified portion of the body is made smaller to better match the shape of the patient. Plastic Surgeons accomplish this by removing excess fat through a vacuuming procedure. This not only helps to restore the physical appearance of the patient, but also restores self-confidence and respect to the patient.