Liposuction ("Suction-Assisted Lipectomy" or "Lipoplasty")

Definition: Removes stubborn fat deposits from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise with a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction can be performed either using the tumescent technique or through ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). Common locations for liposuction include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Is it right for me?
The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight with firm elastic skin, but have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Most important, having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour. Your age is not a major consideration. However, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. Hanging skin will not reshape to your body's new contours and may require an additional procedure to surgically remove the excess skin. Surgery that removes excess skin will leave visible scars.

Surgery: 1 to 2 hours, or more. The UAL type liposuction (see below in “Technology”) can take 40 percent longer than regular liposuction procedures. The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin near fatty areas and inserts a long, hollow tube (known as a cannula) which vacuums out fatty tissues. Using the tumescent technique, targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before the procedure to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Using UAL, an ultrasound probe is inserted under the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned out.

Patient Status - outpatient - Usually outpatient in the surgeon’s office. However, liposuction of several areas may require a short hospital stay. Anesthesia – local, general, epidural.

Risks: Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Other risks include pigmentation changes, skin injury, infection, and fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss may lead to shock. UAL: heat from the ultrasound device may cause thermal burn injury.

Side Effects: Temporary soreness, swelling and bruising. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula.

Recovery time: Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. May take 6 months or more to fully recover from swelling and bruising. The use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative swelling and bruising. Results are permanent, sensitive to diet and exercise.