Liposuction

Liposuction is the number one cosmetic procedure in the world. More than 500,000 liposuctions were performed in 2007 in the USA alone. Although diet, exercise and flattering clothing style help many look better, others remain dissatisfied because of stubborn, unsightly bulges. In women, those fat deposits occur most frequently from the waist down, on hips, buttocks and outer thighs (saddlebags). Fat deposits on men tend to accumulate above the waist, on the abdomen and sides of the waist (love handles) or around the breasts. 

Liposuction surgery involves the removal of fat cells from the body, and may be used alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as facelift or "Tummy tuck." It is designed for those who have specific areas of localized fat deposits and who have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet, exercise and weight loss. 

There are two kinds of liposuction procedures:

1- Liposculpture: a procedure designed for sculpting a person who has a normal or slightly overweight person. They have distinct areas of localized fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their bodies. The procedure can be done with local anesthesia with or without sedation and is limited to removing 1-3 liters of fat. 

Recovery is quick and the person is expected to resume work next day. However a garment must be used for two weeks for best results. Technically this procedure is very challenging because the patient expects perfect results. It is far better to take out slightly less than what is needed than more since taking more can result in a depression that is hard to correct. The rule of "less is more" in esthetic surgery applies. 

A touch up session can easily be performed several months down the road if needed where the surgeon may take a little bit more fat. 

The patient must have realistic expectations and must continue to watch his or her weight. 

2- De-bulking liposuction surgery: Here the aim is to improve the shape of an overweight person. The procedure is frequently done using spinal anesthesia with or without sedation. A maximum of 5-8 liters should be taken at any given session using a tumescent technique whereby at least an equal amount of fluids are injected in the areas to be suctioned to minimize bleeding, bruising and post operative pain.