Liposuction / Liposculpture

Description of Liposuction
Who will benefit from this Procedure?
The Surgical Procedure
What to Expect After Surgery
Resuming Physical Activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Before/After Liposculpture Photos

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery has now become the most commonly performed plastic surgery operation. This procedure is used to improve your figure in one specific area or in several areas. Liposuction is both a surgical procedure and an artistic one, incorporating a concern for the patient's well-being and health during and after surgery with a genuine artistic sculpting of tissues.

There are multiple terms applied to the technique of liposuction depending on the goals of the procedure. “Liposuction”, “Suction Assisted Lipectomy”, and “Liposculpture” all refer to the same basic procedure. Recent advances include Ultrasound Assisted Lipectomy, which involves the use of a cannula - a tube that vibrates with ultrasonic energy liquifying the fat to facilitate more effective removal.

The cost of the procedure depends on the extent of the areas treated and the amount of fat removed. A general range is $4,000 to $10,000.

Who will benefit from this procedure?

Most patients seeking liposuction for improvement of body contour have tried multiple diets and exercise programs, but certain problem areas remain. It is important to realize that suction lipectomy is not a method of weight reduction in itself, as relatively little weight of fat is removed from the body when the surgery is performed safely. The procedure is designed specifically to improve body contour. Therefore, it is important for you to be at or close to your "set point" weight.

To be safe, the surgeon must not exceed the safe limits of fat removal or administration of local anesthetic, and must consider the health of the patient before proceeding with the procedure.

Liposuction will not change the appearance of the skin. Skin, which is loose, dimpled, wrinkled, or has multiple depressions or waves prior to surgery, will not be improved following surgery. In general, patients with firm elastic skin with minimal wrinkling and redundancy, with well-controlled and stable weight, and with limited areas of fatty tissue excess, can expect the most favorable results. Localized deposits of excess fat in the hips and "saddle bag" areas, as well as inner and outer thigh areas, are usually quite improved following the procedure.

Given the same effort and diet as before the surgery, patients maintain a slightly lower weight, with much less trouble from the "trouble spots". It is the obligation of the patient to continue to watch their diet and exercise as much as possible.

The Surgical Procedure

The duration of the procedure varies depending upon how much work is to be done in various areas of the body and what type of anesthesia is used. Liposuction is generally performed in an outpatient operating suite. Incisions for the procedure are generally one quarter inch in length and are placed in inconspicuous skin folds with minimal or no shaving of hair.

What to Expect After Liposculpture Surgery

Any pain, swelling and bruising appear to be at their maximum in the first week. Between week one and week two, it is not uncommon to feel somewhat fatigued. During the third week some patients may be mildly depressed. During the 4th week, swelling and pain are diminished and the patient is generally satisfied with the outcome.

Resuming Physical Activities

Normal activities - 3-6 weeks
Back to work in 3-6 days

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there different types of liposuction?
A: Some offices use different names, which mean the same thing. You may hear words such as “lipoplasty,” “liposculpture” or “suctioning lipectomy” -- they all mean the same thing. Recent advances include Ultrasound Assisted Lipectomy, which involves the use of a cannula - a tube that vibrates with ultrasonic energy, liquifying the fat so it can be more efficiently removed.

Q: Can liposuction be used as a weight loss method?
A: No. Liposuction is used to get rid of isolated areas of fat which are diet and/or exercise resistant NOT for weight loss.

Q: Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
A: The best candidates for liposuction are people at their normal weight who have isolated areas of fat. Firm, elastic skin allows for a better outcome. The patient’s age is not a factor: however, older patients have less skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as younger patients.

Q: How long do I need to be off of work?
A: It is suggested that you take off work for 3-5 days but continue to avoid strenuous activity for one month.