This section is for traditional liposuction procedures. Consumers interested in traditional liposuction frequently investigate these variations of traditional liposuction:
Liposuction was invented in 1974 by Drs. Giorgio and Arpad Fischer and was further developed in 1978 by Dr. Yves Gerard Illouz. It became popular in the US by 1980 and has continued to be refined and modified over the years to make it safer and more effective.
Liposuction Facts
Consistently one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries
Not for weight loss
New forms using lasers or ultrasonic technology are available
Liposuction is the procedure used to remove excess areas of fatty tissue from specific areas of the body. It can be performed on just about any area of the body including cheeks, jowls and neck, chest and breast area, upper arms, back, waist, hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs and knees, calves, and ankles.
The procedure was originally performed dry, meaning the surgeon inserted the cannula and began suctioning out fat, breaking it up with sharp tips at the end of the cannula. This procedure removed more blood than fat and caused a great deal of damage to the internal structures.
Now, all liposuction is tumescent, meaning fluid is pumped into the treatment area that is a combination of pain killer, adrenaline (to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood loss) and saline solution. The amount of fluid injected varies depending on the patient, amount of fat to be removed, and the surgeon's preferred technique. Typically, a volume of liquid equal to the amount of fat to be removed is used, though some prefer 'very wet' or 'super wet' techniques in which the surgeon injects a greater amount of fluid than fat to be removed.
How does liposuction work?
The cannula is inserted under the skin and first introduces the tumescent solution which helps break the fat away from the surrounding structures such as blood vessels and nerves. The fat is then aspirated, or suctioned out via the cannula. The surgeon will typically mark the areas to be treated before surgery so that he can 'map out' the area to ensure the right amount of fat is removed. Some surgeons actually weigh the amount of fat removed from each area to ensure he has worked symmetrically.
After the fat and fluid are removed, the surgeon will stitch or staple the incision. Depending on the amount of fat suctioned, the patient may go home the same day or stay at a recovery center for observation.
What are the risks?
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is best suited for patients who are not excessively overweight and have firm healthy skin. Good candidates for liposuction also have a realistic attitude about their appearance and recognize that the procedure will not drastically change their lives. Individuals with multiple risk factors such as poor circulation or heart disease may not be able to undergo liposuction safely.
Before your surgery, you will be asked to refrain from smoking. You will not be able to use certain over-the-counter medications like aspirin due to a risk of increased bleeding. Your doctor will discuss your individual precautions with you in advance of the procedure.
After the surgery, be sure someone can take you home and stay with you for at least a night. You will not look or feel great right after this surgery, but in time the results will be evident. Some pain, swelling, bruising, or fluid retention may occur and a drainage tube may be placed under the skin to prevent excess fluid from building up. Many patients feel stiff and sore for several days following surgery and some are asked to wear an elastic compression garment to provide support. Strenuous activities may be restricted for a while, but normal life should resume within a week or two.
AHB and ATnT Host Round Table Discussions at AACS - Liposuction has continuously been one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. There have been many changes and developments in the field and American Health and Beauty looks forward to discussing the latest in lipo at AACS.
A Cure for Cankles? - We know them, we hate them. When the lower calf doesn't taper off nicely to the ankle and there is no differentiation from the two, the result is neither calf nor ankle, but rather, the dreaded cankle or fat ankle.
A Solution for Cankles - We know them, we hate them. When the lower calf doesn't taper off nicely to the ankle and there is no differentiation from the two, the result is neither calf nor ankle, but rather, the dreaded cankle.
A Year of Dieting in a Day - For those with a significant amount of weight to lose, liposuction hasn't been a viable option as it is meant for spot fat reduction. One California doctor seeks to change that concept.
Liposuction Turns 20 - The evolution of liposuction will be discussed by leading experts at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), being held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Convention Center May 2-7, 2009.
Lipo-Ex on Great Day Houston, an Alternative to Liposuction - Dr. E.B. McClendon appeared on Great Day Houston and discussed the Lipo-Ex laser. Lipo Ex treatments are a Liposuction alternative for patients who don't like pain or surgery
Florida Body Contouring Practice Sees Strong Interest Despite Slow Economy - Even though money is tight for many residents of Fort Lauderdale and Miami, body contouring procedures such as liposuction and tummy tucks continue to be in demand for men and women who feel that looking their best plays a key part in how they feel and their overall quality of life.
Body-Jet Water-Assisted Liposuction Establishes New Standard for Liposuction and Fat Harvesting - While traditional liposuction basically destroys the fat cells, Body-Jet loosens the fat without requiring impact on the fat cell itself. Body-Jet uses only 25% of the infiltration fluid usually required for standard liposuction. This reduction in fluid results in less swollen mass, improved patient comfort and decreased tissue trauma. This new method allows for assessment of new contours during surgery which greatly reduces the number of corrective actions. Water-assisted liposuction can actually be performed under local anesthesia.
Beauty Buzz: Aesthetic Trends for February 8, 2010 - Who Dat?! While the Saints come marching in from their big Superbowl win, the big winner on American Health and Beauty today is the Newport Beach Neck Shrinklift!
Disclaimer:For general educational purposes only. Information contained in this Web site is general in nature, and should not be relied on for medical treatment. If you need advice or services, please contact the doctor directly. All photos are of models for decorative purposes unless they specifically mention they are actual before & after photographs.
