subject: Liposuction: Plastic Surgery for the Removal of Excess Fat [print this page] Liposuction is the technique by which localized deposits of fat are removed using thin cannulas (tubes) through tiny incisions. Liposuction is also known as suction lipectomy, liposculpture, and SAL (suction assisted lipectomy). Liposuction has been performed for many years, but the most significant advances in liposuction techniques have occurred over the past two decades.
The level of safety and efficiency in liposuction has been dramatically increased by the "pre-wetting" of the fatty tissues with a solution that delivers local anesthesia as well as epinephrine, or adrenaline, to constrict the vessels within the tissues and substantially minimize bleeding during liposuction surgery.
What types of liposuction are available?
The main liposuction techniques are tumescent liposuction and superwet liposuction, both of which utilize the infusion of wetting solutions to provide anesthesia and vasoconstriction (shrinking of the blood vessels).
The additional liposuction modalities include SAL (suction assisted liposuction), PAL (power assisted liposuction), UAL (ultrasound assisted liposuction), VAL (vaser assisted liposuction), SmartLipoTM (laser assisted liposuction), SlimLipoTM (laser assisted liposuction), and others. The benefits of these liposuction modalities are emulsify fat during or prior to liposuction. The laser liposuction modalities are purported to promote tissue tightening, although the effects have not yet been definitively proven.
What types of anesthesia are used for liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed with local anesthesia (tumescent liposuction or superwet liposuction) only, with IV sedation or twilight anesthesia, or under general anesthesia. The extent of liposuction and the areas that require treatment will determine the type of anesthesia.
What areas can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be used to remove fat from virtually any area of the body. Thigh liposuction, tummy liposuction, love handle liposuction, flank liposuction, back liposuction, arm liposuction, ankle liposuction, chin liposuction, and neck liposuction are all common. Breast liposuction can also be performed in selected cases.
Can liposuction treat cellulite?
Liposuction is excellent for reducing excess localized fat deposits, and generally smoothing body contour. Unfortunately, liposuction is an imperfect solution for cellulite. Liposuction for cellulite alone rarely corrects the problem, although in selected cases, followed by other external means (such as EndermologieTM, massage, VelaShapeTM, or others), liposuction may play a role in cellulite reduction. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended to determine your candidacy for cellulite treatment with liposuction.
Are there risks with liposuction?
Liposuction is frequently associated with some bruising and swelling, and is self limited. Liposuction results are usually visible by 12 weeks from the liposuction procedure date as the swelling resolves. Occasionally, lumps, bumps, or irregularities can result from liposuction, and may require corrective surgery. More dire complications are extremely rare, but must be considered before choosing to undergo liposuction surgery. A thorough discussion of the benefits, risks, and alternatives of and to liposuction with a board certified plastic surgeon is imperative before liposuction surgery.
What is the cost of liposuction?
The cost of liposuction varies depending on the region(s) treated, and the extent and time during liposuction surgery. Small areas may be treated for $1,500, and more extensive liposuction of multiple areas of the body may cost $9-10,000. The surgeon's fee, facility charge, and anesthesia fees all factor into the final cost of the liposuction procedure based upon your particular needs and desires.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Liposuction is very often combined with other surgery. Most commonly, liposuction is combined with tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty with liposuction, or lipoabdominoplasty). Liposuction can be performed at the same sitting with breast plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery as well.
Can my fat be used elsewhere after liposuction?
Fat cells from one area of the body can be very safely and effectively be transferred to another by fat grafting (autologous fat transfer). Liposuction is often performed using a suction machine called an aspirator. Because of the intensity of the suction, the liposuction machine is not used, and the fat is first hand-harvested using gentle suction with syringes. Once the fat harvest is sufficient, the liposuction procedure may be continued with the liposuction aspirator.
Who is the best candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for women and men who are at, or close to, their ideal body weights. At lighter weights, the fat cells in our bodies occupy less space, and can be more reliably and safely removed by liposuction techniques. To determine if liposuction is right for you, and if so, what liposuction techniques will be best, a full evaluation and thorough discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic surgery is recommended.
Liposuction: Plastic Surgery for the Removal of Excess Fat
By: Kilian
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