Liposuction

Sometimes dieting and exercise are not enough to eliminate unsightly fat accumulations. The distribution of excess fat is probably genetically determined and gender specific. Women tend to gain fat in their thighs, hips, buttocks and men in their abdomen and love handles. Liposuction is not meant to be a quick fix for unwanted pounds. Surgical liposuction helps those who help themselves with diet control and exercise. The procedure is ideal for people who maintain relatively normal weights but are unable to eliminate certain fat accumulations.

Surgical fat removal is not new, but newer techniques allow for safer procedures. As with any procedure, there are risks. Complications can be reduced by the careful selection of patients and judicious use of available technology. A tumescent liposuction using a manual, ultrasonic or power-assisted cannula is the most commonly used technique. Ultrasonic liposuction is helpful in stubborn areas where fat is hard, like in the buttocks.

A liposuction can be performed as an outpatient procedure, although we sometimes recommend an overnight stay. Surgical time will vary from one to three hours depending on the body area. Wearing a garment during the post-operative period often helps to reduce swelling..