Liposuction/Liposculpture
[Lipoplasty]
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed. Simply stated, this procedure removes fat from unwanted areas. This is done by placing a suction device called a “cannula,” underneath the skin. Small discreet incisions are made in the skin. Fluid is then infiltrated in the subcutaneous tissue to allow access to the fat. The cannula is then passed into the areas of concern. The fat is suctioned into a canister and the amount of fat and fluid removed is then recorded.
Shape and contour restoration is the goal of this procedure. The final results are very dependent upon how much contraction the overlying skin can achieve. In patients who have lost a great deal of weight, significant elasticity may have been lost in the skin. Sun damage and age also may have decreased the remaining elastic components in the overlying skin. A thorough preoperative assessment is therefore necessary in order to determine the potential efficacy of liposuction and adjunct treatments (such as Endermologie, Lymphatic Massage, and customized compression garments). The indications for liposuction have become lax with its popularity, so it is important to understand the goals of this procedure as it relates to improving one's existing contour. It is not to be used as a means for weight loss. This is a surgical procedure and may have serious ill effects if not considered as such.
Many variations of traditional liposuction are available today. Smart Lipo, Vaser, and other forms of ultrasonic liposuction use high frequency resonation of the cannula in order to remove fat that is found in more dense or concentrated areas. These methods are also believed to heat up the tissues and cause contraction of the surrounding skin.
Candidates for this procedure are offered treatments based on their specific needs and expectations. It is important to understand how the removal of subcutaneous fat may affect the overlying skin as it relates to contour as well as inches. There are nonsurgical treatments associated with the liposuction procedure (endermologie), which have been scientifically shown to improve these results.
There is a fair amount of swelling and bruising associated with this procedure. The amount and duration is dependent upon the areas treated and the volume of fat removed. One to two weeks may be required for recovery. Postoperative compression garments are necessary for up to six weeks.
