 Liposculpture-Liposuction
Liposuction, or liposculpture, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to re-contour and sculpt areas of the body by removing localized deposits of fat. It is not a modality for weight loss. Areas commonly treated with liposculpture include the upper arms, hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees, as well as facial areas like the chin, cheeks and neck. Many new techniques, including power-assisted liposuction and tumescent technique allow for more precise results and shorter recoveries.
The ideal candidate for liposuction is of normal body weight with areas of stubborn fat that have proven resistant to traditional weight loss methods. Patients must understand that liposculpture is not a substitute for diet and exercise. Those considering liposculpture must be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations for the outcome of the surgery.
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Women may have liposculpture performed under the chin, on their hips, thighs, and stomach, and in the under arm and breast area.
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For men, common sites include under the chin and around the waist. Liposculpture may also be used in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia.
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During your consultation, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota will discuss the possibilities available to you.
Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota typically perform liposculpture at their in-office surgical facility at Associated Plastic Surgeons. This is a state-of-the-art operating room that is fully approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). Liposculpture may be performed with a variety of anesthetics including local anesthesia with or without sedation, regional anesthesia, and general anesthesia.
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Healthy, normal-weight people with elastic
skin and pockets of excess fat are good
candidates for surgery.
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The best candidates for liposculpture are of
normal weight with localized areas of
excess fat-- for example, in the buttocks,
hips, and thighs.
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The surgeon inserts a cannula through
small incisions in the skin. At the other end
of the tube is a vacuum-pressure unit that
suctions off the fat.
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A snug compression garment worn after
surgery helps reduce swelling.
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The surgeon inserts a cannula through small incisions in the skin. At the other end of the tube is a vacuum-pressure unit that suctions off the fat. |
The exact nature of the liposculpture procedure will depend on the individual patient and the area to be treated. In general, a narrow tube known as a cannula is inserted through a small incision in the skin. The cannula is manipulated to disrupt the fat cells which are then removed with suction. Fluid injection (or the tumescent technique) is a popular method in which a solution comprised of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine is first injected into the fatty areas, making the fat removal easier while minimizing blood loss and post-operative bruising. The tumescent technique utilizes large volumes of fluid of as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed while the super-wet technique uses an amount of fluid that is about equal to the amount of fat to be removed. Another technique, known as ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), uses a special cannula which produces ultrasonic energy that liquefies the fat prior to its removal.
Swelling is common and can be controlled by wearing a snug compression garment during the first few weeks. Some pain, burning, bleeding and temporary numbness may also occur all of which rapidly resolve. Medication can be prescribed to help manage any discomfort that occurs after the liposculpture procedure. Patients typically feel well enough to return to work and most other activities within a few days after the procedure, though more extensive procedures may involve a more lengthy recovery. While a noticeable difference will be apparent soon after surgery, it can take as much as three months for all of the swelling to fade and the final results to be evident. The results of liposculpture can be long lasting provided that patients follows a healthy lifestyle of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
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As healing progresses, a more proportional
look will emerge.
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A slimmer body contour can help you feel
more confident and comfortable.
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Frequently Asked Liposculpture Questions
What is liposculpture?
Liposculpture, or liposuction as it is also known, is a procedure which removes localized deposits of fat in order to re-contour and sculpt areas of the body. Liposculpture is commonly used to treat the upper arms, hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheeks and neck.
Who is a candidate for liposculpture?
Candidates for liposculpture include men and women who are looking to improve the appearance of unwanted fat. It's also important that liposculpture candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. The procedure is ideal for individuals who are of normal body weight but have stubborn areas of fat that have proven diet- and exercise-resistant.
What is fluid injection?
Fluid injection is a newer liposuction technique in which a medicated solution is first injected into the fatty areas prior to its removal. The fluid is comprised of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine and epinephrine and it makes the fat easier to remove. In addition, fluid injection tends to involve less blood loss and post-operative bruising. Varying amounts of the solution may be used. Tumescent liposuction uses large volumes of fluid equaling as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed. The super-wet technique, on the other hand, uses an amount of fluid that is about equal to the amount of fat being removed.
What is ultrasound assisted lipoplasty?
Ultrasound assisted lipoplasty, or UAL, is a liposuction technique that uses a special cannula which produces ultrasonic energy. This energy first liquefies the fat, facilitating its removal.
Read more liposculpture questions.
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