Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries that remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheeks, neck, chest and upper arms. This procedure has become very popular with women who account for eighty percent of all lipoclastic surgeries. Men seem to be catching on, wanting to eliminate "love handles" around their waist or unwanted fat from their back or neck.

Liposuction should not be used as a substitute for dieting and exercise, however it can help to remove those stubborn areas of fat that do not respond easily to dieting and exercise.

Technical Advances

There have been several new refinements that have been made to this type of surgery including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, that are helping many plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and a faster rate of recovery.

Candidates

Liposuction works best for people who are at a normal to slightly above normal weight, who may have pockets of excess fat in unwanted areas. Older people whose skin does not have good elasticity may not achieve the same results as a younger person. Being in good health is also important. People with medical conditions such as diabetes or heart and lung disease should seek the advice of their doctor before considering surgery.

Recovery

• Liposuction is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
  
• A general or local aesthetic is required for this type of surgery.
  
• Recovery time can be anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on what part of the patient's body is being treated.