Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic fat removal procedure. It can permanently remove fat cells (adipocytes) that store fat from a particular section of your body that you want to improve. Liposuction helps get rid of fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Other names for liposuction are lipoplasty or “lipo.”

Who is a candidate for liposuction?

Candidates for liposuction should meet certain requirements to make sure their procedure is effective and safe. Candidates who qualify for a liposuction procedure include:

1. Adults with an average or slightly above-average weight.
2. People who have firm skin with elasticity (high in the elastin protein) and a good muscle tone.
3. Adults who have good overall health.
4. People who have pockets of fat that don’t respond well to diet and exercise.
5. Nonsmokers.
People with realistic goals for the outcome of the procedure.

These are common qualifications that healthcare providers evaluate before recommending treatment. Your provider will let you know if liposuction is right for you.

Who might not be a candidate for liposuction?

Certain factors could cause a liposuction procedure to be unsuccessful or pose a threat to your overall health. You might not be a candidate for liposuction if you:

1. Are underweight.
2. Have a BMI over 25.
3. Have a serious, life-threatening health condition or a condition that can make healing difficult.
4. Have unrealistic expectations for the procedure.
5. Have poor skin quality.

What are the steps of a liposuction procedure?

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions. First, diluted local anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back-and-forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.

Step 3 – See the results

Your improved body contour will be apparent once the swelling and fluid retention commonly experienced following liposuction subside. With continued practices of a healthy diet and fitness, the loss of excess fatty tissue should be permanently maintained. However, substantial weight gain can alter the results.