Liposuction

Liposuction, also called suction-assisted lipectomy, is one of the newest procedures and is now the most popular form of cosmetic surgery. This procedure uses a special suctioning device that permanently removes excess fat cells which have become localized in specific areas such as the thighs, buttocks, knees, calves, abdomen, and waist. Liposuction is most effective on areas where diet and exercise don’t seem to work.

Liposuction is a technique that was first started in France approximately twenty years ago. Since its initial development, it has evolved to include liposculpture, the latest tumescent technique, and an even newer technique called ultrasonic liposuction. Currently, liposuction is being performed by virtually all plastic surgeons in all states at this time. This is not surprising, considering the amount of positive feedback I get from my patients, some of whom get such a boost from the results of the procedure that they go on to lose more weight on their own.

Figure 16-1. The patient at a size 14 before liposuction.

Figure 16-1. Now down to a size 6.

Courtesy of Kimberly A. Henry, M.D.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION?

The ideal patient is in good physical shape, has good skin tone, is not too overweight, and has distinct localized pockets of fat that have been resistant to dieting and exercise in the past. Liposuction can help people lose those extra fifteen to twenty pounds that they just can’t seem to lose. While age itself does not affect the success of the procedure, the best results are found in patients under the age of forty, since their skin is more elastic; however, liposuction can also be performed on older patients with good results (see Figs. 16-1 and 16-2).

I must caution that liposuction is not a cure for obesity nor is it a way to remove the dimpled skin commonly referred to as cellulite. There are some “superficial liposuction experts,” though, who feel that cellulite and the dimpling associated with it can be improved with this procedure.

Liposuction can be performed on an outpatient basis with the patient under local or general anesthesia. The doctor makes incisions that are no more than one centimeter in length and placed in inconspicuous areas, so that there is minimal scarring. With newer techniques, plastic surgeons are able to remove more tissue than ever before and with less bruising and swelling. Previously, they were limited to removing between 1,500 and 2,000 ccs. Now, they can remove 5,000 ccs without a blood transfusion on an outpatient basis. Often, patients can return to work and normal activity much sooner.

The recovery period generally lasts anywhere from two to three days for one area and up to one or two weeks for multiple areas. Sometimes, because of some residual swelling, the final result may not be visible for up to three to six months.