Liposuction or lipo is a type of fat removing procedure used in plastic surgery. It is one of the most common operative procedures performed nationwide. There is no evidence that states that liposuction has an effect on weight beyond a certain amount of months. And there is also no evidence which states that this procedure has an effect on obesity-related problems. Liposuction surgery is frequently performed simultaneously with other procedures.
Who is a good candidate for lipo surgery?
The ideal candidate for liposuction surgery is a patient who is at or close to ideal or long-term, stable weight who has a disproportionate amount of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients find that there are certain areas of the body that are “preferred storage sites”.
That is to say, these areas are the first places weight gain shows up and the last place for it to leave. This often genetically determined and may even run in families. From about the age of five or six on, the number of distribution of fat cells in the body is determined for life.
Weight loss and weight gain cause these fat cells to get larger or smaller, not increase in number. Therefore, when the fat cells are removed by liposuction from an area, they are not coming back, and the patient’s contour is now more proportionately sculpted. In the future, weight gain and weight loss will be more diffuse and proportioned across the body rather than going to these “preferred storage areas”.
What areas of the body are commonly treated with liposuction surgery?
In women, the most common areas are the inner and outer thighs, knees, abdomen, and hips as well as the upper back, arms and under the neckline. For men, the most common areas are the abdomen, love handles, and often times the chest as part of the treatment for gynecomastia. Multiple areas of liposuction done simultaneously are more the rule than the exception.
Can anyone have this surgery?
The skill and integrity of the surgeon can help you decide whether liposuction surgery is suitable for you. Some patients for loose skin and liposuction surgery may make the appearance of loose skin worsen. Other patients may not have enough fat to make the liposuction surgery worthwhile, and it is up to your surgeon to set realistic expectations with patients beforehand.
Some patients may in fact be more of a candidate for a tummy tuck or thigh lift surgery rather than liposuction surgery. It is also important to recognize that liposuction surgery does not in general help with cellulite.
Do you have to put me asleep for liposuction surgery?
In general, it is safer to simply let the patient go to sleep and not feel or remember anything about the procedure and wake up in the recovery room with everything already completed. This is the advantage of using a board-certified plastic surgeon well versed in all aspects of surgical and anesthetic care.
Who should perform liposuction surgery?
The most important factor is finding a surgeon board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Ideally, they should be members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – the premier organization for plastic surgeons.
There are many physicians who are untrained in plastic surgery residency programs who take weekend courses and perform these operations. Patients need to be clear on the qualifications of the surgeon they select. In addition, it is important that the facility where the surgery is performed is state-licensed.
