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LIPOSUCTION
For millions of people who are striving to improve their bodies and appearance, liposculpture can be a dream come true because it can remove fat that exercise cannot reach. Lipoplasty, commonly known as liposuction or liposculpture, can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, face, and neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves, knees and ankles or eliminate a double chin. The buttocks may also be reduced in size. The best candidates for Liposuction are men and women of normal weight who mainly want to improve their body shape and contours. Fat deposits that are "trouble areas", where exercise and diet seem not to have any effect, are the areas where liposuction can have the greatest effect. Men and women of any age can undergo the procedure, but those who have greater skin elasticity will achieve the smoothest end result.The drawings featured depict the traditional liposuction procedure.



During the procedure one or more small incisions are made near the area to be treated. When possible, the incisions are made within a fold or natural creases in the skin. The tumescent technique is utilized, and the doctor will then insert a small hollow tube called a cannula through the incision where the underlying fat will be removed. The cannula is connected to a flexible tubing and suction pump. The surgeon then moves the cannula back and forth through the fat, sucking the fat out through the tube. The latest techniques are utilized including the new power assisted liposuction technique. Upon completion of the procedure the patient is placed in compression garment that will help minimize swelling and help shape the treated areas. Ideally the garment should be worn for up to six weeks. Most patients return to work quickly with minimal discomfort.

The Procedure is very common with thousands of patients undergoing the procedure each year with no major complications. Possible complications include fluid accumulation and injury to the skin. In rare instances asymmetry or unevenness, known as contour irregularities may require further treatment.

The procedure is performed under sedation and may take from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on the areas being treated. Physical activity is limited to approximately 1 week. Most patients return to work within a few days.

At the time of consultation the areas to be treated will be assessed and a treatment plan will be formulated with the patient. The risks and benefits will also be discussed in detail.