Which type of liposuction is right for me?

Patients tell me that they are inundated with advertisements for the newest, the best, the quickest,  the safest liposuction procedures.  Which one is best?  Which last the longest?  Are some types of liposuction better than others?

External ultrasonic liposuction, internal ultrasonic liposuction, laser assisted liposuction, power liposuction, smart liposuction, microlaser liposuction, tumescent liposuction, dry liposuction, wet liposuction, hi-def liposuction, liposuction with aspiration, liposuction without aspiration are just a few.  Then throw in a few catch phrases like; body contouring, body sculpting, no surgery needed, and most heads would be spinning.

When I think about all the choices out there, I think of something my father taught me about fishing lures........all the different colored fancy fishing lures are meant to catch the fisherman, not the fish!   Liposuction is similar, keep is simple.

Suction assisted lipectomy, better known as liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures. Liposuction is performed to remove the unwanted fat deposits from specific problem areas of the body.  This can include the abdomen, upper arms, flanks, hips, back, thighs, knees, lower legs, breast areas and even the neck.

I use tumescent or super-wet technique that requires an infusion of saline solution with added adrenaline and anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat.

Ideal candidates;

• Are not overweight.  Patients at average weight or close to their ideal body weight are best.

• Have disproportional deposits of fatty tissue.  For women most common areas are hips , thighs, and abdomen.  For men, usually abdomen and flank (love handles) areas.

• Are patients with good skin elasticity.  I am sorry, but younger is usually better.  Following removal of fatty tissue, after time the skin will retract, the degree would depend upon your own skins elasticity.

• Are realistic.  You should not expect to go from a size 14 to a size 4 after liposuction surgery.  There will be some discomfort;  bruising and you will need time to recover.  For safety reasons removal amounts are limited, depending upon the patient's size.

The procedure is performed by making very small incisions, usually in the natural folds of the skin or other easily hidden areas .  A suction cannula (a thin hollow tube) is inserted through the incision beneath the skin.  When surgery is complete the incisions are closed and a compression garment is placed on the treated area.  Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure.  Depending upon the size of the area to be treated, local anesthesia may be appropriate;  however most often general anesthesia is required.

Liposuction will not get rid of cellulite or stretch marks.  It is not intended to replace a healthy diet and exercise.

All types of liposuction work to some degree.  Once you meet with your plastic sugeon he/she will develop an individual plan that will be ideal for you.