Liposuction: Plastic Surgery for the Removal of Excess Fat
Liposuction is the technique by which localized deposits of fat are removed using thin cannulas (tubes) through tiny incisions. Liposuction is also known as suction lipectomy, liposculpture, and SAL (suction assisted lipectomy). Liposuction has been performed for many years, but the most significant advances in liposuction techniques have occurred over the past two decades.
The level of safety and efficiency in liposuction has been dramatically increased by the “pre-wetting” of the fatty tissues with a solution that delivers local anesthesia as well as epinephrine, or adrenaline, to constrict the vessels within the tissues and substantially minimize bleeding during liposuction surgery.
What types of liposuction are available?
The main liposuction techniques are tumescent liposuction and superwet liposuction, both of which utilize the infusion of wetting solutions to provide anesthesia and vasoconstriction (shrinking of the blood vessels).
The additional liposuction modalities include SAL (suction assisted liposuction), PAL (power assisted liposuction), UAL (ultrasound assisted liposuction), VAL (vaser assisted liposuction), SmartLipoTM (laser assisted liposuction), SlimLipoTM (laser assisted liposuction), and others. The benefits of these liposuction modalities are emulsify fat during or prior to liposuction. The laser liposuction modalities are purported to promote tissue tightening, although the effects have not yet been definitively proven.
What types of anesthesia are used for liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed with local anesthesia (tumescent liposuction or superwet liposuction) only, with IV sedation or twilight anesthesia, or under general anesthesia. The extent of liposuction and the areas that require treatment will determine the type of anesthesia.
What areas can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be used to remove fat from virtually any area of the body. Thigh liposuction, tummy liposuction, love handle liposuction, flank liposuction, back liposuction, arm liposuction, ankle liposuction, chin liposuction, and neck liposuction are all common. Breast liposuction can also be performed in selected cases.
Can liposuction treat cellulite?
Liposuction is excellent for reducing excess localized fat deposits, and generally smoothing body contour. Unfortunately, liposuction is an imperfect solution for cellulite. Liposuction for cellulite alone rarely corrects the problem, although in selected cases, followed by other external means (such as EndermologieTM, massage, VelaShapeTM, or others), liposuction may play a role in cellulite reduction. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon is recommended to determine your candidacy for cellulite treatment with liposuction.
Are there risks with liposuction?
Liposuction is frequently associated with some bruising and swelling, and is self limited. Liposuction results are usually visible by 12 weeks from the liposuction procedure date as the swelling resolves. Occasionally, lumps, bumps, or irregularities can result from liposuction, and may require corrective surgery. More dire complications are extremely rare, but must be considered before choosing to undergo liposuction surgery. A thorough discussion of the benefits, risks, and alternatives of and to liposuction with a board certified plastic surgeon is imperative before liposuction surgery.
What is the cost of liposuction?
The cost of liposuction varies depending on the region(s) treated, and the extent and time during liposuction surgery. Small areas may be treated for ,500, and more extensive liposuction of multiple areas of the body may cost -10,000. The surgeon’s fee, facility charge, and anesthesia fees all factor into the final cost of the liposuction procedure based upon your particular needs and desires.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Liposuction is very often combined with other surgery. Most commonly, liposuction is combined with tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty with liposuction, or lipoabdominoplasty). Liposuction can be performed at the same sitting with breast plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery as well.
Can my fat be used elsewhere after liposuction?
Fat cells from one area of the body can be very safely and effectively be transferred to another by fat grafting (autologous fat transfer). Liposuction is often performed using a suction machine called an aspirator. Because of the intensity of the suction, the liposuction machine is not used, and the fat is first hand-harvested using gentle suction with syringes. Once the fat harvest is sufficient, the liposuction procedure may be continued with the liposuction aspirator.
Who is the best candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for women and men who are at, or close to, their ideal body weights. At lighter weights, the fat cells in our bodies occupy less space, and can be more reliably and safely removed by liposuction techniques. To determine if liposuction is right for you, and if so, what liposuction techniques will be best, a full evaluation and thorough discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic surgery is recommended.
Dr. Kolker is one of the finest surgeons who performs liposuction New York and many other treatments that enhance your beauty.
The award winning CMG cosmetic group have perfected the use of sonic energy to remove unwanted abdominal fat. The group use both infrasonic and ultrasonic wavelengths to emulsify the fat prior to removal. This procedure can be done under a local anaesthetic and the patient can go home the next day. This method is much safer than conventional liposuction and can remove up to 6-7 litres of fat. .
B.C. doctor lands Oprah magazine cover story for fat removal
Dr. Mark Lupin looks at an OPRAH magazine in which he is featured regarding a new technology he is using to remove fat. The OPRAH people called him because he was the first in Canada to use the technology.
Read more on Abbotsford Mission Times
Smartlipo Laser Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that not only complements but augments liposuction. As today’s most popular aesthetic surgery, liposuction was performed more than 455000 times in 2005—representing a 63% increase in procedure volume from 1997.
Tumescent liposuction is a newer, popular procedure for fat removal. The fees for this type of liposuction are relatively low compared to more traditional procedures.
One of the forms of surgical sculpting for fat removal is the technique of tumescent liposuction, a procedure that limits bleeding with anesthesia fluid, which is pushed into the tissues with anesthetic effects lasting for several hours.
Although, this surgery is able to reduce appreciably the pain, it often is more expensive if you are not careful.
There is no “standard price” or estimate because the fee for tumescent liposuction depends on different factors such as the size and number of the areas of the body to be treated. The price of this procedure also varies from country to country, city to city and from doctor to doctor.
The average fee for liposuction is nearly $1800 per area, raising an additional cost of $900 for additional zones.
When it comes to treating large areas requiring tumescent liposuction, additional fees are determined in terms of size and importance of the region to be treated. Generally, you will get an estimate after the first consultation so you can determine the affordability of the procedure.
The more fat your body has accumulated, the higher the price to get it removed by means of tumescent liposuction. Contrary to other liposculpture procedures, tumescent liposuction requires an operating room to be scheduled, general anesthesia or localized sedation for which prices are charged additionally and determined on the extent of the procedure.
Liposuction has become the method of choice for liposuction surgery mainly because the adrenaline added in the solution limits the blood loss that otherwise results from traditional liposuction.
There is no guarantee that secondary surgery may not be needed for any reason, but more often due to large areas being treated rather than complications because tumescent liposuction is considered safe.
In the case of undergoing a secondary surgery, which usually is more difficult, the price for tumescent liposuction increases considerably, charging for two procedures and use of the operating room, anesthesia etc twice. Surgeons who perform the operation have also a remarkable fee variation given the incidentals of the surgery such as blood tests, compression surgical garments and so on.
Cost of this liposuction is highly dependent upon the specific work you are having done. Speak with your plastic surgeon to understand the total fee including the incidental costs.
You are very lucky if you have waited until now to consider having liposuction, or liposculpture body contouring. The new laser liposuction techniques are a vast improvement over traditional methods. The new laser technology melts fat and tightens skin resulting in a much gentler liposculpture procedure and minimal loose hanging skin after liposuction.
Whether you have a double chin, tummy fat after childbirth, saddle bags, spare tire, or just little problem areas around the hips or thighs, the new laser assisted liposculpture and laser body contouring techniques may be what you are looking for.
Not all of the machines in use are the same. Some laser wavelengths, such as the 924nm and 924/975nm work much better than others. You need to understand which technology is best if you are considering laser liposuction.
Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery operation. Problems Associated with Traditional Liposuction-Traditional liposuction is done by inserting a metal tube called a cannula beneath the skin into fat containing areas of the body. High pressure suction is applied and fat is suctioned out from under the skin. While the procedure works well, it is traumatic as the suction pulls out not only fat but also some of the connective tissue which holds the skin tight to the body. There are several problems which can occur after liposuction: • Loose Skin After Liposuction • Contour Deformities-Skin Irregularities • Prolonged Bruising • Difficult and Painful Recovery
How Laser Liposuction Works-During laser assisted liposuction, a very small laser fiber is inserted beneath the skin. Heat from the laser melts the fat into a thin liquid. The liquid fat is then more easily removed with very small cannulas usually only2-3 millimeters in diameter. The heat form the laser also tightens the skin, and closes many blood vessels, thus less bleeding. Advantages of Laser Liposuction • Skin Tightening!!!!!!! • Liquefaction of Fat = Fewer Contour Deformities • Uniform Skin Appearance after Liposuction • Smaller Cannulae = Tiny Incision • Much Less Traumatic • Can Contour Visible Areas in Thinner Patients • Excellent for Touch Ups after standard Liposuction
Which Laser is best for Liposuction?
There are several different machines available using several different laser wavelengths-the 924nm, combined 924/975nm, the 1064nm, and the 1308nm are the most popular.
I prefer the 924nm and combination 924/975nm laser because the 924nm is very selectively absorbed by fat tissue. The 924nm liquefies 3 times as much fat as some of the other wavelengths and is also more strongly absorbed by blood vessels, which helps reduce bleeding and bruising. The 924nm and combined 924/975nm laser is used by the SlimLipo™ laser liposuction machine made by Palomar Medical™. Are You A Candidate for Laser Liposuction? If you are healthy, do not smoke, and have extra fat beneath your chin, around your tummy, on your hips, thighs, arms or knees, and are relatively fit and not obese, then you are likely an excellent candidate for laser liposuction. The younger you are the better your skin tightening will be after laser liposuction. I have, however, seen good skin tightening after laser liposuction in a 70 year old person-see photo below:
If you are obese and significantly over weight, you should lose weight first before liposuction.
For more information about laser liposuction with SlimLipo™ call 978-369-4499 or contact us by email. Read our fee newsletter to learn about new techniques in aesthetics, non-surgical rejuvenation techniques and plastic surgery. Dr. Seckel Concord, Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts
Conclusions This report describes a new approach for treating accessory breasts that results in minimal scarring and a better appearance
than can be achieved with traditional methods.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00266-009-9373-5Authors
Jufeng Fan, Capital Medical University Plastic Surgery Department, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital #8 Baijiazhuang Road, Chao Yang District Beijing 100020 China
