What is Liposuction

The terms "liposuction", "lipoplasty" and "body sculpture" are synonyms. Liposuction is also known as "liposculpture", "suction assisted lipolysis," or "fat suctioning"

Liposuction is a surgical technique which was devised to remove fat collections from different parts of the body. Initially, the technique was a complimentary treatment when diet and exercise failed to remove the fat pockets. Today, many cosmetic surgeons often perform liposuction as the preferred treatment of choice for fat removal.

Liposuction is a surgical technique which involves the removal of fat using a small hollow stainless steel tube. The tube (cannula) is connected to a suction pump. The stainless steel tube is then placed in the fatty tissue and moved back and forth and the suction is turned on. Only a very small skin incision is made to allow for the introduction of the cannula. The suction of fat is done in a controlled fashion using experience and skill to suction the fat. Following the removal of the cannula, the tunnels created by the tube collapse and disappear.

During the past two decades, liposuction, which is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction lipectomy," has undergone numerous advances and improvements. Liposuction was initially performed by placing a tube (Cannula) into the fat pockets and sucking out the contents. This form of dry liposuction is very rarely performed today.

The present day techniques for liposuction include

- ultrasound guided liposuction

- wet liposuction

- super wet (tumescent) liposuction

- laser assisted liposuction

Although liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, the technique can remove fat pockets from stubborn areas of the body which have failed to respond to dieting and exercise.

The results of liposuction are immediate.

Liposuction can be performed on:

- abdomen

- back

- chest

- thighs

- upper arms

- hips

- knees

- below the chin

- love handles

Liposuction can also be used to treat medical disorders that are associated with fat accumulation in

- male breast

- fatty tumors

Liposuction is not meant to decrease the body size, but helps shape the body contours and remove the bulges of fat. Liposuction can sculpt the body when exercise and diet have failed to remove the fat in difficult parts of the body

Under most circumstances, liposuction is an outpatient procedure with a rapid recovery period. The majority of individuals are able to return to work within a few days and resume their normal daily activities within 2-3 weeks. The bruising, pain, and swelling usually resolve within a few days and are not noticeable.

The outcome after liposuction is determined by the amount of fat removed and the area of removal. Liposuction is not a permanent solution to removal of fat. If exercise and dieting are not controlled, repeated liposuction will be required in future