Liposuction was first developed in the late 1970’s to remove undesired fat deposits from all areas of the body including the face, neck, chin, breast, abdomen, hips, flanks, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees and ankles. Excess fat is removed with a small, straw-like instrument called a cannula that is attached to a suction machine. When fat is sucked out through the cannula, empty space is created under the skin. Because of this, an elastic garment is worn for a few weeks after surgery. This enables the surface tissue and skin to be compressed against the body. The usual result of liposuction is the resculpting of bulging areas of the body into more attractive contours. In the 1980’s dermatologic surgeons developed a major advancement called the “tumescent technique” for liposuction which completely revolutionized the procedure. The use of tumescent liposuction allows dermatologic surgeons to safely and effectively remove deep and superficial layers of fat from anywhere on the body under local anesthesia with relatively little discomfort, virtually no complications and improved cosmetic results. This breakthrough “tumescent technique” refers to the swelling of the skin with a specially prepared anesthetic solution, that numbs the skin and fat tissue, and enables the removal of unwanted fat efficiently, painlessly, and without general anesthesia.

When is Liposuction Indicated?
Liposuction is most effective for removing localized fat deposits in body areas that do not respond to dieting or exercising. Liposuction is not intended as a substitute for weight loss. It is a contouring and resculpting procedure. It is best utilized in conjunction with a program of exercise and optimal weight management. Liposuction also has many valuable therapeutic applications and has been used effectively to treat medical conditions such as excessive underarm sweating. It is also used to remove lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).

Are there Any Possible Complications?
The tumescent technique of liposuction is a remarkably safe procedure with few to no significant side effects. There have been different studies reporting that hundreds of patients who have undergone the tumescent procedure have had an average of two quarts of fat removed with no significant complications. Clinical studies by other specialists have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of tumescent liposuction. Our personal experience also confirms these results.

What are the Limitations of Liposuction?
Liposuction is not intended as a method of weight loss. It is used as a reshaping procedure for areas where fat deposits that are resistant to dieting and exercise have accumulated. The best results from liposuction occur in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, where skin has good elastic quality, and where fat is not overly excessive. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, superior cosmetic results may require a combination of both liposuction and surgical skin removal to tighten the excessively loose tissue.