Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

Exercise and diet can help make you healthy, as well as help you look lean and muscular. For some of us, however, it does not always remove those stubborn localized fat deposits (LFD's). Every individual's fat distribution and body shape is genetically determined. What this means is that often no amount of diet and exercise will remove our stubborn fat deposits. Even if you are at an adequate body weight, you can still possess areas of excess fat. Liposuction is a procedure that can remove fat and fat cells, thus sculpting our bodies and doing what diet and exercise alone could not. Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States today. However, even though liposuction is designed to remove fat, it is not a weight loss technique and does not replace or serve as a substitute for good diet and exercise.

Lipoplasty, commonly known as liposuction, is a common surgical procedure that removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face or neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips, thighs, flatten the tummy, shape the calves and ankles or eliminate a double chin.

You are a good candidate for Liposuction if you have:

• Normal, stable weight and you mainly want to improve your body shape and contours.
• Fat deposits that are "trouble areas", where exercise and diet seem not to have any effect.
• Good elasticity in your skin, so when the fat is removed, you will achieve a smooth appearance (if skin elasticity is an issue Dr. Jones can discuss other options of slimming the troubled areas, such as tummy tucks, thigh lifts, and arm lifts).

The areas that liposuction can have the greatest effect on are the abdomen and waist area, the arms, back chin, neck, hips, buttocks, thighs, ankles, calves, and inner knees.

Patients of any age (at least age 18) can undergo the procedure, but those who have greater skin elasticity will achieve the smoothest end result.

During your liposuction procedure, one or more incisions are made near the area to be treated. When possible, the incisions are made within the fold or natural creases in your skin. Dr. Jones will then insert a small hollow tube called a cannula through the incision where he will then penetrate the underlying fat.  The cannula is connected to a flexible tubing and suction pump. Dr. Jones then moves the cannula back and forth thought the fat, vacuuming the fat out through the tube.

The Procedure is very common with thousands of patients undergoing the procedure each year with no major complications. However the possibility of risk occurring is always associated with surgery. In rare cases the liposuction procedure has caused severe trauma, particularly when multiple or very extensive areas are suctioned at one time, such as fluid or blood loss requiring a blood transfusion. Other possible complications include fluid accumulation and injury to the skin. Sometimes asymmetry or unevenness may require further treatment.

There are various fat removal techniques available. There is the tumescent technique, which is the most popular method, in which the fat is pre-injected with a solution of salt water, local anesthetic and small amounts of adrenaline. Another type of procedure is the Ultrasound assisted Lipoplasty, UAL. This is a two-step procedure that uses ultra sound waves for energy, and liquefies the fat, which is then suctioned out. There are more techniques available, during your consultation, be sure to ask Dr. Jones for more information about the various fat removal techniques.

Liposuction is done under general anesthesia and the length can vary depending on the amount of fat being removed.  Following surgery, detailed instructions will be given to you as to your postoperative care and activity. It is important for you to follow these instructions in order to minimize any complications and to help achieve your best results. You will have a type of compression garment that is to be worn for three to six weeks to help control swelling and fluid collection.  Dr. Jones will also advise you as to when you can return to your normal activities. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days to one week, and more strenuous activities in about three weeks following surgery.