What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure to eliminate fat in treated area(s) by connecting a suctioning machine to a hollow tube (called a cannula) after inserting sterile salt water into the areas to be treated via tiny incisions. Liposuction also goes by other names, including lipoplasty, liposculpture, lipectomy or just lipo, as well as brand names like SmartLipo.

How Many Types of Liposuction Are There?

1. The original and most common liposuction technique is called tumescent liposuction. The name comes from the fluid used, called tumescent fluid. This liquid is sterile saline (salt water) combined with Lidocaine and adrenaline, medications that minimize bleeding and provide anesthesia to the area both during and for several hours after the procedure.
2. UAL liposuction, which stands for Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction, uses ultrasonic waves to liquefy the fat, making it easier to remove. Vaser LipoSelection is a brand name for this type of liposuction.
3. Laser Liposuction uses laser energy (i.e., heat waves) to liquefy the fat, so it’s easier to remove. Two examples are SmartLipo® or Triplex.
   There are several nonsurgical treatments for targeted fat reduction, such as CoolSculpting and Zerona. They don’t remove as much fat as the methods above and, hence, require several treatments, after which fat dissipates over time, rather than immediately. They are not technically liposuction, but they can decrease fat to a lesser or greater degree.

What Areas of My Body Can Be Treated with Liposuction?

Liposuction can be performed almost anywhere on the body. The most popular locations are the belly, buttocks, back, inner and outer thighs, and upper arms. It’s a popular treatment for double chin in patients who do not need or want a facelift.

It’s wise to understand that there are some limitations to liposuction that people often don’t think about. The biggest one is skin quality. If you have supple, elastic skin in the area to be treated, once the fat is removed, your skin is likely to “bounce back” and shrink to the new shape. However, if you have aging skin or lots of loose skin following weight loss, you may be better off to have a procedure that eliminates some skin along with the fat, such as a tummy tuck, brachioplasty (arm lift) and the like. We’ll review all these factors during your liposuction consultation at one of my three convenient Dayton-area cosmetic surgery offices.

What Are Some Benefits of Liposuction?

• The immediate benefit is the loss of fat that won’t go away with diet and exercise. Truth is, your fat storage is based on your genes—you’ll store fat where your parents store(d) it. That’s what makes fat in those areas particularly tough to get rid of—your body is programmed to keep it!
• Fat cells removed by liposuction are gone forever. They don’t grow back.
• Your body can be dramatically sculpted with liposuction.
• My laser lipo method also tightens skin!
• Lipo can eliminate “man boobs”, ie, fatty male breast tissue.
• It’s a side effect, but most of my Dayton liposuction patients are so happy with their results that they’re committed to staying fit to avoid gaining weight after their procedure!

How Much Fat Can Be Removed with Liposuction?

While liposuction isn’t a weight loss method, in one procedure, I can remove approximately 4 liters of fat. That translates to about 8 lbs. Keep in mind, however, that those already within a normal body weight gain the most satisfactory results.

How Happy Are Patients Following Liposuction?

While there are studies that show a high satisfaction rate with liposuction, I can tell you from personal experience that my Dayton liposuction patients are often ecstatic with their results. After years of fighting against those areas of stubborn fat, it’s gone! Clothes fit better, the patients’ figures are more balanced and, as a result their self-confidence surges. It’s one of the most satisfactory procedures that I do!