Liposuction Overview - Suction Lipectomy

Two of the most common types of cosmetic plastic surgery include suction-assisted lipectomy (liposuction) and rhinoplasty (nose surgery). The most common breast enhancement surgery procedures include breast augmentation with breast reduction, breast implants, breast enlargement and breast lift. Some of the other commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures include rhytidectomy (facelift or face lift), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery).

Liposuction, otherwise referred to as suction lipectomy, liposculpture or lipoplasty, is the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedure in the United States. A liposuction procedure involves the suction-assisted removal of fat. Patients undergoing liposuction have fat deposits removed from under the skin to improve the overall appearance of the body.

The accumulation of fat deposits under the skin is common in everyone, typically affecting the appearance of the arms, neck, thighs and abdomen. Such an accumulation typically causes the appearance of a bulge or flab. Liposuction is used as a means of removing such fat deposits when they are specifically localized in order to improve body contour/shape.

Although the amount of fat removed depends entirely on the patient, the procedure typically involves the removal of less than 10 pounds of fat. The removal of too much fat could have serious ramifications for the patient's health. "Over suctioning" can result in such commonalities as the appearance of lumps in the skin or dents that are demonstrative of a poor liposuction procedure.

Candidates for Liposuction

As with most types of plastic surgery, liposuction is not a procedure designed for everybody. Plastic surgeons make a point of emphasizing that liposuction should not be used as an alternative to dieting or exercise. Liposuction should be used as a means of enhancing the body rather than a means of change. People who are morbidly obese run the risk of postoperative complications. The best candidates for liposuction are those who are over 18 years of age, in good general health and have previously dieted and exercised in an attempt to lose weight.

People suffering from diabetes, an infection or any type of heart/circulation issue are typically ineligible for liposuction as they are at risk of serious complication.

Liposuction patients must have realistic expectations with regards to their procedure, understanding the fact that liposuction is not designed to serve as a "quick fix." Plastic surgeons typically offer free consultations during which they can determine whether or not a given patient is a good candidate for liposuction. During such a consultation, patient and doctor can also discuss realistic goals and expectations with regards to the procedure. Oftentimes, liposuction in and of itself does not produce the desired appearance because the skin is often too loose to tighten and fit the new body shape. As such, liposuction is often used in conjunction with a tummy tuck.

Common Plastic Surgery Procedures

Liposuction is a commonly performed type of plastic surgery. Some of the other common types of plastic surgery procedures include: rhinoplasty (nose surgery), facelift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and breast augmentation. To get information about these common procedures and more, consult an informational guide like the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery.

This webpage describes the plastic surgery procedure called liposuction, who are the best candidates and how to find a liposuction surgeon.

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