Liposuction

Overview of Liposuction

Liposuction has recently become one of the most sought after plastic surgery procedures. It effectively removes fat that cannot be lost by diet or exercise. In addition, the fat cells that are removed are gone forever. Most people have at least some areas of fat on their bodies that just will not to go away no matter how hard they diet and exercise. This is a common complaint. The fact is, both men and women have characteristic fat areas that do not seem to go away. In men, these areas tend to be around the abdomen and the love handles. In women, fat accumulation tends to occur on the hips, flanks, thighs, and, to a lesser extent, the abdomen. These are the areas where liposuction works best.

Even though liposuction removes fat, it is best performed on people who are not markedly overweight. The ideal candidates are the people who are within 30 to 40 pounds of their ideal body weight and have localized areas of fat. Liposuction can be, and often is, used to treat multiple areas. It is not uncommon to do the abdomen, hips, flanks, and thighs all at one time.

Liposuction works best on people who have skin that is healthy and able to contract when the fat is removed. People who have poor skin, which usually includes the elderly, or have a lot of fat to be removed from one area will not receive an outstanding result. They will certainly benefit, but because their skin is incapable of contracting exactly where it should, it may not resume the ideal contour of the body. In these cases, it is sometimes necessary for some skin to be removed. This is often the case when there is a significant amount of loose skin within the abdomen. Often, liposuction alone is inadequate and an abdominoplasty might be necessary.

Other areas that can benefit from liposuction include the arms, breasts, calves, knees, and area under the chin. These areas, however, do not respond quite as well as those mentioned above. Liposuction, especially ultrasonic liposuction, may help cellulite somewhat, but do not expect dramatic improvements as cellulite remains a difficult problem to treat.

Liposuction is performed by first infiltrating the fat to be removed with a special fluid. Then, a small suction cannula is inserted through tiny incisions to remove the fat.

Dr. Cruise has extensive experience with liposuction and body contouring. Safety is the number one concern. This is why he limits the amount of fat to be removed to 5000 cc, which is the guideline recommended by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If more fat needs to be removed, it can be done more safely as a second procedure. Removing greater volume subjects the patient to risks that can not be justified for a cosmetic procedure.

Many people wonder if the fat that is removed during liposuction will return. The answer to this is no. Fat that is removed is gone forever. The reason is that after adolescence humans lose the ability to make new fat cells. Obviously, the fat cells that remain after liposuction can significantly expand. Fat removal from liposuction is a permanent solution to only the areas operated on. There is a problem, however, when a person who has had liposuction in one area gains a significant amount of weight. This additional weight accumulates in the areas other than where liposuction was performed. This can create contour irregularities. This can be corrected by either weight reduction or liposuction in those areas that have gained fat.

Liposuction: Defined

With so many different liposuction techniques available today, it can be difficult to tell which techniques are worth it and what is hype. To help answer some of your most popular questions, we've included a breakdown of the 4 most popular liposuction techniques.

1. Power Assisted Liposuction ~ (PAL)

Iis performed using a special canella which produces rapid, small vibrations to break up fat cells so they can be suctioned out of the body. This method is used in combination with tumescent liposuction to remove unwanted fat cells. Some surgeons prefer this method over traditional tumescent liposuction because the power assisted canella it is easier to operate. However, the size of the incision is primarily dependent upon the size of the canella used during the procedure; and although PAL is easier for some surgeons, other surgeons experience a lack of actual control using the technique.

2. Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction ~ (UAL)

is any modified liposuction technique that delivers ultrasonic energy to subcutaneous fat in an effort to remove it. The concept of UAL is initially appealing. A piezoelectric crystal converts electric energy to rapid (ultrasonic) vibrations and heat that are transmitted to a small metal rod or paddle to injure living tissue. Ultrasonic energy then delivers a combination of vibratory mechanical energy and thermal energy to subcutaneous fat. There are two types of UAL: Internal UAL and external UAL. Internal UAL delivers ultrasonic energy directly to subcutaneous fat using a metal rod or canella which is inserted into the skin.

External UAL delivers ultrasonic energy to subcutaneous fat by means of applying a paddle-shaped instrument directly to the overlying skin. Both forms of UAL have become increasingly less popular because surgeons are aware of the increased risks and complications associated with UAL. These complications include dermal necrosis (skin death) of immediate and surrounding areas, peripheral nerve damage, seromas, and blisters. Because of these serious side effects, most experienced liposuction surgeons have concluded UAL is less safe than Tumescent Liposuction.

3. Tumescent Liposuction ~ (Wet Liposuction)

Tumescent liposuction, sometimes called the "wet" or "super-wet" liposuction, involves infusing the area to be treated with sterile saline to help remove fat cells and distinguish them from overlying soft tissue and underlying muscle and organs. Tumescent liposuction utilizes large volumes of natural saline, containing a local anesthetic (lidocaine), and adrenaline (epinephrine), which is dispersed into the fatty tissue making fat cells easier to remove with a very fine canella. Tumescent Liposuction has the lowest rate of complications documented in medical literature and the greatest patient satisfaction. This type of liposuction is the safest and most precise technique in the field of liposuction, because of the use of fine instruments and localized tumescent anesthetic. Additionally, surgeons using this method are able to exercise a high amount of control over the final results.

4. Laser Assisted Liposuction ~ (SmartLipo™)

"The "SmartLipo™ is the newest technique promising a non-invasive way to permanently remove fat. Laser energy is administered in conjunction with a small canella to break up and dissolves fatty tissue beneath the skin. For the right candidate, smart liposuction can work. However, because the technique is effectively able to remove only about 4-8 ounces of fat, it is ideal for minor touchups only or smaller areas of fat pockets. Smart liposuction cannot effectively replace more traditional forms of liposuction.

Remember, as with any procedure your results are only as good as the hand operating the instrument. When choosing a liposuction procedure, consider the amount of fat you would like to be removed and the qualifications of the surgeon performing the procedure. In many cases, cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and other doctors from a variety of specialties are able to perform plastic surgery procedures. It is important to do your homework. Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in the procedure of choice will increase your chances of having a predictable, positive experience and an optimal outcome.

Liposuction / Cosmetic Surgery Information Resource for Southern California including Newport Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Beverly Hills.