Liposuction slims and contours areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits. Liposuction can remove excess fat and improve body proportions in the: thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, upper arms, back, chest, legs, and neck. Liposuction can be performed alone or in addition to other procedures such as a tummy tuck. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss or an effective treatment for cellulite.

The ideal candidate for liposuction is within 30% of their ideal weight, healthy, a non-smoker, and is bothered by excess fat deposits that are unresponsive to diet and exercise.

The Procedure

Anesthesia can be administered locally or you can be put under general anesthesia. Your physician will go over these options with you. Liposuction is performed through small incisions. First, anesthesia is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a small hallow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions in order to loosen excess fat with a controlled back and forth motion. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out using a surgical vacuum attached to the cannula.

Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction

With ultrasound-assisted liposuction (also known as VASERlipo), a special cannula that gives off ultrasound energy liquefies the fat cells and suctions them out. This process is designed to be minimally invasive and highly effective.

Smart Lipo

Smart Lipo is different from traditional liposuction because it uses laser technology to melt fat while coagulating blood in the vessels. One the major advantages is that by liquefying the fat cells, it is possible to use a much smaller cannula. Patients experience less pain and are able see results from surgery more quickly.

The Results

Results may be initially obscured by swelling and fluid retention. In order to have long lasting results, you must maintain a stable weight. It is natural to lose firmness as your body ages but most of your new body contour should be permanent. In order to achieve optimal results, a second procedure may be necessary in some cases.