Plastic Surgery Articles

Liposuction- One of the most common types of plastic surgeries is liposuction. Liposuction isn't just for females, as Best Plastic Surgery 101 is seeing an increase of men having liposuction performed on them. Read this liposuction review for more info.

Also called suction-assisted lipectomy or lipoplasty, liposuction (pronounced LIP oh suhk shun) is a form of cosmetic surgery. This article provides an overview of liposuction, including liposuction basics and the pros and cons of liposuction.

Lipsuction Basics

The goal of liposuction is to take fat deposits from under the skin and remove them. Liposuction can have the results of reducing the size of the area from which the fatty deposits are removed, providing a different contour to the body and eliminating some areas that the patient may have been unable to change using an approach of diet and/or exercise. Liposuction is best used in areas in which the skin is elastic and will respond well.

Lipsuction is used on many different areas of the body. On the lower torso, it may be used on the stomach and love handles on the front and saddlebags, hips, and buttocks on the sides and rear. On the upper torso, it may be used on the breasts and back. On the extremities, it may be used on ankles, calves, thighs, and arms. It may also be used on the neck. When considering liposuction, one should make sure to consult only a board-certified plastic surgeon and in a licensed facility.

There are different methods of liposuction. For example, the fat cells may be broken down using either an ultrasonic generator or a laser. A pump or a motor may be used to help aspirate the fat. In any case, it is important to understand that liposuction removes fat, not cellulite.

Liposuction Pros

People who have worked hard to maintain their appearance and generally achieved good results except in one or more problem areas may be very pleased to have a way to manage this aspect of their appearance. Unlike some other procedures, liposuction is often performed as an outpatient procedure, and recovery is generally speedy. With proper diet and exercise, weight gain after the procedure is not likely to accumulate in the area in which the liposuction treatment was applied.

Liposuction Cons

Because liposuction is cosmetic surgery, insurance is unlikely to cover the cost. Indentations and irregularities in the contour of the body may occur after liposuction. Smokers may not be eligible for the procedure, since smoking prevents good blood flow to the skin and can impede the healing process. People who are more that slightly overweight are also unlikely to be recommended for the procedure, nor are people with loose skin that is inelastic. Hospitalization may be recommended for those having a large volume of fat removed, and this may increase the cost a good deal. Following surgery, a compression garment may need to be worn, and about a week after surgery, it is necessary to return to the surgeon to have stitches removed. As with all surgery, liposuction carries some risks, such as infection of the surgical site, so it very important to do exactly what the doctor says to do for aftercare.