Liposuction Information

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy or fat suction, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide. The procedure involves suctioning localised fat deposits from areas of the body such as the abdomen, buttocks, upper arms, hips, inner thighs, outer thighs, ankles, calves, knees and chest. The technique was developed by a French gynaecologist after using suction equipment for abortions.
Liposuction does not reduce cellulite, which is stored above the fat deposits that are suctioned. On the contrary, lipoplasty may even make the dimpled effect of cellulite more pronounced after surgery.

Best Candidates

Liposuction should only be used for stubborn fat deposits which are unresponsive to legitimate weight loss programs. It is not an alternative to losing fat by dieting and exercise. The best candidates for lipoplasty are young persons of good health and fitness with firm skin (to assist the overlying skin to retract) who are not obese, who have tried diet and exercise and who have disproportionate fat deposits. As liposuction focuses on fat reduction rather than skin tightening, elastic skin creates better results. If your skin is flabby due to pregnancy, ageing or weight fluctuation, then lipoplasty may leave a rippled effect on the area.

How it’s done

The incisions are very small to enable insertion of the suction tube called the
‘cannula’, which is a hollow, thin rod with holes towards the end to vacuum the fat. The other end is attached to flexible vacuum tubing through which the fat travels. The cannula is inserted under the skin and moved back and forth in a criss-cross manner. Once the fat is suctioned and measured, the surgeon checks the area for symmetry.

After surgery, the patient will need to wear a body stocking or girdle in order to reduce bruising and swelling and to assist the skin to tighten.

Common Liposuction Methods

Since its first introduction, various techniques have been devised in order to refine the liposuction procedure. Below are some common techniques:

• Tumescent Liposuction – the targeted area is injected with large volumes of very dilute local anaesthesia (lidocaine and epinephrine) causing the fat to become swollen and firm prior to suction.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty – using high frequency sound waves, this method assists in breaking up and liquefying subcutaneous fat cells prior to suction removal. This method produces smoother results with better contouring.
• Power-Assisted Lipoplasty – uses vibrations during vacuum suction in order to remove fat more easily. The vibrations may cause lumpiness.
• Vaser Ultrasound Assisted Lipoplasty – uses intermittent sound waves to liquefy fat, producing faster procedures and a more precise way of separating fat from the body. A 2008 study in the United States headed by Dr Onelio Garcia, Assistant Clinical Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery, University Of Miami School Of Medicine has found that Vaser lipoplasty causes significantly less blood loss and consequently less bruising when compared to traditional liposuction.
• Laser Assisted Lipoplasty (Smart Lipo) – currently only available in the United States, this method uses lasers to melt and liquefy the fat in addition to smoothing and tightening the skin.

Other liposuction systems have been created, however not every method is suitable for each patient. Suitable guidance will be given by your surgeon as to which system is appropriate for your individual circumstances.