Popular Questions about Liposuction

Are you thinking about getting liposuction? Check out these commonly asked patient questions to learn more about the procedure. (more…)

Is Liposuction Good for the Heart?

A recent study suggests that liposuction surgery may be good for the heart; according to a study conducted by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, three months after undergoing the procedure, liposuction patients’ triglyceride levels decreased by an average of 43 percent. This is twice the reduction that is experienced in patients taking cholesterol-lowering medication. (more…)

Types of Liposuction

There have been many articles in the news in the past few years about new types of liposuction or fat removal treatments that have been developed to help patients lose weight. The number of fat removal treatments that are on the market can make it difficult for patients to decide which procedure is right for them. Here is an overview of the different types of liposuction that are available in the United States.

Tumescent Liposuction

The tumescent technique involves the use of a solution that is injected into the treatment area. The injections contain local anesthesia (to numb the area and cause the fatty tissue to swell up) and epinephrine (to constrict the blood vessels and result in less blood loss).

Ultrasonic Liposuction

The second stage of the liposuction procedure involves the removal of fat with a cannula. The cannula suctions excess fat out of the body. Medical device manufacturers have designed specialized cannulas that make it easier for surgeons to vacuum fat out of the body. In the ultrasonic technique, the cannula emits sound waves into the body to break up fat and make it easier to suck out of the body. LipoSelection is an ultrasonic liposuction system that is commonly used by U.S. plastic surgeons.

Power Assisted Liposuction

The power-assisted cannula has a vibrating tip that is designed to loosen fat cells and make them easier to remove.

Laser Liposuction

In laser liposuction surgery, the tip of the cannula emits laser energy to break up fat cells during the procedure. Laser liposuction systems are marketed under the names Smartlipo, SlimLipo, and CoolLipo.

Does Liposuction Treat Cellulite and Stretch Marks?

Many potential plastic surgery patients have unrealistic expectation about what certain procedures can correct and what it can’t.

Many patients, for example, think that liposuction is a miracle procedure that will not just remove unwanted fat from the body, but also reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. While liposuction is an effective fat removal treatment, it does not treat other body flaws.

Does Liposuction Treat Cellulite?

Liposuction does not reduce the appearance of cellulite. In fact, liposuction surgery could actually make cellulite look worse; once excess fat is removed, doctors have no way of telling if the patients skin will contract in the weeks following treatment. Younger patients typically have better skin tone that will shrink back after surgery. Those that have lost skin elasticity may notice excess skin in the abdominal area after surgery. Patients that have sagging skin in the abdominal area after liposuction may want to consider undergoing tummy tuck surgery or laser skin tightening.

Does Liposuction Treat Stretch Marks?

Liposuction is designed to removed excess fat from the body, not reduce the appearance of scars. Patients that are searching for a stretch mark removal treatment may want to consider microdermabrasion or laser stretch mark removal.

ASAPS Releases 2009 Plastic Surgery Statistics

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has released its annual report on the number of plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States in 2009.

Not surprisingly, the number of plastic surgery procedures performed last year has decreased. Still, the widespread popularity of cosmetic surgery and non-invasive aesthetic procedures is evident as millions of patients did undergo treatment despite the poor economy.

Plastic Surgery Statistics in the Past 12 Years

1997: 2,099,173
1998: 2,772,924
1999: 4,606,954
2000: 5,741,154
2001: 8,470,363
2002: 6,889,531
2003: 8,251,994
2004: 11,855,013
2005: 11,428,750
2006: 11,456,768
2007: 11,701,031
2008: 10,258,557
2009: 9,993,771

The ASAPS report also includes general information about the patient, such as the gender of the person that underwent surgery.

Most Popular Procedures for Women

Breast augmentation: 311,957
Liposuction: 243,217
Eyelid surgery: 124, 939
Abdominoplasty: 123,041
Breast reduction: 113,511

Most Popular Procedures for Men

Liposuction: 40,519
Rhinoplasty: 32,661
Eyelid surgery: 25,004
Gynecomastia: 16,801
Hair transplantation: 13,064

For more plastic surgery statistics, visit the ASAPS website.

The Age of Plastic Surgery Patients

People of almost all ages undergo cosmetic surgery – from the child that undergoes otoplasty or cleft chin repair, to the teenager that gets rhinoplasty, to the adult that undergoes eyelid surgery. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons collects plastic surgery data from surgeons throughout the United States and has provided the age distribution of plastic surgery patients in 2008.

13-19 years: 5% (81,885 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:

1. Rhinoplasty
2. Breast reduction in men
3. Breast augmentation

20-29 years: 16% (271,142 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:

1. Breast augmentation
2. Rhinoplasty
3. Liposuction

30-39 years: 23% (390,967 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:

1. Breast augmentation
2. Liposuction
3. Rhinoplasty

40-54 years: 33% (553,242 procedures)
Three most popular procedures:

1. Liposuction
2. Eyelid surgery
3. Breast augmentation

55+ years: 22% (371,790)
Three most popular procedures:

1. Eyelid surgery
2. Facelift
3. Dermabrasion

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in four out five of the age groups included in the study, while rhinoplasty and liposuction are popular in three out of five categories.

How to Know If You Are a Good Candidate for Plastic Surgery

While the requirements for plastic surgery can vary depending on the type of procedure patients undergo, there is a general list of criteria patients must meet. In most cases, good candidates for plastic surgery include those who are:

In Good Health
Most plastic surgeons will not perform plastic surgery on patients who suffer from certain health conditions. Be sure to discuss your complete medical history with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation. You may also need to get clearance from your primary care physician prior to undergoing plastic surgery.

Have Realistic Expectations
It is important that patients have realistic expectations when they undergo plastic surgery. Plastic surgery procedures are designed to correct specific flaws. For example, when patients undergo liposuction, they can expect to lose up to 10 pounds of fat in the target area; they should not expect to see a reduction in cellulite or stretch marks.

At Least 18 Years of Age
Patients do not have to meet this requirement for certain procedures. Children and teens can safely undergo certain cosmetic procedures such as otoplasty and rhinoplasty.

Not Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you are considering undergoing plastic surgery or non-invasive cosmetic treatments, you will need to wait until you are no longer pregnant and breastfeeding.