With the aging process, our metabolism changes dramatically. If a regimented exercise and healthy lifestyle is not followed, we acquire fat in unwanted places. Also called lipoplasty, liposuction removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body including the face, neck, arms, back, abdominal wall, and thighs through small incisions. It can remove a double chin, slim the tummy, hips and thighs, as well as shape the arms, calves and ankles. Some plastic surgeons sculpt the fat beneath the skin to achieve a more aesthetic result. Some sculpt a "six-pack" in the male abdominal wall corresponding to the inscriptions of the abdominal muscles.

In females, surgeons sculpt an oval "donut" around the umbilicus (belly button), and creates a subtle depression at the midline of the abdomen to develop a more youthful abdomen. To sculpt the body versus simply removing fat is the new challenge of liposuction.

Other technical novelties which plastic surgeons utilize include ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) and power-assisted liposuction. These new liposuction instruments make the surgical removal of fat much more efficient. With great attention to detail and new techniques, achieving a beautiful body through liposculpture has become an achievable goal.

The procedure is performed by first injecting a special fluid containing anesthetic medication into the fatty tissue. A special tumescent fluid is injected into the areas to be aspirated in order to plump-up the fat while constricting the blood vessels. The fat is thereby removed more effectively with minimal blood loss. Small 1/8 to 1/4 inch incisions are made in hidden areas to introduce the liposuction cannulae (a metal instrument with a hole at the core used to aspirate fat).

The power-assisted liposuction device is then utilized to aspirate and sculpt your fat in a calculated manner. The fat is not simply suctioned out with a large diameter cannulae, instead it is sculpted with a fine diameter cannulae for increased control. Large portions of fat are never suctioned out in one maneuver. During liposculpture procedures, the fat is removed in small morsels in order to develop a beautiful shape to your body instead of just making your body smaller. The small incisions are closed at the end of the procedure to avoid unnecessary drainage of fluids out of your body. After the procedure a pressure garment is applied to decrease swelling.

After your liposculpture procedure, you should expect to be sleepy but comfortable. The day of your surgery, you should drink plenty of fluids, but limit any solid food as it may give you an upset stomach.

The day following your procedure, your plastic surgeon will encourage you to walk around your house with assistance. Do not shower or bathe for 2 days after your procedure. Sponge baths of other areas are allowed as long as your incisions remain clean and dry. You can advance your diet to regular food. If you notice you become uncomfortable after eating solid food, slow down and advance your diet more gently. You may want to begin with soft foods such as cereal and soft fruits before you try steak or chicken.

During the first week after surgery, you should walk increasingly more every day. Do not lie in bed for prolonged periods as it may cause you to develop blood clots in your legs, an easily preventable but serious complication. Your sutures will be removed during this week.

Continue to wear your pressure garment for the first 6-8 weeks. Massages during this time will held reabsorb any swelling, while improving any skin irregularities which may result. We will be glad to give you further instructions as you need, and look forward to making your recovery a comfortable and speedy one.