Suction lipectomy, a plastic surgery technique that originated in Switzerland and France, has become one of our most commonly requested operations in the last several years. When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the procedure is safe and highly successful. It is not intended for generalized weight loss. Rather, it is a means of reducing or eliminating isolated pockets of fatty tissue which do not respond to diet and exercise.

With our increased understanding of fat metabolism, we now know heredity and hormonal influences along with lifestyle, cause these fatty tissue pockets. Each of us is born with a genetically predetermined number of fat cells. The local concentration of these cells and the extent to which they absorb and hold fat is largely hereditary. Family photographs, in fact, often demonstrate this propensity toward excessive fatty deposits in specific areas. In addition, our skin, fatty, and muscle layers change in consistency and thickness over different areas of the body. The back of the hand, for instance, has very thin skin and little fatty tissue; fat and muscle in the buttocks area are thickest. Pinching an area of your skin between your thumb and forefinger will give you a good idea of the amount of fat concentrated under the skin.

A certain amount of fat is important to our well-being. Directly under the skin is a layer known as metabolic fat which contains blood vessels and nerves that nourish the skin. This layer of fat gives skin a smooth contour while providing warmth. Between this metabolic layer and muscle tissue is storage fat. In a hibernating bear this layer can be as thick as 10 to 15 inches, whereas in other individuals it may be paper thin. It is this storage fat which collects in isolated areas such as the neck, stomach, waist, hips, thighs, and knees and proves bothersome to patients. This responds best to suction-assisted lipectomy.

Face and Leg Spider Veins

Sclerotherapy is a procedure to remove unsightly spider and varicose veins in the legs. Certain families are predisposed to this condition, particularly female relatives. Certain things make spider veins and varicose veins worse such as estrogen, pregnancy, birth control pills, tight girdles, prolonged standing or sitting and trauma. The procedure itself is relatively inexpensive and can be performed in the office. It can be performed as many times as needed.

Very small veins in the face can be treated with high technology called photoderm. This involves a single wave length of intense light instead of chemically injuring the vein as in sclerotherapy; photoderm generates heat to close down the vessel.