INTRODUCTION
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, is the process of removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. The most common treatment areas include the upper thigh area known as 'saddle bags', the abdomen, the flanks and love handles. Other treatment areas include facial accumulations of fat, double chins, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, arms and ankles. For men, liposuction can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged breasts). While no method of liposuction is a substitute for good nutrition and physical exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that won't respond to traditional weight loss methods.

Did you know?
According to statistics published by the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS), liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. In 1998, 172,079 liposuction procedures were performed, a 57% increase since 1996 and a 264% increase since 1992.

How does liposuction work?
Liposuction is performed by using a hand-held instrument (called a cannula) to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. By pushing and pulling the cannula, the fat cells are broken up and then sucked out with a vacuum or syringe and deposited into bags, bottles or other containers. While fat is removed by suctioning fat through small tunnels, the skin remains connected to the underlying muscles. This helps preserve the nerves and blood vessels supplying the skin and also helps to decrease the laxity of the skin. The surgeon is also careful to leave a thin blanket of fat attached to the skin to prevent the cannula from getting too close to the skin and causing excessive rippling or other irregularities.

Did you know?
Liposuction was invented in 1974 by an Italian gynecologist named Dr. Giorgio Fischer.

Actual Patient

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