Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes unwanted body fat. It’s most usually performed on areas where fat tends to congregate, such as the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. When diet and exercise fail to have the desired fat-loss effect, liposuction can prove very effective in achieving the body shape you desire.

How does liposuction work? The basics

The art of liposuction removes stubborn pockets of body fat by a surgical procedure. There are different methods of doing this, including:

  • Tumescent liposuction: The most commonly performed procedure, this involves the injection of a solution of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine into the area of fat to be removed. A thin tube is then inserted and the fat is suctioned out.
  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: As the name suggests, ultrasound (sound waves) are used to breakdown the fat. It’s then suctioned out.
  • Laser-assisted liposuction: A laser is used to liquefy the fat, which is then suctioned out. This is sometimes called SmartLipo.
Who can perform liposuction?

Liposuction should only be carried out by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. You should ensure you carry out due diligence before you decide on your chosen clinician. Meet with them, explain your requirements and expectations, ask about their experience and how many procedures they’ve performed, check out previous patient satisfaction rates and reviews, and, very importantly, ask about complications and how these would be addressed.

What does liposuction involve?

The procedure is usually carried out under general anesthetic. This means you’ll be put to sleep during the process. On occasion, liposuction on the lower limbs might be performed with an epidural, so you would be awake but feel nothing.

The areas to be treated will be marked to allow the surgeon to define the required aims of the treatment. The actual surgery involves the following:

  • Injecting the area with a solution containing anesthetic and other medicines. This reduces postoperative swelling, bruising, and blood loss.
  • Breaking up the fat cells using a high-pressure water jet, laser pulses, or high-frequency vibrations.
  • Inserting a suction tube through a small incision (or incisions) in the skin.
  • Attaching the tube to a vacuum and sucking out the liquefied fat.
  • Draining any excess blood and fluid, removal of the tube, stitching up the incision/s and applying dressings.

Depending on the extent of the surgery, an overnight stay might be necessary. Procedures take anything between one to three hours. Sometimes they’re carried out in conjunction with other forms of plastic surgery.

Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, including:

  • The buttocks
  • Abdomen (belly)
  • Waist and flanks – the area often referred to as “love handles”
  • Hips
  • Upper arms
  • Thighs
  • The back
  • The chest
  • Lower legs
  • The face and/or neck

The best results for liposuction are usually seen in those whose weight is within a normal range, but, despite healthy eating and exercise, still have areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond to their efforts.

As long as you continue to maintain a healthy weight, the positive results of liposuction are usually permanent.

Palmer Cosmetic Surgery: The ultimate search result for “liposuction near me”

Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Palmer Cosmetic Surgery isn’t only the go-to clinic for those living in the Sunshine State – patients travel from across the nation to avail themselves of Dr. Palmer’s expertise. A dedicated professional, this skilled clinician carries out bespoke liposuction techniques that allow his clients to achieve the enhanced body shape they desire.