Liposuction was the number one surgical cosmetic procedure performed in the United States in 2011, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Considering the appeal of the procedure to both men and women, and its versatility in removing fat deposits in practically any area of the body, I’m not surprised.
Many patients who seek lipoplasty are quite fit and well within their normal weight range, but they have stubborn fat clinging to their bodies that is often the result of genetics. Lipo is frequently used to contour the stomach, back, buttocks, hips, and thighs: it can also used to address areas around the calves, ankles, arms, chin, and neck. Breast reduction—for both men and women—can also be achieved through lipoplasty. In short, liposuction options are available for anyone interested in addressing what exercise and weight reduction can’t quite reach. It offers a solution for those persistent spots that just won’t respond to any other approach.
Liposuction is also used in conjunction with other surgical procedures, such as a tummy tuck or a facelift. In this application, it is an additional tool to refine the effects of the surgery.
Do you have concerns that liposuction might address? If so, let’s talk about them. I use the VASER liposuction system as I think it offers a better result. It uses advanced ultrasound technology to break down and liquefy fat while minimizing the trauma to other tissues surrounding it. This means a faster recovery for you. VASER lipo is also very precise, allowing for finer sculpting of the target area. (FYI, I am a member of the VASER National Physician Training Panel, so I am highly versed in its application.)
It’s easy to understand why so many men and women chose liposuction for body contouring procedures last year; it offers permanent fat reduction and has a relatively quick recovery time—usually just a couple of weeks before most normal activities can be resumed. The results are generally apparent within a few weeks, as some post-operative swelling is normal and gradually subsides. Lipo is appropriate for all adult age groups, although the best results are usually obtained when the skin still retains a good degree of elasticity.
Liposuction is a winning option for shaping targeted body areas, from head to toe, for women and men of any age who are looking for real—and really satisfying—results.