Liposuction is the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Invented in the late 1970's, it was introduced in 1982 to the United States, where it is now performed on more than 400,000 people annually..

Liposuction, also known as Liposculpture, is the most commonly performed plastic surgery in the United States – where more than 400,000 men and women annually undergo this procedure. A cosmetic surgery that contours and sculpts your body into a slimmer profile, Liposuction removes unwanted and excess fat. By reducing total body fat, it can help to lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Liposuction is also known as "lipoplasty" or "suction-assisted lipectomy." All of these refer to the removal of unwanted lumps, bulges, and areas of fat using a thin suction metal tube or a "cannula." This instrument is inserted into subcutaneous body fat through small incisions. A strong vacuum is then applied through a hose attached to the cannula, which draws fat from under the skin.

Liposuction Candidates

Three categories of men and women seek Liposuction to achieve their ideal appearance, after trying unsuccessfully to do so through diet and exercise.

The first category of patients includes those who wish to reduce their size, including women who have gained weight due to pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations or medications. This category also includes men and women who undergo Large Volume Liposuction. Normally, Liposuction involves the removal of about two litres of fat, about the size of a "Coke" bottle. During Large Volume Liposuction, however, five or more litres of fat are removed – resulting in a dramatic reduction in size.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This method was first used in the 1990’s, and was considered an advance in treating especially fibrous areas, such as the male chests, back, and flanks. It uses cannulas that bombard subcutaneous fatty tissues with waves of ultrasound, thereby liquefying them through ultrasound energy and heat. An external method also delivers this energy by applying a paddle-shaped instrument to the skin. The higher general complication rate of this technique as compared to other conventional techniques has recently drawn surgeons away from this fad. Specifically, ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty (UAL) carries an increased risk of skin and tissue burns, permanent tissue damage and scarring, nerve damage causing lasting skin irritation or pain, and fluid buildup or formation of seroma – cavities of fluid beneath the skin.

What is Large Volume Liposuction?

The news stories about musicians, new anchors and other celebrities who have undergone this procedure are frequent. Yet, only twenty years ago, the mere mention of gastric bypass would have elicited a declaration of "that would be malpractice!" In much the same way, our assessments about the safety of Large Volume Liposuction are progressing.

Just as the safety of gastric bypass surgery was once questioned, so is the acceptability of Large Volume Liposuction. However, in the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who takes all of the usual precautions that are observed during any major surgery, a patient can successfully and safely have large amounts of fat removed.

Does Liposuction Remove Stretch Marks?

No. In fact, the stretch marks can possibly become more noticeable after liposuction. Stretch marks are caused by excessive stretching, breakdown, and separation of the deep layer of skin, which is indicative of poor skin elasticity. Therefore, areas that have many stretch marks will not have the smoothest and tightest look after liposuction.

If you are considering Large Volume Liposuction, you should seek a plastic surgeon who has very extensive experience in performing this procedure in an optimal surgical facility. A minority of qualified plastic surgeons specializes in this.

During your consultation, Dr. Younai will review your treatment options for body contouring and Liposuction, including pros and cons, potential risks and complications, recovery course, pre and post operative instructions, and esthetic outcomes. There are also many before-and-after pictures, high resolution images of Liposuction available in our photo gallery.