Liposuction Safety: Part I in the Liposuction Series

While Americans idealize thin and fit bodies, we tend to spend our money on cars (rather than running shoes), televisions (rather than tennis racquets), and fast food (rather than fruit).  The result is that we gain weight, and we’re not happy about it.

    

So, what do we finally do?  We join gyms and eat sensibly.  We follow strict diets.  The pounds come off.  And we look (and feel) great.

    

However, there are always a few areas that we just can’t slim to our satisfaction…

    

No matter how many miles I run, I just can’t get rid of “my saddlebags.”  I look just like my mom and my Aunt Amy.

- Patient E.M.

    

I do 50 sit-ups per day, but I just can’t get a thin waist.  I have a “spare tire” around my stomach, just like my dad.

- Patient S.U.

    

For focal fat deposits that are the result of our genetic heritage, I recommend liposuction…

    

Liposuction is performed by inserting a small hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the problem area. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch long and are placed inconspicuously within the skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a suction unit.  As I guide it around your torse, it literally vacuums fat away!  The end result is a slimmer contour and a firmer-looking body.

    

Despite its conceptual simplicity, liposuction is probably the most misunderstood operation in plastic surgery.  Some common myths…

    

·         Liposuction is dangerous.

No more so than most other surgeries!  Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States, and is rarely associated with major complications. I have never had a major problem with liposuction.  But all surgeries do carry risks, and, unfortunately, there is always going to be somebody who will be the “1 in 10,000” who suffers a severe complication after a minor procedure.  However, the risk profile of liposuction is more favorable than for most other common surgeries, such as C-sections, gall bladder removals, knee replacements, appendectomies, or tonsillectomies.

                                    

·         Liposuction can help me to lose the weight.

Yes, but only a little—at most 5-10 pounds.  Liposuction is generally not considered a substitute for dieting and exercise.  Liposuction’s role is to remove stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to traditional weight loss methods.  That “waddle” in your neck, the “paunch” below your bellybutton, and the “saddlebags” at your hips really don’t weigh that much.  Sorry!

    

·         Just about everybody is a good candidate for liposuction.

Unfortunately, no.  Best results are in normal-weight patients with elastic skin and toned muscles.  While age is not a major consideration, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.  I can give you an honest assessment.

    

·         Liposuction can cure stretch marks and cellulite.

Actually just the opposite; liposuction tends to make stretch marks and cellulite worse.  Moreover, despite many claims, the current crop of lasers, creams, and peels don’t appear to be up to the job either.  I am still searching for the cure for stretch marks and cellulite.  I promise to keep you informed on this blog.

                        

·         There is no need for liposuction anymore.  With Lipodissolve, a doctor can just dissolve away the fat with a few injections of a fat remover.  Surgery is out-dated.

Unfortunately, no.  I have tried many of the new Lipodissolve and Lipozap-type products (known as mesotherapy), and I have been unimpressed.  Great ideas, but not effective yet.  Liposuction is still the best treatment for stubborn fat deposits, and the newest liposuction techniques are pretty neat….

    

...including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty and the tumescent technique.

    

Next week, I'll update you on the newest liposuction technologies....