Despite claims to the contrary, liposuction no longer holds the reigning title as the king (or queen) of cosmetic surgery procedures. As of 2008, it’s no longer true that liposculpture, or liposuction, is the most popular non invasive cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the United States of America.

In May of 2009, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more informally known as ASAPS, released their annual survey on surgery trends from over 15,000 surgeons. The year 2008 marked the 12th year they’d been doing such a survey and tracking numbers for such things.

This survey reported a number of interesting changes and trends in the cosmetic surgey world. Here’s a few of the highlights you might be interesting in, such as:

• 2008 was the first year in which there was more than a 10% drop in the amount of plastic surgeries performed. This was the first time this had happened since 2002, 6 years ago.
• Despite the drop in overall numbers, 2008 still saw a total of over 10 million cosmetic procedures (this includes both surgical and non surgical cosmetic procedures)
• This number is approximately a million less than their report showed the previous year in 2007
• Despite the decrease in the number of customers, overall the industry reported over 12 billion dollars in income still.

For an industry like cosmetic surgery / plastic surgery to exist right now in a bad US economy, who is able to report a 10% drop in its customer base yet still report 12 billion dollars if income is amazing.

The survey goes on to report the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Let’s take a look them now. Here are the top 5 surgical cosmetic procedures:

1. Breast Augmention
Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure to change the size and shape of the breasts. This typically translates to the use of silicone and saline breast implants.

2. Liposuction (liposculpture)
Liposuction involves having fat removed from the body, along with body sculpting and skin tightening in the treatment area.

3. Eyelid Surgery
Eyelid surgery is done to remove fat, skin, and muscle from the eyelids. This is sometimes described as fixing drooping eyelids. The technical name for this surgery is called blepharoplasty.

4. Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is more popularly known as a nose job.

5. Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty involved removing extra skin in the stomach and often tightening the abdominal muscles and skin. This is commonly referred to as a tummy tuck.

The big difference between 2007 and 2008 is that liposuction is no longer the number cosmetic surgery being performed in the United States. The two actually traded positions between 2007 and 2008, swapping each other out for number one and number two of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures done.

Liposculpture Basics

Liposculpture is a form of cosmetic surgery in which a doctor removes fat from the body of a patient, typically for the purpose of aesthetic appeal i.e. as desired by the patient, to make themselves appear more physically attractive. This removal of fat is permanent, and when done properly, the risks of scarring or marks to the body is very low.

Surprisingly, the amount of fat removed from the body is typically on the low end of what you might expect – usually less than 10 pounds! (5 kg) However, because of the manner in which a surgeon “re-sculpts” the overlying skin above in which the fat was removed, the visual effect it creates makes it appear as it more fat has in fact been removed.

Many individuals seeking liposculpture treatment do so after being unable to create the desired physical results they are seeking through diet and exercise alone. In fact, it is ideal that liposculpture patients be fit and in good health. (In the case of smokers, this means avoiding cigarettes for several weeks to months before surgery.) Doctors are often quick to point out that liposculpture is not to be considered on par with simple weight loss methods; but it is a serious medical procedure, of which come along medical risks.

Note that the more fat removed, the larger the risks. Patients also must weigh the possibility of skin dents and a sort of lumpy look that can develop over parts of the body in which the treatment was overdone.

What areas of the body can benefit from liposculpture surgery?

Liposculpture surgery can be performed on many different parts of the body, including:

• Tummy (abdominal)
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Waist
• Hips
• Love Handles – Flanks
• Arms
• Knees
• Saddle bags
• Face and Neck (cheek, neck, jowl)
• Breasts (as in breast reduction, typically a treatment for men with gynecomastia)

How is Liposculpture surgery actually performed?

Liposculpture is performed with the use of a high-powered suction device operated by a surgeon. First the fat cells are “disrupted” and then sucked out of the body.

To enter the body, small incisions (a quarter to a third of an inch) are placed in the skin in which the suction tube is then placed. Due to an anesthetic given to the patient beforehand, the patient feels only “scraping” type sensations as the procedure is performed.

Unlike other common forms of surgery (dental, etc), the patient is usually capable of driving themselves home safely after liposculpture surgery has been performed. It is expected that patients will then need 2-3 days of recovery time before returning to work for most treatments, but depending on the extent of fat removed and the body part(s) involved, as well as the overall health of the patient, recovery time can be up to two weeks.

Post-surgery, bruising and a swelling of the skin is common. It is also normal for the treated area to remain numb for several weeks. During this time, the patient will wear a bandage-type cloth covering the skin to reduce the severity of these conditions.

How common is Liposculpture?

Liposculpture is actually incredibly common surgery – in fact, in 2006, it was the most common plastic surgery procedure with over 400,000 patients receiving treatment. (Figure quoted from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.)

Typically, liposuction is most commonly performed:

On Women – in the thighs and abdomen
On Men – in the abdomen and flanks (love handles)

Is Liposculpture right for me?

That’s something that needs to be discussed between you and your doctor.

Take a look around, learn about liposculpture, check out some doctors, and see what’s the best for you.

Basics and tidbits about Facial Liposculpture.

So… what exactly is “Facial Liposculpture”?

Facial liposculpture is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the lower face and neck. It is a body countouring technique to help create a slimmer, more attractive face by removing the fat and then tightening the skin, when done properly by a good doctor, creating a youthful look in the patient. Areas targetted by facial liposculpture include the chin (the fat underneath), the cheeks, jowls, and the front and back of the neck.

How common is Facial Liposculpture?
Who common is this procedure nowadays?

Liposculpture is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the USA. The specific numbers for facial liposculpture are not known, but it is believed to be more than 100,000 people a year receive this surgery.

Women make up the vast majority of patients for this liposculpture treatment.

Counting all liposculpture treatments, there were nearly half a million patients receiving liposculpture in 2006.
How is the surgery done?
How does the fat get removed from the face, neck, cheek, etc?

Like all liposculpture procedures, it involves sucking the fat out with a tool called a cannula, which is inserted into the skin via small incisions.

The entire Facial liposculpture procedure can be performed in less than an hour!

What are some of the risks involved in having Liposculpture surgery on my face?

• It is possible for facial liposculpture surgery to create unintended bumps or dimples in the skin.

• There is a risk of infection.
• There is a risk of excessive bleeding.
• Sunken cheeks! This is probably the most feared risk. If done improperly or excessively, liposculpture on the face can eventually create a look of sunken cheeks on a patient.

While all medical procedures contain risks, the best antidote is to properly research a doctor whom you can fully trust, and whom has the experience to back it up! This cannot be stressed enough.

How much does it cost to get Facial Liposculpture?
Pinning down a specific number is tricky. It depends on the patients health, the amount of fat to be removed, and also where the treatment is occuring (i.e. prices vary greatly in different parts of the USA and other countries.)

Generally speaking, it’s best to research local doctors in your area and inquire about pricing, but expect to spend a decent amount of money for Facial Liposculpture.

Basics and tidbits about Thigh Liposculpture.

So what exactly is “Thigh Liposculpture”?

Thigh liposculpture is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the highs. It is a body countouring technique to help create a slimmer, more attractive appearance in the thighs.

How common is Thigh Liposculpture?
Who commonly has this procedure done?

Liposculpture is the most common surgical procedure in the USA. The specific numbers for thigh liposculpture are not known, but it is believed to be more than 100,000 people a year receive this surgery.

Women make up the vast majority of patients for this liposculpture treatment.

How is the surgery done?
How does the fat get removed from the thighs?

Like all liposculpture procedures, it involves sucking the fat out with a tool called a cannula.

Thigh liposculpture is usually performed with what’s call the super-wet liposculpture technique. This involves giving the patient an adrenaline and local anesthetic all together inside a saline solution. This saline solution is injected into the area where fat is to be removed – it actually causes the tissue to break up. Then, after making small nearly invisible incisions in the skin, the doctor inserts a cannula and sucks the fat out.

Another option outside of the super wet technique is to use what’s called Ultrasound-Assisted Liposculpture. Some doctors feel this provides better control of the cannula (the tool used to suck the fatty deposits from the thigh), which in turn reduces other risks inherent in the procedure, such as blood loss and tissue damage.Since thigh liposculpture can be a fairly extensive surgical procedure, some patients may require general anesthesia which does have inherent risks.

Some patients may also be given general anesthesia, as well as the local anesthetic.

What are some of the risks involved in having Liposculpture surgery on my thighs?

Like all medical procedures, the patient must take a certain amount of risk into consideration when planning Liposculpture surgery.

Specifically for thigh liposculpture, here are some things to consider:

• It is possible that the thigh area may feel numb for quite some time after surgery.

• When using the ultrasound technique, a patient runs the risk of experiencing friction burns to the thigh, thus damaging skin and tissue. This is a serious issue and the best way to deal with it is to find a doctor that has the experience and results to prove they know what they are doing.

• The use of a cannula to suck fat out of the thigh can damage the surrounding tissue. This in turn can cause excessive bleeding. Again, the best solution is to find a doctor you are confident in!
• Soreness and general discomfort can last for weeks to months after the surgery. This isn”t a lot of fun!
• Lastly, with all liposculpture procedures, there is a risk or scarring of the skin if the incisions are done improperly. Additionally, if too much fat is taken out the skin can recover with dimples or folds. All the more reason to contact a number of doctors until you find one you can trust to do the job right.

How much does Thigh Liposculpture surgery cost?

Pinning down a specific number is tricky. It depends on the patients health, the amount of fat to be removed, and also where the treatment is occuring (i.e. prices vary greatly in different parts of the USA and other countries.)

Generally speaking, it’s best to research local doctors in your area and inquire about pricing, but expect to spend a decent amount of money for Thigh Liposculpture.

Basics and tidbits about Abdominal Liposculpture.

So….what exactly is “Abdominal Liposculpture?

Abdominal liposuction is a technique for recontouring the body by permanently removing fat deposits from the abdomen.

How common is Abdominal Liposculpture?
Who commonly has this procedure done?

Liposculpture is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the USA and the world. The specific numbers for facial liposculpture is not recorded, but it is believed to be more than 100,000 have this performed on their abs annually in the USA.

While women make up the majority of patients for this abs liposculpture procedure, men are increasingly becoming patients for this surgery as well.

Counting all the different liposculpture treatments, there were more than 400,000 patients receiving liposculpture back in 2006, the latest year in which data is available.
How is the surgery done?
How does the fat get removed from the abs?

The doctor will mark parts of the body with a marker-like pen and then use them as a guide for making incisions and working the rest of the procedure. Once the incisions are made – usually in the belly button or the pubic area, the doctor will insert what’s called a cannula into the skin. This is the main tool involved in all liposculpture procedures. It’s inserted into the skin and used to break up or disrupt the fatty tissue to be removed, and then the fat it literally sucked out via the cannula.

The procedure takes 1-2 hours.

What are some of the risks involved in having Liposculpture surgery on my abs?

All patients receiving liposculpture treatments run some risks. Here are some risks you should be aware of:

• There is a risk that the skin will get bumps, dimples, or otherwise “just not look right”.

• Depending on the liposculture technique used, there is a risk of burns to the skin and underlying tissue.

• The cannula can damage the tissue underneath the skin, causing excessive bleeding.
• There is a risk of infection.
• Some patients may experience numbness after surgery for weeks.

How much does it cost to get Abdominal Liposculpture?
Pinning down a specific number is tricky. It depends on the patients health, the amount of fat to be removed, and also where the treatment is occuring (i.e. prices vary greatly in different parts of the USA and other countries.)

Generally speaking, it’s best to research local doctors in your area and inquire about pricing, but expect to spend a decent amount of money for Abdominal Liposculpture.