Liposculpture Guide

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 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.