Removes stubborn fat deposits from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise with a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction can be performed either using the tumescent technique or through ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL). Some of these specific techniques are also commonly referred to as “Liposculpture”. Common locations for liposuction include the chin, cheeks, neck, upper arms, above breasts, abdomen, Butt, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles.

Length: 1 to 2 hours, or more. The UAL type liposuction (see below in “Technology”) can take 40 percent longer than regular liposuction procedures 

Results: Permanent, sensitive to diet and exercise.

Procedure:  The surgeon makes small incisions in the skin near fatty areas and inserts a long, hollow tube (known as a cannula) which vacuums out fatty tissues. Using the tumescent technique, targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before the procedure to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Using UAL, an ultrasound probe is inserted under the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned out.

Anesthesia:  Local, General, Epidural

Patient Status:  Outpatient - Usually outpatient in the surgeon’s office. However, liposuction of several areas may require a short hospital stay.

Recovery:  Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. May take 6 months or more to fully recover from swelling and bruising; the use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative swelling and bruising.

Side Effects:  Temporary soreness, swelling and bruising. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula