Indications: liposuction is done to remove localized areas of fat from many areas of the body. It is often hard for the patient to decide between an abdominoplasty and liposuction.

Liposuction does not tighten skin although sometimes the underlying tissue seems pulled tighter by a thin layer of scar tissue (adhesions).

Liposuction is used to sculpt areas and is not designed to remove large amounts of fat or to treat obesity. A newer technique called ultrasonic liposuction may be able to remove larger amounts of fat.

Cellulite is not usually improved by traditional liposuction and in some cases may be made worse.

Method: The method of surgery is to make small incisions through which the fat is removed in individual tubes.

Different sized cannulae, or suction tubes, are used to remove the fat and the pattern crisscrosses to reduce the risks of irregularity.

Liposuction is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). You can often choose but most patients are are more comfortable asleep. Almost always the area is distended with saline and this is called tumescence or superwet technique.

Usually liposuction is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.

Problems: All operations have some risk.

The risks of liposuction are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for liposuction.

In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling.

The main problems which are special or unique for liposuction are surface irregularity and the need for secondary surgery.

Ultrasonic liposuction also has complications such as nerve damage but probably causes less bleeding and irregularity.

Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week.

There is some evidence that large volume liposuction may have beneficial effects in people with metabolic problems, and may help diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Other studies have not confirmed this.

For more information see the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Liposuction. or check with your doctor, the ASPS or Dr. Hudson(505/242 0070).