Liposuction (Liposculpture)

Liposculpture is a relatively new term describing the artistic technique of liposuction. Liposuction involves selectively removing fat through small tubes. The technique of liposculpture uses liposuction to sculpt selectively body areas and fat deposits to achieve a contoured and balanced appearance.

Liposuction removes fat deposits from beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum. This can be done either with the use of general anesthesia, with IV sedation, or totally by local anesthesia. This choice is based on the area to be addressed and made between you and your surgeon.

The procedure involves injecting tumescent solution (large volumes of very dilute local anesthesia) into the fat. This causes the targeted areas to become tumescent, or swollen and firm. Once the areas have been injected, your surgeon will then use very small cannulas to remove the fat deposits and sculpt your desired body area.

Liposuction can be performed on almost any area of the body, and is either performed as a procedure by itself, or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures. Some of the more popular areas that our patients have addressed are: the abdomen and flanks, love handles in men, inner thighs, outer thighs (saddle bag areas), buttocks, knees, upper arms, back, neck, and occasionally ankles. Smaller liposuction procedures can be performed in the office, while more extensive liposuction can be more safely performed in the operating room.

To see representative before and after liposuction photographs, please see submitted photos (click here for photos) from the American Society of Plastic Surgery website.

Contact us if you are interested in learning more about our lipo options