Liposuction, also known as Liposculpture, is the most commonly performed plastic surgery in the United States – where more than 400,000 men and women annually undergo this procedure. A cosmetic surgery that contours and sculpts your body into a slimmer profile, Liposuction removes unwanted and excess fat. By reducing total body fat, it can help to lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Candidates

Three categories of men and women seek Liposuction to achieve their ideal appearance, after trying unsuccessfully to do so through diet and exercise.

The first category of patients includes those who wish to reduce their size, including women who have gained weight due to pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations or medications. This category also includes men and women who undergo Large Volume Liposuction. Normally, this procedure involves the removal of about two litres of fat, about the size of a “Coke” bottle. During Large Volume Liposuction, however, five or more litres of fat are removed – resulting in a dramatic reduction in size.

The second category includes those who have disproportionate areas of fat in their abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, cheeks and neck. These problem areas are commonly known as “saddlebags,” “thunder thighs,” “love handles” and “double chins.” Often, these stubborn areas of fat have genetic origins, and cannot be reduced by diet and exercise.

The third category of patients includes men who suffer from Gynecomastia, excessive breast growth due to the enlargement of breast glands, and excess fatty tissue.

In all cases, men and women who undergo Liposculpture should have had a stabilized weight for at least six months. Lipoplastyis not a solution for ridding of stretch marks or of cellulite.

Techniques

There are three techniques which vary in safety and effectiveness. All involve the insertion of a cannula — a small wand-like instrument connected to a high-powered suction machine — into tiny incisions made by the plastic surgeon into the targeted area. It is through this instrument that the plastic surgeon draws fat from beneath the skin.

Tumescent Liposuction refers to the commonest, and safest, method. “Tumescence” is the swelling and firming of fatty tissues through the infusion of a saline solution that contains Lidocaine, an anesthetic with adrenaline, which reduces blood loss and bruising.

Your plastic surgeon will soak the area with a solution that is two to three times the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. In Super-Wet Tumescent Liposuction, however, tissues are infused with fluids equal to the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. Super-Wet Liposuction uses a solution that has smaller amounts of, or no, Lidocaine, reducing the risk of Lidocaine toxicity.

Once the area is sufficiently plumped up, the plastic surgeon removes the loosened fat cells, suctioning fat and fluid through transparent vacuum-like tubes.

Power Assisted Liposuction hastens the process by an electronic-powered cannula which, like a jackhammer, suctions fat more quickly. While it lessens the plastic surgeon’s exertion, it also reduces the ability to contour with precision, especially in delicate areas like the neck and the face. Likewise, Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction, which bombards subcutaneous fatty tissues with waves of heat and energy and was developed for use in more fibrous areas, has a high rate of risks and complications such as burns, and is not a patient’s best option.

Results

For optimal results, this procedure should be performed by a plastic surgeon who has a honed aesthetic sense, as well as excellent surgical skills. The surgeon must work diligently to locate the appropriate areas of subcutaneous fat in order to successfully sculpt and contour those areas. It is therefore of the utmost importance to select a cosmetic surgeon who has the highest credentials, a fine artistic sense and who is highly experienced.

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One of the best advancements to date in liposuction technology is the invention of microcannulas and tumescent liposuction which allows for procedures to be performed on the upper arm region of the body.

Generally, it is women who choose to have upper arm liposuction because they are unable to remove excess fat in this area through regular diet and exercise. Microcannular tumescent liposuction produces excellent results when used on the upper arms of women.

- The Goal of Upper Arm Liposuction

The primary goal of upper arm liposuction is to reduce the appearance of fat upper arms which often comes with weight gain or simply age. Fatty upper arms generally result in self-conscious feelings in women when they need to wear short sleeved clothing or a bathing suit.

Thankfully, with today’s advanced techniques, upper arms can be contoured and excess fat can be easily removed. This results in much more proportional looking arms and helps to promote self-confidence in the women who undergo the procedure.

- The Upper Arm Surgical Technique

Using the Microcannular tumescent liposuction technique, very small incisions are placed in various places around the arms, and microcannulas are inserted to remove excess fat tissue all the way around the arm.

The goal of the surgery is to remove the excess fat but at the same time to leave a thin layer of residual fat to ensure that the arms remain soft and supple, as would be expected for the arms of a woman.

If all of the fat of the upper arms is removed the woman can end up looking masculine or like she has some from of physical deformity.

- The Anterior Axillary Fat Pads

The anterior axillary fat pads are located in the front of the arm-pit area of the chest. While they are not technically part of the upper arm, they are often enlarged on women as they age and should also be reduced during the procedure.

Fat deposits in this area often bulge when you wear a bra, and if not included in the procedure, often appear out of place next to a newly shaped upper arm.

- The Posterior Axillary Fat Pads

In addition to the anterior axillary fat pads, are the posterior axillary fat pads which are located on the back near the arm-pit area. Just as the anterior axillary fat pads cause unsightly bulging, so do those on the posterior.

These also should also be removed at the time of upper arm liposuction to achieve the best result possible.

- Post-Operative Care

Once your procedure is completed on your upper arms and axillary fat pads, absorbent bandages and compression bandages will be applied to the area. Within 48 hours you should notice that drainage has stopped from the surgical area, and soon there after you will be instructed to remove all bandages.

While any surgical procedure has risks, you can greatly reduce your risks from having upper arm liposuction by working with a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon.

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As with any cosmetic surgery, it’s important that the candidate have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for him or her, and what the results might be. The finest plastic surgeons will have some process in place for assessing what a patients’ understanding is of how the surgery may or may not match someone’s ideal, or what he or she thinks others will think of their appearance.

Liposuction is no different, and it’s especially important for those considering the surgery. The best candidates for liposuction are at or close to the healthiest weight for their height. The candidates who achieve the best results are those who have elastic, firm skin with pockets of excess fat in areas that are impervious to exercise and diet. Usually, these are genetic or are more difficult to change because of age. (Though age is not necessarily a major consideration in determining whether someone is a good candidate for liposuction or not – elasticity is the primary consideration).

Also, there are different kinds of liposuction, which may be a consideration when a person and their doctor are considering the procedure. The tumescent technique is a relatively new method, which can reduce the pain, swelling and bruising involved because blood loss is minimized during the procedure. And, because of this, the possibility of needing a blood transfusion is greatly reduced.

Specifically, using the tumescent technique, pockets of excess fat are injected with large amounts of anesthetic liquid before the surgery. Because the pockets of fat become swollen and firm, it allows the liposuction cannula to move easily beneath the skin and remove the fat. Typically, people who have large areas of excess fat can be good candidates for tumescent liposuction, as well as those who need more precision on places such as the face, neck, ankles and calves.

Another relatively new liposuction is done by ultrasound, which “liquefies” the fat molecules and makes it easier for the doctor to remove it and make the contours necessary. Sometimes a doctor will use a combination of these techniques.

However, though it sounds easy and is performed millions of times a year, it should be understood that liposuction is not for everyone. It is very risky for people with medical issues, particularly diabetes, heart or lung disease, bad blood circulation or anyone who have had surgery near the site to be sculpted so consult with a certified liposuction doctor to find out if you are physically able to handle this specific type of surgery.

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Liposuction, also known as Liposculpture, is the most commonly performed plastic surgery in the United States where more than 400,000 men and women annually undergo this procedure. A cosmetic surgery that contours and sculpts your body into a slimmer profile, Liposuction removes unwanted and excess fat. By reducing total body fat, it can help to lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Liposuction Candidates

Three categories of men and women seek Liposuction to achieve their ideal appearance, after trying unsuccessfully to do so through diet and exercise.

The first category of patients includes those who wish to reduce their size, including women who have gained weight due to pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations or medications. This category also includes men and women who undergo Large Volume Liposuction. Normally, Liposuction involves the removal of about two litres of fat, about the size of a “Coke” bottle. During Large Volume Liposuction, however, five or more litres of fat are removed resulting in a dramatic reduction in size.

The second category includes those who have disproportionate areas of fat in their abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, cheeks and neck. These problem areas are commonly known as “saddlebags,” “thunder thighs,” “love handles” and “double chins.” Often, these stubborn areas of fat have genetic origins, and cannot be reduced by diet and exercise.

The third category of patients includes men who suffer from Gynecomastia, excessive breast growth due to the enlargement of breast glands, and excess fatty tissue.

In all cases, men and women who undergo Liposculpture should have had a stabilized weight for at least six months. Liposuction is not a solution for ridding of stretch marks or of cellulite.

Liposuction Techniques

There are three techniques for performing Liposuction, which vary in safety and effectiveness. All involve the insertion of a cannula — a small wand-like instrument connected to a high-powered suction machine — into tiny incisions made by the plastic surgeon into the targeted area. It is through this instrument that the plastic surgeon draws fat from beneath the skin.

Tumescent Liposuction refers to the commonest, and safest, method. “Tumescence” is the swelling and firming of fatty tissues through the infusion of a saline solution that contains Lidocaine, an anesthetic with adrenaline, which reduces blood loss and bruising.

Your plastic surgeon will soak the area with a solution that is two to three times the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. In Super-Wet Tumescent Liposuction, however, tissues are infused with fluids equal to the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. Super-Wet Liposuction uses a solution that has smaller amounts of, or no, Lidocaine, reducing the risk of Lidocaine toxicity.

Once the area is sufficiently plumped up, the plastic surgeon removes the loosened fat cells, suctioning fat and fluid through transparent vacuum-like tubes.

Power Assisted Liposuction hastens the process by an electronic-powered cannula which, like a jackhammer, suctions fat more quickly. While it lessens the plastic surgeon’s exertion, it also reduces the ability to contour with precision, especially in delicate areas like the neck and the face. Likewise, Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction, which bombards subcutaneous fatty tissues with waves of heat and energy and was developed for use in more fibrous areas, has a high rate of risks and complications such as burns, and is not a patient’s best option.

Liposuction Results

For optimal results, Liposuction should be performed by a plastic surgeon who has a honed aesthetic sense, as well as excellent surgical skills. The surgeon must work diligently to locate the appropriate areas of subcutaneous fat in order to successfully sculpt and contour those areas. It is therefore of the utmost importance to select a cosmetic surgeon who has the highest credentials, a fine artistic sense and who is highly experienced in performing Liposuction.

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Remember the old rap song “Baby Got Back”? It emulated the sexiness of, shall we say, a larger derriere. However, with the unrealistic expectations for the perfect figure, more and more people are opting for the quick fix. The easy way to shed pounds. One such way is liposuction. Just the word itself brings on a gross sounding connotation. Lipo – from the Greek meaning fat or fatty and suction meaning removal via a vacuum through a syringe type device. Nothing like “sucking” fat out of your body! While the success rate of liposuction is well documented, the realities of some procedures are tucked away, hiding the dangers of liposuction.

While people who are average or above average in weight or have firm elastic skin and are in overall good health, are the best candidate for the procedure, not all procedures have expected outcomes; consider the five deaths that occurred after tumescent liposuction.

The five patients reportedly between the ages 33 to 54. Only one of the patients was a man and all five had lidocaine injected into their systems – a drug sometimes used to slow dangerously rapid heart rates in emergency situations. Three of the five died because their blood pressure dropped and a slower heart rate ensued – the result of lidocaine.

A female victim died of too much fluid in her body. This woman essentially drowned to death when her lungs filled with liquid. During the procedure over 13 quarts of liquids had been given to this woman; and a blood clot which made its way to her lungs was the cause of the demise of the fifth patient – a clot that developed in her calf veins then freed itself and wound up in her lungs.

Tumescent liposuction involves pumping several quarts of a solution consisting of salt water, lidocaine – a numbing agent, – and epinephrine – a vessel constrictor to help minimize bleeding. Afterward, the fat is then suctioned out of the body through small tubes.

What makes tumescent liposuction a higher danger is in part due to the use of lidocaine – the drug itself is toxic, the patient may be taking medication that may cause complicated reactions to lidocaine.

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) is when the cannula – a hollow instrument – is energized with ultrasonic energy which causes the fat to melt away on contact. While an advantage to UAL is that it treats scar tissue, the dangers appear to be more pronounced.

UAL needs longer incisions in the skin whereas the potential for infection increases and the potential for skin or internal burns are greater because of the use of ultrasonic energy. The dangers notwithstanding, there is also a greater cost associated with UAL and the healing time is often longer.

In general liposuction has a good track record of safety, however, as with any surgery; there are risks of infection and skin discoloration. Although, you can minimize these risks by avoiding long procedures or excessive fat removal.

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