A Suction-assisted lipectomy removes unwanted fat from diet and exercise-resistant areas. These areas typically include the hips, arms, inner and outer thighs and knees, abdomen or flanks. Short, inconspicuous scars are made in the skin's natural folds and a small tube, or cannula, is inserted under the skin to remove fat cells by negative pressure machines.

"Tumescent" fluid injection and ultrasonic technology are the most popular methods for removing the fat. The choice regarding which method or combination of methods used will be decided and discussed with you at the time of your initial consultation. Dr. Samuels' is thoroughly trained in all methods of liposuction, and serves on hospital committees organized to ensure the safety of all liposuction procedures performed by other surgeons as well. External or Power-Assisted liposuction are newer methods of liposuction and are offered if the extra costs of these methods would significantly improve the results for a patient.

The best candidates for liposuction are patients who are near their "goal" weight and who have relatively tight skin in the area of consideration. If the skin is prohibitively loose or has stretch marks, one of the lift procedures may be recommended instead of, or in addition to, liposuction. The procedure is performed as an outpatient under either local anesthesia with sedation or light general anesthesia. You will be fitted with a compression garment or girdle to wear for about ten days to two weeks, and recovery time is three to four days. Post-procedure massage techniques will also be discussed with you to hasten your recovery time. Final results are visible at two to three months.

As long as patients maintain a consistent weight after liposuction, results are quite long-lasting. Fat cells removed are gone forever, although with weight gain, remaining fat cells may enlarge. Liposuction dose not make treated patients gain weight elsewhere (a popular myth of liposuction), but adjacent areas not as thoroughly treated by the liposuction may appear proportionally larger after weight gain which occurs after the liposuction has been performed.

Liposuction is the most commonly requested plastic surgical procedure, and like some other cosmetic procedures, is occasionally performed by under-qualified physicians of other specialties. You are advised to thoroughly research the qualifications of any surgeon you are considering seeking consultation with prior to scheduling a procedure, to ensure the best and most uncomplicated results. Please see section on How to Chose a Qualified Plastic Surgeon in our website.