Liposuction

• General Information
• Consultation
• Typical Patients
• Procedure Details
• Recovery
• Results
• Potential Risks

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, liposculpture or suction lipectomy is a cosmetic surgery operation that removes fat from many different sites on the human body. Areas affected can range from the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, to the neck, backs of the arms and elsewhere. Liposuction is not a low-effort alternative to exercise and diet. It is a form of body contouring with significant risks and should not be considered a weight loss method. The amount of fat removed varies by doctor, method, and patient, but is typically less than 10 pounds .There are several factors that limit the amount of fat that can be safely removed in one session of liposuction. Ultimately, the operating physician and the patient make the decision. There are negative aspects to removing too much fat. Unusual lumpiness and/or grooves in the skin can be seen in those patients who are "over-suctioned". The more fat removed the higher the surgical risk.

Liposuction is commonly applied to shape

• Abdomen and waist
• Cheeks, lower jaw, and neck
• Upper arms
• Chest and breasts
• Hips and buttocks

The most encouraging aspect of this cosmetic procedure is that the fat cells, once removed from your body, will not be replenished. This means the results will be long lasting, especially with proper nutrition and exercise to maintain the body’s shape.

Is the fat removal permanent?
Research shows that people who have liposuction are three times more likely to gain weight if they don't follow a healthy diet after liposuction. But those who follow a healthy diet are twice as likely to lose weight after liposuction. The suctioned fat cells are permanently gone. However, if the patient does not diet and exercise properly, the remaining fat cell neighbors could still enlarge, creating irregularities. Consequently people are much more likely to be happy with their long term results after liposuction if they make other healthy lifestyle changes.

Call our Pittsburgh Plastic surgery office at 412-952-9299 to schedule your personal consultation.