Suction-assisted lipectomy or liposuction is the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedure in the United States.  Liposuction is used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body.  Most commonly treated areas are the neck, flanks (“love handles”) and lateral thighs (“saddle bags”).  Other areas treated include cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles.  Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localized fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. 

    The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight but have pockets of excess fat in particular areas.  Firm elastic skin will tend to adjust after removal of the fat, restoring a normal skin contour.  Loose, drooping skin will not redrape adequately.  This skin must be removed by “lifting” procedures which leaves a visible external scar.  To provide maximum improvement, procedures that may be required in addition to or instead of liposuction include facialplasty,  abdominoplasty and thigh, buttock or arm lift.  The character of your skin and suitability for liposuction will be assessed during your consultation.  

About the Procedure

    Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia depending on your preference and the number of areas being treated.  Liposuction can be performed in the accredited office operating room.  If extensive areas are treated, the procedure is performed in the ambulatory hospital setting.  Small inconspicuous incisions (usually ¼ inch) are used to allow introduction of the liposuction cannula.  Suction is applied to the cannula to aspirate fat as the cannula is moved back and forth over the area to be treated.  Dr. Bass uses the tumescent technique for liposuction, where greater amounts of fluid are injected into the fat than in traditional liposuction.  This technique facilitates improved fat removal as well as reduced blood loss, fluid requirements, bruising and postoperative discomfort. Ultrasonic and power-assisted techniques can help maximize the amount and evenness of fat removal.

After the Procedure

    You will need someone to accompany you home and provide care for you at home during the first few days after surgery.  A compressive garment may be worn for several weeks to facilitate maximum redraping of the skin.  Swelling and bruising will be present for several weeks.  Return to office work is usually possible after 5 days.  This may be longer or shorter depending on the areas treated.

Extent of Improvement

    Liposuction will soften or flatten areas of focal fat deposit.  “Cellulite” or skin texture changes will not be improved by liposuction.  Small amounts of residual swelling and ongoing healing means that the final improvement may not be fully visible for several months.  The improvement in your contour should be permanent.  You will not automatically regain fat in the suctioned areas.  Rather, if you do gain weight, you are likely to add the weight uniformly over the body.  Fat is removed from the deep layers.  Superficial fat removal has been associated with increased risk of skin injury and scarring.  The goal of liposuction is to provide a pleasing, natural body contour.  For these reasons, some fat will remain under the skin after liposuction.

Non-Surgical Body Contouring Advancements

Non-invasive therapies include Mesotherepy: injection of various compounds to "dissolve" fat, Thermage uses radiofrequency to tighten facial and body skin for a "non surgical face lift," and Ultrashape, a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology.  Ultrashape, which is -not yet FDA approved, looks very promising for reducing small contour excesses without surgery, recovery or anesthesia but will not be a substitute for suction lipectomy for larger contour changes.

The material on this page provides an overview of the most important concerns and questions regarding liposuction. The specific risks, benefits and alternatives for any individual patient require a careful history and physical examination. If there is any item that you do not understand, please feel free to discuss it with Dr. Bass during the consultation or afterwards by telephone. 

Selected Research by Dr. Bass Relating to Liposuction

 Presentations

“External ultrasound and lipolysis in facial and body contouring”.  Emerging Technologies in Plastic Surgery.  NYU Medical Center.  New York, New York.  June 2001.  

“External ultrasound assist compared to superwet suction-assisted lipectomy.”  American Society of Plastic Surgeons.  Los Angeles, California.  October 2000. 

“External ultrasound: Comparison with tumescent liposuction in body contouring”. Emerging Technologies in Plastic Surgery: The Next Millennium.  NYU Medical Center.  New York, New York.  April 2000.  

“External ultrasound assisted liposuction”. Emerging Technologies in Plastic Surgery: Innovations in Endoscopy, Lasers, Liposuction and Tissue Replacements.  NYU Medical Center.  New York, New York.  April 1999.  

Moderator, Liposuction -Tumescent Technique. Advances in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: The Cutting Edge.  Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. New York, New York.  October 1996.  

Faculty, Advances in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: The Cutting Edge.  Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. New York, New York.  October 1996. Faculty, Advances in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery: The Cutting Edge.  Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. New York, New York.  October 1996.

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