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liposuction surgery information

Liposuction , also referred to as liposculpture or lipectomy, is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery in the world. In simplest terms, it is the surgical removal of fat from certain areas of the body. Typically, liposuction is performed on fairly small, troublesome areas which are resistant to a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Although many types of liposuction are performed, the basic procedure involves anesthetic, a hollow tube called a cannula that is passed back and forth through the fat, and a powerful vacuum to remove the fat from the body.

the ideal candidate for liposuction

The ideal liposuction candidate is near their target body weight (within 10% to15%), exercises regularly, consumes a healthy diet, and has fairly elastic skin with either one or a few stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. By removing fat cells, you will have less bulk, be slimmer, and it have less tendency for fat to accumulate in that area again.

Patients with chronic medical conditions should avoid liposuction, especially in the case of heart or kidney disease. During your consultation with the doctor, he or she should examine you thoroughly, especially in the areas to be treated. You should tell your doctor if you have a hernia as it may be punctured during the operation.

male liposuction (liposuction for men)

Liposuction for men varies in several ways from female liposuction. Men tend to accumulate fat in the torso (chest and back), abdomen (belly) and flanks (love handles), while women's fat accumulates primarily in the hips, buttocks, and thighs. (Of course, there are many exceptions to this rule. Some women gain weight more in their abdomen and have thin legs, and some men gain weight in their legs and not in their abdomen).

The tissues of the back, flanks (love handles), and chest where men tend to retain fat are more fibrous than other areas of the body, and therefore may be more difficult to remove. Some surgeons have found that using a powered, vibrating handpiece (see power assisted liposuction), eases the surgery and hastens the removal of fat in male liposuction.

Men also may develop or accumulate fat in the chest, giving the appearance of breasts, referred to as psuedo-gynecomastia. When an over abundance of breast tissue is present, this is referred to as true gynecomastia. Whether the enlarged breasts are from fat or breast tissue, male liposuction may help. (In some cases, the breast tissue will need to be cut out through a larger incision rather than with liposuction).

best areas for liposuction

Some areas of the body are better suited to liposuction than others. The regions that usually produce the best results are the hips, abdomen, outer thighs, and neck. Possibly the area most prone to rippling, dimpling and other contour deformities is the buttocks, and liposuction in that area may not result in an aesthetically pleasing post-operative appearance.

abdominal liposuction

In the case of abdominal fat, the fat is located both within the abdomen itself around the organs ("deep fat"), and between the abdominal muscles and the skin (subcutaneous fat). Liposuction can only remove subcutaneous fat, but many people, especially men, have most of their abdominal fat stored as "deep fat" behind the abdominal muscles. These patients will not experience as much of an improvement with liposuction as patients with most abdominal fat stored subcutaneously.

liposuction and cellulite

"Cellulite" is a condition characterized by dimpling of the skin over fat that is referred to as "cottage cheese" skin. It is most common on the thighs, buttocks, and hips. Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands of connective tissue that are connected to the undersurface of the skin. Cellulite is not improved significantly by liposuction, and liposuction may sometimes make cellulite appear worse, especially in older invidivuals.

Mechanical rollers that stretch out the connecting bands may help. Brand names of these machines are Silhouette and Endermologie.

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