Liposuction in St. Louis Missouri

Liposuction (lipoplasty) is particularly well-suited for women and men who are of relatively normal weight but have isolated pockets of fat that cause certain areas of their body to appear disproportionate. These localized fat deposits may sometimes be an inherited trait and typically do not respond to dieting or exercise. Liposuction is often the only way to eliminate them.

While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, you will obtain the best results if your skin still has enough elasticity to achieve a smooth contour following fat removal. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not redrape well and a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you have localized excess fat or if you desire contouring in any of the following areas:

cheeks, jowls and neck
upper arms
back
abdomen and waist
hips and buttocks
inner and outer thighs
inner knee
calves and ankles

Liposuction may sometimes be used to treat a condition called gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which frequently occurs among both teenage and adult males. Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for overall weight loss, nor is it an effective treatment for cellulite, a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. Alternative treatments may be considered, in some instances, to improve this problem. Liposuction can be performed on several areas of the body at the same time, and it can also be done in conjunction with other aesthetic plastic surgery.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for liposuction?

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions you may have such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease. Your surgeon will want to know about previous surgeries, medical treatments and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.

How much you currently weigh and whether you plan to lose or gain weight in the future will be factors in evaluating you for liposuction. Your plastic surgeon may ask you about the effects of prior weight loss on the appearance of those areas which you have indicated for contouring. He or she will assess the elasticity of your skin and estimate the amount of fat to be removed for optimal results.

How Liposuction is Performed

Fat is removed by first inserting a small, hollow tube, called a cannula, through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed as inconspicuously as possible, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected by tubing to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by the surgeon, the suction device literally vacuums away the unwanted fat.

What are some variations to the liposuction technique?

Prior to performing liposuction, fluid is instilled into the areas to be suctioned. Plastic surgeons may use a "dry" technique, a "tumescent" technique that introduces large amounts of fluid, or other variations. Your surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for treating specific areas of your body.

Liposuction is popular among men, particularly for eliminating bulging fat around the waist. Areas of the body commonly treated with liposuction are shown, including delicate areas such as the inner knee and the calves and ankles which can be suctioned with a very thin cannula to achieve a more shapely contour. Other options may involve the type of instrumentation used or whether suctioning is performed on the deep or more superficial layers of fat.

The abdominal area responds well to treatment with liposuction, resulting in a flatter abdominal profile and better-defined waist. In some patients, liposuction of the upper arms may also be effective. These considerations are based in large part upon the goals that you and your plastic surgeon have set for your body contouring surgery. Liposuction can remove fatty deposits in the cheeks, jowls and neck.

Understanding Risks

Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people have undergone liposuction, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.

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Procedure information Provided by The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.