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Liposuction

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Liposuction

Definition:

Liposuction is the removal of excess body fat by suction with specialized surgical equipment, typically performed by a plastic surgeon.

Alternative Names:
Fat removal - suctioning

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Description:

Liposuction has achieved the distinction of being the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure. By removing unwanted deposits of excess fat, liposuction improves body appearance and smoothes irregular or distorted body shapes. The procedure is sometimes referred to as body contouring.

Liposuction may be useful for contouring under the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankle areas.

However, liposuction is a serious surgical procedure and possibly may involve a painful recovery. It has the potential for rare but serious or occasionally fatal complications, so the decision to have liposuction should be well thought out.

Before undergoing liposuction certain criteria must be met:

• An initial patient consultation. This will include a history, a thorough physical examination, and a psychological health examination.
• Your spouse's presence may be required during the visit and a second consultation is necessary to give you time to think over the surgery.
• You should feel free to express the reasons for the consult, be free to ask as many questions as desired, and feel satisfied with the answers to those questions. A properly informed person makes a better patient.
• You must understand fully the pre-operative preparations, the liposuction procedure, and the precise post-operative care.
• You must have realistic expectations. Liposuction may help to enhance your appearance and also your self-confidence, but it will probably not give you your ideal body.