Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes unwanted lumps, bulges, and areas of fat using thin suction tubes that are placed into the body fat through small incisions. Male liposuction is most commonly performed on the chest, love handles, and abdomen, but is also frequently done on the chin, neck, and jowls.

The best candidates for liposuction are people of normal weight who have an accumulation of fat in certain areas that is resistant to exercise and dieting.

Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not effective in treating cellulite or loose saggy skin. Older people with poor skin elasticity may not get the same results as younger people with tighter skin.

Before getting liposuction, you will need to have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon. This consultation will include a physical examination, blood tests, and photographs for before and after comparisons.

The surgeon will review your treatment options and the possible risks and complications of your surgery.

You will be given preoperative instructions as to what you can or cannot eat or drink before surgery, which medications you should take or avoid, and a list of things you will need to have on hand for your recovery. During your consultation, the surgeon will answer any questions you might have, so come to your appointment prepared.

Liposuction may be performed under general anesthesia (which means that you will be given drugs through an IV to put you to sleep) or IV sedation (which means you will be given sedatives through an IV to help you relax).

There are 3 types of liposuction:

1. Traditional liposuction (surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits)
2. The tumescent or super-wet technique (requires an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline prior to removal of excess fat)
3. Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to suctioning)

Your surgeon will determine which method is appropriate for you

Liposuction is performed through small incisions in the areas where the fat is to be removed.

A sterile liquid solution is infused through the incisions to reduce bleeding and trauma. A thin hollow tube (cannula) is then inserted to loosen excess fat.

The dislodged fat is suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe.

You may be able to go home the day of your surgery, but you will need someone to drive you. During liposuction recovery, your skin will be swollen and sore for several days. Your surgeon can prescribe pain medication as needed.

In some cases the incisions are temporarily left open so that fluids and residual fatty deposits can empty through an inserted drain. You may be given a prescription for an antibiotic to reduce the possibility of infection.

The treatment area will likely be wrapped with elastic bandages.

Although you will begin to see the new shape of your body in the first few weeks, some swelling may remain for several months. Your final results may not be fully evident for up to six months.

Most people are able to return to work within 10 days.

Liposuction scars usually fade and disappear over time. Visible scars are more likely when large cannulas are used for liposuction and in patients who have darkly pigmented skin.

You may be required to wear a compression or other support garment (see below for post-surgical support garment options), and limit your activities for a few weeks following surgery.

Liposuction Compression (Support) Garments
In the days and weeks following liposuction surgery, your doctor may instruct you to purchase and wear a liposuction support garment. These are designed to help improve and increase blood circulation, rid your body of potentially harmful fluids, decrease your post surgery recovery time, and reduce swelling. They also help the new skin fit the body’s contours allowing you to recover faster. To purchase a liposuction support garment, click on the links below. Among your garment options are binders and body shapers.

These garments are typically worn immediately after your surgery. They are generally worn continuously for several weeks, so you may want to purchase more than one.

Contour® is America's 1^st choice in premium quality post-surgical compression garments for women and men. Contour® has 25 years of experience with design, fabric and craftsmanship so Contour® garments fit every subtle contour of the body, offering unprecedented comfort during the recovery process. ContourMD website also offers helpful information on recovery tips and sizing charts.

Although liposuction is a relatively safe procedure, all surgery comes with some risk. Potential liposuction risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Poor wound healing
• Infection
• Many of these complications can be avoided if you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions.
• Reactions to anesthesia
• Scarring
• Reactions to medications
• Skin irregularities

Liposuction costs vary based on a number of factors including:

• Type of surgery
• Geographic location
• Facility fees
• Surgeon expertise and demand

The average costs are as follows:

• Abdomen – $3,000 to $7000
• Chest – $3,000 to $7000
• Love handles – $1600 to $5000
• Chin, neck, and jowls – $2500 to $4500

American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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