Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure that removes fat from the body by using suction. A steel tube called a cannula is inserted though the skin by means of a small incision. The cannula is then connected to a suction device that vacuums out the excess fat. Some of the more common liposuction procedures involve the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. The areas below the neck and breast are also common target areas for liposuction procedures.
The abdomen is often a problem area for fat deposits. Both men and women often have problems reducing the measurement of their waistline. Sometimes, even after dieting and exercise, stubborn deposits of fat continue to cling to the stomach area. Liposuction can be a quick way to get rid of this excess fat.
In many cases, the success of liposuction procedures performed on the abdomen depends on the weight history of the patient. People who have spent many years being obese sometimes have fat deposits that are more fibrous and thus more difficult to remove. In addition, some abdominal fat is located in the intestinal region, which cannot be reached with liposuction. Some of the more common risk factors associated with abdominal liposuction include hernia, internal scarring, and infection.
The buttocks are another place where the body tends to store excess fat, though the problem is more common in women than in men. Most of the time, liposuction on the buttocks involves more than just simple fat removal. In many cases, patients may also desire that their buttocks have a completely different shape, so doctors may attempt to sculpt the area according to the patient’s wishes. For better sculpting, doctors typically use very small cannulas. Most of the time, buttock liposuction takes longer than many other types of liposuction.
For female patients, thigh liposuction is one of the more common procedures. This is probably because females often carry excess deposits of fat in their thighs. This fat is sometimes difficult to remove by natural methods, and even very thin women may suffer from cellulite in the area of the thigh. Most of the time, liposuction procedures can both reduce the amount of fat in the thighs, and smooth out deposits of cellulite.
Before performing any type of liposuction treatment, doctors typically do a complete medical evaluation. Medical history is very important in determining both the risk factors and the potential success of the procedure. Medical conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease can greatly increase the risks associated with liposuction.
