Suction assisted lipectomy or liposuction is a technique used to aspirate or remove fatty deposits from virtually any area of the body. The most frequently involved areas include the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs and knees. It is aimed at removal of focal areas of fatty deposition which are unresponsive to dieting and exercise. The best candidates for liposuction are generally patients who are in good physical health and psychologically stable with realistic expectations. Those who think they would benefit from a liposuction procedure must first know if they are at an ideal weight. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, it is a procedure to remove fat from certain areas.

Multiple variations in the technique of suction assisted lipectomy are now available. These include superficial suctioning techniques as well as the most recent technological advance in liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction. Be sure to choose a physician who is adequately trained in all of the available techniques and maintains an American Board of Plastic Surgery Certification or Eligibility. The procedure itself is usually performed in a fully accredited ambulatory operative suite by a plastic surgeon. Multiple small incisions are usually utilized. The scars resulting from these small incisions are relatively inconspicuous. This way no one will know that you received liposuction unless you inform them.

Ultrasonic liposuction is the latest technique available in liposuction and body contour surgery. This technology uses sonic (sound) energy to emulsify or melt fat cells. After the fat cells are emulsified, they are evacuated with gentle vacuum suction. Vital structures such as blood vessels are selectively spared from injury by the ultrasound energy. This results in a less traumatic procedure with lower blood loss. It has also been reported that less swelling and bruising occur with this technique, although this remains to be proven in large series of patients. The safety of this technique has been proven in Europe where UAL has been in use for over a decade. In the United States plastic surgeons and researchers are in the process of defining which situations and body regions would benefit most from this newly available technology.

An even newer technological advance in liposuction surgery has recently received press, that of External Ultrasonic Liposuction (EUL). This technique applies the ultrasonic energy through the skin. Incisions and an evacuation phase are still required, however. Ultrasonic technology is available at select certified operating suites at around the United States. Ask your plastic surgeon if you might benefit from this technique.

Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in New York City and cosmetic surgery procedures like new york liposuction, tummy tuck, brachioplasty, thighplasty, male breast reduction, and breast augmentation.

Tags: body contouring, plastic surgery, liposuction, plastic surgeon, beauty, lipoplasty, new york, new york city