The procedures used to perform liposuction have changed somewhat since the procedure was introduced. These changes have made liposuction much safer and, at the same time, more popular among those seeking cosmetic surgery.

Liposuction involves removing fat from target areas on the body. Small incisions are made in the target areas, then a slim, stainless steel tube called a cannula is inserted. Suction is then applied to remove the fat deposits. In some cases, the surgeon will use a syringe to remove the fat instead of a cannula.

The most common approach to liposuction today, known as tumescent liposuction, is also considered the safest. In tumescent liposuction, the cosmetic surgeon injects the target fat deposits with a solution of lidocaine, an anesthetic, and epinephrine, or synthetic adrenaline. These injections not only numb the area, but cause the fat deposits to swell and become firm, or tumescent. The epinephrine also constricts blood vessels in the area.

With the target areas properly treated, the surgeon makes appropriate incisions, and the fat is extracted. The anesthetic keeps the patient comfortable, and the epinephrine’s vasoconstriction effect greatly reduces loss of blood and fluids during the procedure.

Tumescent liposuction has several major advantages over other liposuction procedures:

• Local anesthetic produces fewer side effects than general anesthesia
• Less blood loss and less fluid loss makes IV fluids unnecessary
• Shorter recovery time
• Much smaller incisions and cannula are used

These factors combine to make tumescent liposuction much safer and greatly reduce recovery time after the procedure.

Liposuction is very much an aesthetic procedure, in the sense that the surgeon performing it must have a clear idea of how to achieve the appearance you desire. Just suctioning out large quantities of fat won’t necessarily leave you with a pleasing, well-contoured figure. Your surgeon needs to know how much fat to remove, and where, to give you just the look you want.

Using a board certified, experienced plastic surgeon greatly increases your chances of a successful liposuction procedure that will leave you pleased with your new look. Always check a plastic surgeon’s credentials, education, and certification before undergoing any cosmetic procedure.

For information on liposuction and other cosmetic surgery procedures in the Lee’s Summit and Kansas City, Missouri area, please visit the website of Dr. Matt Chhatre, a board certified plastic surgeon with particular experience in the area of liposuction.