Liposuction is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the United States. This process literally sucks out extra fat deposits from under a person's skin. It is a method of body contouring and is most often used by people with troublesome fatty deposits that simply will not go away, even with proper diet and exercise.
A patient is given anesthesia and then the procedure begins. Using a special vacuuming devise called a cannula, the plastic surgeon goes beneath the skin to access fat deposits, which are then quickly removed. The cannula, a long hollow needle, is inserted via small incisions. The surgeon uses quick motions in order to create a smooth finish.
Fat deposits naturally occur under everyone's skin. Surgery is recommended only for people who are unable to reduce fatty areas through healthy diet and a good exercise program. It's likely that even someone who maintains a healthy lifestyle can have some persistent fat deposits.
The best candidates for this type of plastic surgery are those people who have bulging fatty areas in the abdomen, arms, thighs or neck. Ideal candidates will be physically fit, exercise routinely and are not severely overweight. The best results occur in people who have small, localized areas of fat that they wish to have removed.
The cons to this procedure are minimal. After the procedure, a person may find that the area where the fat was removed is still a bit flabby. Results depend on the type of skin a person has and if it easily stretches back to a smaller size. Those who are seeking a quick weight loss will find that this surgery is not the answer. Only a certain amount of fat can be safely removed at one time. This type of procedure is for localized fat only; it is not a whole body procedure. Results can vary: Localized areas will usually look better. However, those who undertake this type of surgery should realize beforehand that it will not produce stunning, drastic, full-body results.
The pros come when the results are satisfactory to the patient. For those who have spent years trying to rid themselves of certain fatty areas, this type of plastic surgery can be a godsend. Within a day, fat that stayed stubbornly on the body for years can be removed. In addition, those who choose to lose large amounts of weight via gastric bypass or some other procedure, may find that liposuction provides a nice finishing touch, especially if they have lost a lot of weight and an abdominoplasty is going to be performed to remove excess skin. Liposuction can be used at the same time to remove those final fatty deposits.
A person who chooses liposuction should have realistic expectations. This type of plastic surgery is usually successful in enhancing the body, but not in completely reshaping it.