Liposuction 101

Know Your Liposuction Terms

(Luckily they all mean the same thing!)

Often branded and rebranded as “liposuction”, “lipoplasty,” “lipoetching,” “liposculpting,” “suction lipectomy” or just plain “lipo” – all these terms really mean the same thing. Basically, they are all a procedure in which fat is removed from the body via thin tubes or “cannulas” attached to a vacuum creating device.
Liposuction is not a surgical technique to lose weight.

Weight Loss and Liposuction

In fact, most plastic surgeons will tell you is that you will not really lose weight at all after your liposuction (maybe a pound or 2) – and it’s really true. You could lose many inches in your treated area and barely lose a single pound. That is because fat is extremely light! They say muscle weighs more than fat – well the truth is a pound is a pound. 1 pound of muscle will weigh exactly the same as 1 pound of adipose tissue. However, if you physically compare the space that each one takes up – the fat will take up much more space and appear much lumpier under your skin. So 1 pound of fat is a lot! So don’t feel discouraged about only losing 1 or 2 pounds – and if you do, for reassurance, just walk any grocery store and find a pound of fatty meat. Then you’ll tangibly see the amount you’ve lost.

Liposuction is a surgical technique to slim and reshape specific areas of your body.

By removing excess fat/adipose deposits in treated area, liposuction can improve body contours and proportion, and ultimately, it may enhance your own self-image. You will see a contour reduction improving lines and curves of your body.

Liposuction will not get rid of cellulite.

Generally speaking, cellulite is a skin condition that cannot be changed or removed! So if you are considering liposuction, be realistic and envision the results slimming and contouring the desired area[s], but with your cellulite still perfectly intact.

Common Body Areas Treated with Lipo

The most common areas treated with liposuction are usually the flank rolls (plastic surgeon’s term for “love handles”), hip rolls, saddle bags or outer thighs, inner thighs or inner knee bulges, neck or chin area, ankles, back of the upper arms, back fat and abdomen.

There are several forms of liposuction including:

Tumescent or Super Wet Liposuction
- This type of lipo involves an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat.