Introduction to Liposuction

Though often portrayed on television as simply a process of removing fat from your body, liposuction is actually a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to do much more. The goal of liposuction is not just to reduce fat buildup--it is also to model fat in such a way that you are better able to maintain the shape of body you have always wanted.

Liposuction is designed for both men and women. However, unlike the widely held belief that liposuction is meant to remove fat on largely overweight individuals, liposuction is actually designed to remove fat on healthy men and women that have simply had some extra fat building up around their midsection.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction is a somewhat complicated procedure, and one that has a lot of risks--though there are multiple liposuction procedures that are slowly reducing this risk. In general, various types of fluids are used to break up fat beneath your midsection, and then a tube is inserted to suck out the fat and other fluids. Other methods of breaking down fat include ultrasounds and lasers. Liposuction may also occur around the buttocks and legs.

Once the excess fat has been removed, the surgeon may also perform a tummy tuck (a separate procedure) to tighten the skin around the abdomen, helping it become shapelier.

What Are the Health Risks?

An incredible 400,000 people receive liposuction every year. But despite these staggering numbers, liposuction does have a variety of health risks. The primary health risk is related to the high degree of fat removal. Many bodies struggle to adjust to no longer having their fat reserves in case of emergencies. This is especially true of overweight individuals with a great deal of extra fat they are looking to remove. There is also a risk of organ damage when a liposuction procedure is done improperly.

Still, this cosmetic surgery procedure continues to be one of the best available ways to improve your body’s appearance. Talk to a cosmetic surgeon about the risks and benefits before you consider this procedure and make sure that you trust their decision about your health risks. But if a surgeon provides you with the go ahead to receive liposuction, you may find yourself with a tighter, thinner body than you had even in your youth.