There is no question that diet and exercise help us lose weight and build muscle. However, individuals who engage in this type of lifestyle may still have fat deposits in their face or body that cause disproportionate contours. When diet and exercise are not enough, liposuction administered by a certified plastic surgeon can slim and reshape specific areas by removing excess fat and improving the contour of your face or body.

A good candidate for this procedure is an individual who is at or near their ideal weight but unhappy with concentrated areas of fat that do not diminish with exercise or diet. He or she should be in overall good health with firm, elastic skin. Older patients tend to have less elasticity and therefore may not receive the same benefits from liposuction that younger patients might achieve. Special considerations may be needed for those patients with diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or previous surgeries to the targeted area.

Liposuction can treat almost any part of the body where fat deposits occur, including hips, thighs, back, upper arms, neck, calves, buttocks, abdomen, chest, or face. This procedure can be performed on multiple areas of the body during the same appointment. In most cases, a local anesthesia is used but general anesthesia may be required in some circumstances.

During this procedure, the plastic surgeon makes small incisions in the skin. A thin hollow tube is then inserted through these incisions. The surgeon uses a back and forth motion to loosen the excess fat. Once loosened, the fat is then removed from the body with a suction pump or large syringe. The length of the procedure depends on how much fat needs to be removed to achieve the desired results.

There are two different techniques that may be used by the surgeon. The first is called tumescent liposuction. With this technique, the surgeon injects a saline solution with added adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat. The second technique used is ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty or UAL. This technique requires ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning.

Recovery from liposuction is fairly easy. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common after the procedure. Compression garments may be needed as well. Your plastic surgeon will give you specific recommendations regarding your recovery.

While all surgical procedures involve some risk, surgeons have had a good safety record with liposuction. Be sure that you are working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing this procedure. Ask to see his before and after photos for a representation of his work.

Liposuction may be performed alone or along with other plastic surgery procedures, including tummy tucks and facelifts. The results are long lasting but it will not prevent you from gaining weight. You will need to continue your diet and exercise routine after the procedure. Pregnancy, age, and weight gain may affect your results over time. Many patients have found that their slimmer, more contoured body helps them feel more confident and enhances their self-image. Liposuction is a safe way to get the proportional body you desire.