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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffLiposuction is used to treat isolated areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as fat found in the:
- Abdomen
- Hips, thighs and buttocks
- Chest and back
- Calves and ankles
- Upper arms
- Neck and chin
In addition, liposuction is sometimes used for breast reduction.
When you gain weight, fat cells increase in size and volume. In turn, liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in a specific area. The amount of fat removed depends on the appearance of the area and the volume of fat. The resulting contour changes are generally permanent — as long as your weight remains stable.
After liposuction, the skin molds itself to the new contours of the treated areas. If you have good skin tone and elasticity, the skin is likely to appear smooth. If your skin is thin with poor elasticity, however, the skin in the treated areas may appear loose.
Liposuction doesn't improve cellulite dimpling or other skin surface irregularities. Likewise, liposuction doesn't remove stretch marks.
To be a candidate for liposuction, you must be in good health without conditions that could complicate surgery — such as restricted blood flow, coronary artery disease, diabetes or a weak immune system.
- Mun ED, et al. Surgical management of severe obesity. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
- Liposuction. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www1.plasticsurgery.org/ebusiness4/ProductCatalog/pdf/brochures/Liposuction.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- What are the risks or complications associated with liposuction? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/ucm070191.htm. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- What can I expect before, during, and after liposuction? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/ucm070194.htm. Accessed May 5, 2010.
- Coldiron B, et al. ASDS Guidelines of care for tumescent liposuction. Dermatologic Surgery. 2006;32:709.
- Habbema L. Breast reduction using liposuction with tumescent local anesthesia and powered cannulas. Dermatologic Surgery. 2009;35:41.
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