Liposuction (also known as suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy, or fat suction) is a surgical procedure for removing localized deposits of subcutaneous fat anywhere in the body. This technique uses very small incisions and a high vacuum to remove fat cells in selected regions, thereby reducing contour in the treated areas. The incisions are 1/8 to 1/4 inch in length. Fat distribution is determined by two factors, heredity and diet. Heredity determines the location and number of individual fat cells, which are fixed and unchanged after puberty. Diet can increase or decrease the amount of fat in each fat cell, but will not affect the total number of cells or their distribution. Due to hereditary factors, many people have certain areas of their bodies that do not respond to either weight loss or exercise, and this may be a source of frustration for the person who has achieved an ideal body weight and good muscle tone, but cannot eliminate an area of fat excess. Liposuction selectively removes fat only from those areas in which the patient desires reduction. Since the fat cells are actually removed, the procedure is permanent, and following liposuction the body will always have less fat in the treated areas. Such localized fat removal is not a substitute for dramatic weight loss. Liposuction can be performed as an isolated procedure, but Dr. Tuckman often combines liposuction with other operations.

Liposuction was developed in France in the late 1970's and brought to this country in the early 1980's. Dr. Tuckman has been performing liposuction since 1984. Liposuction techniques have been improved and refined, culminating in the present method of injecting a large volume of saline solution and using very thin instruments. This current method is called the "Tumescent" or "superwet" technique, and Dr. Tuckman has been using this technique since 1993.

• Cheeks - very effective

• Chin - moderately effective

• Under chin - very effective

• Neck - somewhat effective

• Upper arms - moderately effective

• Breasts - moderately effective

• Abdomen - very effective

• Flanks - very effective

• Buttocks - moderately effective

• Hips - very effective

• Thighs - very effective

• Knees - very effective

• Calves - moderately effective

• Ankles - somewhat effective

• Reduce areas which cannot be reduced by diet or excercise

• Outpatient procedure

• Very little blood loss

• Rapid recovery

• Very small scars

• General anesthesia not always needed.

Disadvantages 

All surgery involves some degree of pain, some bruising, time for recovery, expense, and leaves scars somewhere. Postoperatively, there is a slight amount of swelling which takes several weeks or longer to subside. Dr. Tuckman usually recommends wearing a firm support garment during this time. Liposuction is not considered a treatment for obesity. 

Costs

The cost of liposuction by Dr. Tuckman ranges from $1600 on up, and depends on the area(s) being treated. If multiple areas are being treated, some savings are accomplished. Additional costs include facility fees and anesthesiologist's fee, if applicable. All cosmetic surgery is prepaid, but various financing options are available. It is not appropriate for health insurance to cover cosmetic surgery, and Dr. Tuckman will not submit this to a patient's insurance company. 

Possible Complications

Serious complications are very uncommon with liposuction and Dr. Tuckman has never had a serious complication from this procedure. Even in the hands of a highly skilled and qualified plastic surgeon, complications may occur. Bleeding or infection may occur with any surgery, as may poor healing or suboptimal scarring. Less likely complications include contour irregularities, asymmetry, discoloration, or numbness or reduced sensation in the treated area. Complications are less likely if the patient is a non-smoker, is not overweight, and avoids medicines which promote bleeding, such as aspirin. 

Recovery Time

It is not necessary to stay overnight after liposuction. Recovery time varies, depending on the person's age, body weight, body area treated, and the type of work or activities, but most people are back to work in a few days. A compression garment is worn for at least a week.