The Art of Liposuction

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Liposuction has been at the forefront of cosmetic surgery procedures for over 40 years. Although the concept was first introduced in the 1920s, modern liposuction was created by two Italian gynecologists in 1974. The innovative technique for suctioning away unwanted fatty tissue quickly revolutionized aesthetic medicine. Since liposuction hit the market in 1982, it has consistently been one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed every year.

 

Body Sculpting at Its Best:

Liposuction is a simple technique used by surgeons to sculpt and contour the body by eliminating isolated fatty deposits. Unfortunately, anyone can develop solitary areas of fatty tissue no matter their weight or body type. In fact, 90% of all women will be affected by cellulite at some point in their lifetime. Genetics play a big part in the accumulation of body fat, as does lifestyle, pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and illness. No matter the cause, these unsightly areas of fat are often resistant to diet and exercise.

 

Liposuction Fast Facts:

    • In 2015, liposuction was the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure
    • More than 396,000 liposuction procedures were performed last year
    • Women make up 87% of liposuction patients
    • The average liposuction patient is between 35-50 years old
    • Last year, Americans spent $1,257,779,714 on liposuction
    • Liposuction procedures normally take about one to two hours
    • Most patients are back at work seven to ten days after liposuction

Liposuction can be useful in eliminating fat from almost any place on the body. The most commonly treated areas include the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, breasts, and below the chin. Since each treatment is custom tailored to the individual, patients can expect excellent body sculpting results.

 

Post Pregnancy Liposuction and the Mommy Makeover

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience; however, a woman’s body can be slow to bounce back afterward. The lingering effects of pregnancy include stretched skin, sagging breasts, and deposits of fat along the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Liposuction can meticulously remove the unsightly cellulite that accumulates during pregnancy, restoring a pre-baby body that looks sleek and youthful.

To better address all of the post-pregnancy changes, many women find optimal results in the combination technique known as a Mommy Makeover. The procedure brings together liposuction (ridding the pockets of fatty tissue), with a tummy tuck (excising lax skin and tissue), and a breast augmentation (to restore shape and volume to the breasts). A Mommy Makeover can undo the wrath of pregnancy in a single surgical procedure.

 

Brazilian Butt Lift and Fat Transfer Techniques

Butt augmentation once relied solely on a silicone implant. However, with a Brazilian Butt Lift, this is no longer the case. This technique achieves the desired perky, round bottom using liposuction. First, excess fat cells are harvested from elsewhere on the body using liposuction. These are then re-injected into the layers of buttock tissue. During the procedure, the surgeon will also raise remaining skin and muscle, giving the bottom a healthy lift. A Brazilian Butt Lift will provide patients with a round, smooth, derriere for proportionate curves and a shapely figure.

Although it is most often used to improve volume of the breasts, face, buttocks, hands, and calves, the fat transfer procedure can improve shape and contour in almost any place. The technique starts with liposuction, as fatty tissue is removed from a donor area such as the stomach, flanks, or thighs. This is then separated and sterilized using a centrifuge. When reinjected into the desired area, the transferred fat will integrate with the existing tissue, where it thrives for years to come.

 

More Than Skin Deep: The Many Benefits of Liposuction

As science evolves, liposuction becomes safer than ever before. When performed by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, compilations from the procedure are rare. Fatty tissue that is eliminated using liposuction will not return. As long as patients follow a healthy lifestyle, and maintain their recommended weight (as the remaining fat cells can still grow), their new body contours are permanent.

Liposuction can do more than just restore a smooth, shapely physique. Research has shown that liposuction can also lower a patient’s risk of heart disease. While extensive studies are still underway, early reports show that liposuction can reduce triglyceride levels. This means a lower chance for heart attack, obesity, stroke, and high blood pressure. Additionally, liposuction can ‘kick-start’ a patient’s path toward a healthy lifestyle, restoring confidence to hit the gym and maintain a balanced diet.

 

For more information on liposuction go to Liposuction Houston or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Facts and the 2015 liposuction statistics can be found at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Houston’s top plastic surgery practice, Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, has been providing the area’s best liposuction results for almost 30 years. Contact the Richmond Avenue office for more details at 281.484.0088.