FineTouch Dermatology: Liposuction
Doctors perform an estimated 500,000 liposuction procedures in the United States each year, making it the most popular type of cosmetic surgery, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Most people know that liposuction involves removing fat from certain parts of the body to create a more streamlined shape. Fat is tissue (otherwise known as adipose tissue) made up of cells that store energy and insulate the body. Fat is generally subcutaneous -- located underneath the skin. Where fat gets deposited around the body depends on a person's gender. There are two layers of subcutaneous fat, deep and superficial. During a liposuction procedure, the doctor makes a tiny incision and inserts a hollow, stainless-steel tube (called a cannula) into the deep fat layer. Working on this layer is safer than working on the superficial layer, because there is less risk of injuring the skin, or causing surface irregularities. In a typical procedure, the doctor pushes and pulls the tube through the fat layer (a new technique, power liposuction, vibrates the movement). The surgeon removes fat from the deep layers as well as the superficial layers to further improve contour. As the cannula moves, it breaks up fat cells, and a vacuum pump or syringe removes the fat with suction. Liposuction at a target site ceases when the surgeon determines that the desired appearance in that area has been achieved.
Liposuction is indicated for patients who have excessive fat in areas such as the trunk, abdomen, and thighs, and wish to improve his or her appearance by removing these fat deposits. The plastic or dermatologic surgeon must take into account various factors, such as skin integrity and the nearby presence of vital structures, to determine if liposuction from the target site can be performed safely and effectively. Patients who may not be suitable for liposuction include those with minimal fat, existing medical conditions that preclude surgical intervention, and unrealistic expectations about cosmetic results. For these patients, other appropriate options may include diet, exercise, and psychological counseling. For more information, please contact FineTouch Dermatology Clinic to speak with a board certified dermatologist in Los Angeles by calling (310)318-1500, or visit http://www.finetouchdermatology.com
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