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Liposuction - The Procedure

Liposuction is a procedure where excess fat is removed from localized areas of the body to improve shape and contour. It can be performed on any part of the body, but is most commonly done on the thighs, abdomen, back, arms, knees, and under the jaw.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the procedure occurs before surgery ever begins, when Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent, carefully marks out the specific areas to be treated. It is always best to mark the patient while standing, to best understand the problem areas as these can become distorted when the patient is lying down for surgery.

One of the many advantages of a liposuction procedure is that it can be done thru tiny incisions, which can usually be strategically placed so they are well camouflaged. The procedure is begun by first infusing a saline fluid into the area to be treated. The fluid will usually contain medication that will help decrease bleeding and decrease pain following surgery. The fluid also helps the plastic surgeon to more accurately sculpt the area for better contouring and shape. The procedure is begun after a short wait to allow the medication to take effect.

Liposuction is performed with a series of thin metal tubes, called cannulas, which are attached to a suction device. The cannulas are used to sculpt away the excess fat, which is then removed by the suction. The cannulas are carefully moved back and forth over the area to be treated, thus removing small amounts of tissue at a time. This allows the surgeon to constantly assess the area and more accurately contour the region. The surgeon can also feel the skin and subcutaneous tissue to help him decide how much to remove. The incisions can often be closed with just a single internal or external suture.

The human body always reacts with swelling following any surgical procedure and liposuction is no exception. The amount of swelling is usually at its maximum on the second day following the procedure. A large percentage of the swelling will go away after about two to three weeks, but there is always some swelling that remains for up to six months following liposuction. Bruising is also common after liposuction and this too will likely resolve in two to three weeks following the operation.

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent, reminds patients that the procedure is not for weight loss, but is for improving one's silhouette. Liposuction can be an excellent opportunity for achieving a well-proportioned shape, especially when other methods have failed.

Dr. Lent performs liposuction procedures at his office in Beverly Hills. Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States.