Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States year in and year out. As we all seem to have more trouble keeping off a few, or more, extra pounds, it’s tempting to think we can vacuum the excess fat away with liposuction. But liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; it is intended to remove stubborn pockets of fat that just don’t seem to respond to changes in diet or exercise. Everyone, no matter what shape you’re in, has an unwanted fat pocket here or there, hence the popularity of liposuction.
Dr. Lipton performs liposuction for his patients.
When was liposuction developed?
Liposuction first came to the United States in the 1980s from France, where the procedure was developed. The original liposuction procedures were pretty violent. The surgeon had to move a relatively large cannula (a tube used to suction out the fat) back and forth quite aggressively under the skin to break loose the fat cells.
This created two problems. First, that kind of aggressive movement of the cannula wouldn’t work in delicate areas such as the bra strap area or under the chin (areas where liposuction is now routinely done). Also, the movement of the cannula caused widespread tissue trauma and bleeding. This combination made for extensive bruising that could take months to fully clear. If you knew someone who had liposuction back in the late 80s, you may have noticed extensive bruising that lingered.
What changed?
Today’s liposuction with Dr. Lipton is far easier on the body and far more targeted. First, he uses the tumescent method, where a saline solution that contains epinephrine and lidocaine is injected into the treatment area before the cannula is inserted. The saline solution constricts the blood vessels to minimize bleeding and dramatically lessen bruising. Plus, the lidocaine works as an anesthetic, usually precluding the need for general anesthesia, as was usually used previously.
Liposuction today can also include other technologies such as ultrasound energy or laser energy to either break up or liquefy the fat, making it easier to suction away. Dr. Lipton also uses a feathering technique to ensure a smooth final result (some early liposuction could leave depressed areas where too much fat had been removed).
Not for weight loss
It’s important to remember that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. People assume that you can simply suction away large amounts of fat, but this can actually be dangerous. Dr. Lipton decides by the individual patient how much fat should be removed. He generally wants his liposuction patients to be within around 10 percent of their ideal body weight.
Want to return to the slimmer contour of your younger days? Liposuction with Dr. Lipton can do that. Call us at 972-420-0023 and set up a consultation.
