Liposuction is the most common cosmetic plastic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Invented in the late 1970’s, it was introduced in 1982 to the United States, where it is now performed on more than 400,000 people annually.

Liposuction is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction-assisted lipectomy.” All of these refer to the removal of unwanted lumps, bulges, and areas of fat using a thin suction metal tube or a “cannula.” This instrument is inserted into subcutaneous body fat through small incisions. A strong vacuum is then applied through a hose attached to the cannula, which draws fat from under the skin  

Does Liposuction Have Any Health Benefits?

One of the benefits of liposuction, not commonly discussed by most internists or family practitioners, is that by reducing your total body fat, liposuction can help lower your cholesterol, reduce your insulin requirements, and reduce your risk of heart disease. Also, by removing fatty bulges from the abdomen, arms and thighs, liposuction enables large people to be able to exercise more easily and to become more mobile.  

Does the Fat Removed Through Liposuction Come Back? What Will Happen If I Gain Weight After Liposuction?

We develop all of our fat cells by the time we reach puberty. When fat cells increase in a part of your body, you gain weight there. Although the total number of fat cells remains stable in most people, in cases of extreme obesity the body can actually increase the number of fat cells in order to be able to store increased fat. Therefore, the common belief that patients who undergo liposuction will become “fat” in other parts of their body is to some extent true.

Fat cells that are removed from a body area do not return. Rather, fat cells in the remaining parts of the body, not treated by liposuction, will fill up with fat, thus causing one area to become disproportionately larger! Therefore, patients who have undergone liposuction need to avoid gaining significant amounts of weight -- thirty or more pounds.  

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Men and women who have diligently tried diet and exercise to reduce their size, and who have been frustrated time and again because they cannot achieve their ideal size and figure, are good candidates for liposuction. Often, these are people who have gained disproportionably large amounts of weight and fat due to pregnancy, or prescribed drugs such as hormone replacement therapies or cortisone. Also, those who have stubborn areas of localized fat such as “saddlebags,” “thunder thighs,” “love handles,” and “double chins” are good candidates. These are areas of the body that, for genetic reasons, are resistant to exercise and dieting. Patients complain that, rather than losing weight from these problem areas, they lose it in their face, in their breasts and in parts of their bodies that they are happy with. This, in turn, makes them feel as if they appear prematurely older.  

Does Liposuction Remove Stretch Marks?

No. In fact, the stretch marks can possibly become more noticeable after liposuction. Stretch marks are caused by excessive stretching, breakdown, and separation of the deep layer of skin, which is indicative of poor skin elasticity. Therefore, areas that have many stretch marks will not have the smoothest and tightest look after liposuction.  

What Are the Common Minor Complications, or Consequences of Liposuction?

Changes in Skin Sensation. This is a normal consequence of liposuction that occurs in everyone to a different extent. You may experience "paresthesias," which is an altered sensation at the site of the liposuction. This may either be in the form of an increased sensitivity (pain) in the area, or the loss of any feeling (numbness) in the area. This sensation is permanent in very rare cases. However, in almost all patients it goes away within the first two to four months after surgery. Massaging the area of liposuction helps increase circulation, and facilitate return of normal skin sensation.

Swelling. This is also a normal occurrence that occurs in every patient. Compression garments and post-operative massage help to minimize this, as well as reducing its duration to less than two months.

Bruising: There will be bruising in many areas that are liposuctioned, as well as in adjacent or dependent areas. For example, people who have abdominal liposuction experience swelling and bruising in their genitalia. This is not because these areas are actually liposuctioned. However, bruises usually move downward due to gravity, and can thus temporarily accumulate in the genitalia. Some bruising can last a long time or even lead to permanent skin pigmentation. Sun tanning immediately after surgery can cause these bruises to become permanent skin stains.  

What is a Tummy Tuck?

"Tummy Tuck," also known as Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove loose hanging abdominal skin, as well as to tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles. Because diet and exercise cannot fix these problems, over 80,000 American men and women undergo Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty every year, in order to regain their figure and abdominal strength.  

What Is A Mini-Tummy Tuck?

A Mini Tummy Tuck or Mini-Abdominoplasty is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, requiring only one hour of surgery as opposed to the three to four hours needed for a Tummy Tuck. Since it does not usually involve tightening of the abdominal muscles, it is reserved only for those who only have limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone. Also, it does not alter the shape of the belly button.

A Mini-Tummy Tuck does not involve an extensive undermining and tightening of the abdominal skin, so it can be safely combined with full Liposuction of the abdomen and flank. Therefore, the combination of Mini-Tummy Tuck with Liposuction might be a better choice for those with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.

While the incisions for a "full" Tummy Tuck can extend from hipbone to hipbone, those of a Mini-Tummy Tuck are much shorter, usually extending only the width of the pubic area and similar to a C-section scar.  

How Does a Tummy Tuck Differ From Liposuction?

One of the most common dilemmas for patients who are concerned with their abdomen is whether they would be better served with a Tummy Tuck or Liposuction.

While a Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty is designed to remove loose abdominal skin and to tighten the belly, Liposuction is designed only to remove excess fat. A Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty will not reduce the dress size in a woman of size 14 who has much fat around her abdomen. Likewise, a woman who has lost all her excess weight after pregnancy and is left with loose, hanging abdominal skin will not be able to tighten her abdomen or remove the stretch marks with Liposuction.

There are some people who are "in-between" these two groups – who have both excess fat and a hanging "spare tire." These people will first need to undergo Liposuction to rid themselves of the fat. They will then need a Tummy Tuck to remove the excess skin and to tighten their abdominal muscles.  

What is a Thigh Lift?

After weight loss, men and women can get sagging and rippling of their thighs that can extend from the upper thighs to the knees. Often, women complain that they are unable to wear swimsuits and that the loose skin rubs together between their thighs. Also the wrinkled loose skin around the knees keeps many women from being able to wear skirts.

Can Thigh Lifts be Combined with Liposuction?

Yes. Both Traditional Thigh Lift and Extended Thigh Lift can often be combined with limited Liposuction in order to better contour the legs and to reduce the size of the "saddle bags".  

Do I have to lose weight before undergoing a Tummy Tuck?

It is wise to have reached an ideal body weight before undergoing a Tummy Tuck. However, we do not live in an "ideal" world. Therefore, you can have your remaining excess abdominal and body fat removed either before, or during, a Tummy Tuck, with Liposuction – provided that you plan to maintain your weight and stay healthy.

Can I Become Pregnant Again Following a Tummy Tuck?

In most cases, women considering a Tummy Tuck should not be planning additional pregnancies. Although it is possible to have more children following a Tummy Tuck, another pregnancy could impact your Tummy Tuck outcome, and lead to the need to have your abdomen “re-tightened.” Therefore, a responsible cosmetic surgeon will advise you that it is preferable to be satisfied with the size of your family before undergoing a Tummy Tuck.  

Does a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?

There are no creams, or laser treatments that can erase stretch marks. However, because an Abdominoplasty removes most of the stretched out skin below the level of the navel, it does get rid of most of your stretch marks — at least those on the abdomen.

Can A Tummy Tuck and Liposuction Be Performed Simultaneously?

Yes and No. It is not safe to perform Liposuction in the areas of the abdomen where the skin is being stretched during an Abdominoplasty. This can cause unnecessary damage to the blood circulation of these areas, resulting in scarring or even skin loss. As long as Liposuction is performed away from the main abdominal skin areas, it is then safe. Therefore, some people choose to have their hips and thighs liposuctioned in conjunction with an Abdominoplasty. Breast lifts and augmentation are also frequently combined with the Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty. The surgeon may also simultaneously perform facial rejuvenation procedures, such as eyelid surgery, or procedures to remove fine wrinkles from the face. Because the total length of combined surgeries can affect the overall surgical risks, you should thoroughly discuss the safety of combined procedures with your cosmetic surgeon.  

What is Breast Augmentation?

Visit any gym in Los Angeles these days, and you’ll see so many women with beautifully proportioned bodies! Having a lovely body and full breasts is no longer a luxury that is limited to celebrities. Thanks to cosmetic surgery, and advances in Breast Augmentation and Enhancement, all women can now enjoy fuller and sexier breasts.

Women no longer need to stuff their bras with Kleenex before social occasions, wear oversize padded bras, or go to so many lengths to achieve a figure that they can feel better about. They can now attain fuller, sexier, and more attractive breasts that boost their self esteem. This is achieved very safely through Breast Augmentation.  

What Types of Breast Implants Are Available for Breast Augmentation?

There have been varying viewpoints throughout the years about the best kind of implant to use for Breast Augmentation, and health controversies about one kind of implant that dominated news reports in the 1990's. Many women who were interested in having fuller breasts were fearful to do so because of these reports. The following describes the different kinds of implants that are available, and addresses some of the concerns regarding differences between breast implant fill material, shape, surface texture, size, manufacture, and use of implants.

Saline Breast Implant

While there are a number of implants available for Breast Augmentation, currently the most commonly used is the saline breast implant.

Breast Implant Fill Material:

Although all breast implants do have a solid silicone shell (bag), they are filled with different substances such as:  

Where Are the Implants Placed with Respect to the Breast?

Placement of breast implants, either under or over the Pectoralis Major or chest muscle has important consequences.

Subpectoral: "Under the Muscle"

In Subpectoral placement, the breast implant is positioned under the Pectoralis Major muscle and directly over the rib cage. In this circumstance, the lower part of the implant is not covered by any muscle. This is preferred by many surgeons because it creates a more tear drop breast shape. On the other hand, some surgeons prefer submuscular implant placement, where the implant is entirely covered by the chest muscles. Another disadvantage of submuscular placement is that flexing of chest muscles during exercise can contract the implants or push them in and out of place. Furthermore, the breasts will have a flatter shape, and at times will show a double-bubble deformity, where the periphery of the implant appears separate from the breast.

Subglandular: "Over the Muscle"

Through this method, the implant is placed above the chest muscle, but below the mammary gland. This is a less complex surgery, with less pain and a somewhat shorter recovery. Some surgeons prefer this method because of its ease and speed of implant placement as well as a shorter period of time that it takes for the implants to settle.  

Should I Avoid Implants if I'm an Avid Bodybuilder or Exercise Heavily?

One of the inevitable side effects of working out and body building is the replacement over time of breast tissue with more lean body mass. While this is great for your overall fitness, you may not like the impact on the size of your breasts. If this is the case, Breast Augmentation could help you to regain your curves. If the patient is very lean, however, the surgeon will probably want to place the implant under the chest muscle. For resuming your exercise routine, it’s good to know that implants are designed to withstand a lot of impact. Kick boxers, police officers, and wrestlers enjoy implants without any deflation or other bad side effects.

Another consideration for fitness enthusiasts is that an armpit incision may leave a more visible scar for those who like to wear sleeveless clothing.

Can You Breast-Feed After Having Had Breast Implants?

Many women who have had breast implants have successfully breast fed their babies. Some surgeons believe that peri-areolar approach can increase the chance of injury to milk ducts. In my personal experience, I have found peri-areolar approach not to be any different than other approaches with regards to the patient’s ability to breast feed. Breast milk does not contain silicone in women who have silicone implants.  

Will I get Stretch Marks When I Have my Breast Augmentation? Can I Prevent Them?

It is literally impossible to determine whether you will get stretch marks after your Breast Augmentation.

Many doctors believe that your skin elasticity is a large factor. However, you can always take preventative measures. Many women have moisturized heavily prior to their surgery by using Palmer's Cocoa Butter, Shea's Butter Lotion, and Vitamin E. It certainly will not hurt to try it.

If you have pre-existing stretch marks due to pregnancy, breast-feeding, etc., the implants will most likely help to "fill them out", thus making them less noticeable. If this is not the case for you, or, you get stretch-marks after your surgery, you can try using Mederma. It has helped diminish the appearance of stretch marks in many women, while others have noticed little to no difference at all. Results vary.

Laser treatments have not been scientifically proven to remove or diminish stretch marks. However, it is rare to get stretch marks from breast implants, unless they are extremely large.  

What Do Implants Feel Like Once They're Inside the Body?

Many women equate the feel of their breasts implants to that of a teenage girl with young, healthy, firm breasts. Saline breast implants feel a bit firmer (both inside and outside the body), while silicone gel breast implants have a softer, and more natural feel. On the other hand, silicone implants are heavier.

Do Breast Implants Expire, or Have an Expiration Date?

No, implants do not have an expiration date.  

Can I Have My Nipples Pierced After Breast Augmentation?

Women with breast implants seeking to undergo body piercing procedures to the breast region must consider the possibility that an infection could develop anytime following this procedure. Should an infection occur, it is possible that it could spread to the breast implant space. Treatment including antibiotics, possible removal of the implant, or additional surgery may be necessary. Infections with the presence of a breast implant are harder to treat than infections in normal body tissues. If an infection does not respond to antibiotics, the breast implant may have to be removed. Individuals who currently wear body-piercing jewelry in the breast region are advised that a breast infection could also develop.

What Happens to Your Breasts if you Decide to Have Your Implants Removed at a Later Time?

Breast implants permanently change the shape and form of your breasts. Therefore, before having your implants removed you must consider how to deal with these permanent changes. For example breast implants do stretch and thin out the breast tissue and the chest muscles. Once implants are removed, you will have excess, loose breast skin which will require a Breast Lift. You must also be mentally prepared to deal with a dramatic reduction in your breast volume which can affect the proportions of your figure and how you fit in your clothes.