Superficial Liposuction – Liposculpture Body Contouring

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery that is performed to remove excess fatty deposits from various parts of the body. The Greek word Lipo means fat with suction implying the sucking out or removal of fat. Superficial liposuction or liposculpture, on the other hand, refers to the refining of the contours of the human body using the adjustment and removal of fatty deposits. Liposculpture gets its name because of the similarities between the way surgeons sculpt the body and artists sculpt pieces of art and is sometimes referred to as body contouring.

Liposculpture is generally more aggressive than traditional liposuction and results in a greater volume of fat removal. Liposculpture also takes a more artistic approach. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon is more concerned with aesthetics, including making sure the body is symmetrical and the skin is smooth and free from dents. The doctor will sculpt away fat to create a better physical form for the patient.

The most common areas of the body targeted by liposculpture include the stomach, hips, legs, arms, buttocks, chin, neck and face. As well as removing excess fat from the body, superficial liposuction can also include the addition of fat in areas that need additional padding, in an attempt to shape the body.

Superficial liposuction relies in innovative technology and the newest techniques to insure the best results. Liposculpture typically is ultrasound assisted which means that ultrasonic waves are used to help liquefy the fat cells for easy extraction. The ultrasound can be applied above or below the skin. A motorized cannula may also be present. This type of cannula is up to forty percent faster than a manual version, and can save significant time when removing excess fat cells.

The tumescent technique is also popular in liposculpture. This procedure injects more fluid into the body before the surgery is performed than traditional methods. Typically, five times as much fluid injected with this technique. The larger amount is said to aid in the reduction of blood loss and other complications. It also assists in faster, less painful recuperation.

Both the use of ultrasound assisted liposuction and tumescent techniques contribute to more precise results and quicker healing times for patients.

Doctors do warn however that no type of liposuction or liposculpture should be used to replace healthy eating and regular exercise.

Plastic surgeons stress the necessity of any patient having realistic expectations about the results of the surgery. While liposculpture is likely to enhance your appearance, it is limited by body type and technology.

Candidates for body contouring should be in good mental and physical health. They should have no medical problems, or medical problems that can be treated with the use of medicine. Doctors advise that the best candidates for liposculpture are folks who are not extremely overweight. In addition, potential patients should also have firm, elastic skin for successful results.

As with many cosmetic surgery procedures the results of liposculpture may not be apparent immediately. This is because swelling and the use of compression garments may disguise the transformation. In addition, the injected fluids often take several days to completely drain from the body. Most recoveries are complete in six to eight weeks, but results may take six months to a year to be visible.

As with all surgeries, patients should report any complication to their doctor immediately. This includes swelling that lasts longer than two months, excessive bruising or bleeding, and skin denting or bulging.