by Zoe Trudeaux

Created on: April 25, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Liposuction (Lipoplasty) is one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures for both men and women. Patients who wish to have a positive experience with this procedure should consult a qualified surgeon in order to better prepare themselves physically, mentally and financially.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

Not everyone will achieve the same results from liposuction. Candidates who have excessive fatty deposits as a result of heredity, lifestyle, and nutritional habits achieve a better outcome than those who are obese. A good candidate:

-Is close to their ideal body weight.
-Has excess fat localized in specific areas that do not respond to dieting or exercise.
-Has good skin tone with the capacity to shrink evenly after surgery.
-Has reasonable and realistic expectations.
-Does not smoke.
-Is emotionally stable.
-Understands the risks involved.
-Is in good overall health, since certain diseases and medications can cause complications.
-Does not have body image problems, eating disorders or schizophrenia.

TYPES OF TREATMENT AVAILABLE

There are two techniques used in liposuction: tumescent and ultrasonic. The procedures are very similar. Therefore, the technique the surgeon is most skilled in will cause the least complications.

The standard technique is tumescent liposuction. With this treatment, the surgeon first fills the fat with a solution containing saline and local anesthetic. Then a long thin rod called a "cannula" suctions the fat out through a few small incisions.

Ultrasonic liposuction is similar to tumescent liposuction except the fat is liquefied with high-frequency ultrasonic energy. It is then either suctioned out or absorbed and removed by the body, depending on which technique is used.

INFORMATION ON LIPOSUCTION COST

Liposuction prices vary depending on the areas of the body that need treatment. The cost can range from $2,000 to $10,000. The average total cost can range from $3,500 for one area to $9,700 for five areas.

POSSIBLE RISKS

Possible risks can include excess bleeding, infection, skin numbness, skin discoloration, and contour irregularities. Severe complications are rare but include: blood clots in the leg or lung, injury to internal organs, excessive blood loss, hypothermia, allergic drug reactions, aspiration pneumonia, cardiac arrest, permanent nerve damage, seizures, and more.

LIPOSUCTION ALTERNATIVES

Patients who are not candidates for liposuction should explore other alternatives for fat loss. According to The American Society for Aesthetic

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