Liposuction

In the United States it is the most commonly done cosmetic surgery. A French surgeon, Charles Dujarier, first performed modern techniques for body contouring and removal of fat.

Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes fat from the human body in an attempt to change its shape. Evidence does not support an effect on weight beyond a couple of months and it does not appear to affect obesity related problems.

Serious complications include deep vein thrombosis, organ perforation, bleeding, and infection. Death occurs in about one per ten thousand cases. The safety of the technique relates not only to the amount of tissue removed (in the state of Florida by law we cannot remove more than 4 liters of pure fat as an outpatient, and 1 liter of fat if we are doing a tummy tuck or another procedure where skin is cut), but also to the choice of anesthetic and the person’s overall health. Several factors limit the amount of fat that can be removed in one session. Negative aspects to removing too much fat include “lumpiness” in the skin, and even skin necrosis if your surgeon is too aggressive against the skin. If you choose your surgeon wisely, liposuction is a very safe procedure with significant benefits.

Areas operated on can include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and backs of the arms. The procedure may be performed under general, regional, or local anesthesia.