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Liposuction 101:

Have you dieted and exercised, but still have stubborn areas of fat that just won't go away? Dr. Vincent can help you get rid of that unwanted fat with liposuction, one aspect of his Body Sculpting program.

Introduced in the U.S. in the early 1980s, liposuction, also called liposculpture, lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery technique developed by surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise. These fatty bulges are most commonly found in the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, knees, ankles, calves and arms. They are also found in the facial areas such as the chin, cheeks, jowls and neck. Traditionally, women tend to accumulate fatty deposits on the hips, buttocks and abdomen. Fat in men tends to accumulate around the mid-section. Some men can even experience gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts.

THE SURGERY -- HOW IS IT DONE?

Liposuction works by making small incisions near the area where fat is to be removed. A thin, hollow tube, called a cannula, is inserted and attached to a machine or syringe that creates a strong vacuum. Dr. Vincent will then strategically manipulate the cannula under the skin to remove the unwanted fatty deposits. Depending on the extent of your liposuction, Dr. Vincent may use a intravenous sedation where you will be asleep during the surgery. Newer liposuction techniques involve injecting the surgical area with a special fluid/anesthesia combination prior to suctioning. This is called tumescent liposuction. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless, while minimizing pain. The rest of the procedure is performed in the same way as traditional liposuction.

ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE?

The best candidates for liposuction are healthy men and women with good skin elasticity. They must also have realistic expectations for liposuction. This means that improvement, not always perfection, is the goal. The fatty bulges should be localized to a few areas and the individual should be near their ideal body weight. Cellulite, or waffled skin, will not be cured by liposuction. Liposuction can enhance the appearance of men and women of all ages while boosting self esteem. This procedure is not for obese people. It is not meant to replace good eating and exercise habits, or to counter obesity; however, liposuction can offer help to remove unwanted fatty deposits in many areas of the body.

Call Dr. Vincent today to discuss your condition, and see if liposuction is the right choice for you.