Liposuction, Past & Present

(Parva Plastic Surgery)

Behzad Parva, M.D., F.A.C.S.

As we enter the new millennium, we are more health conscious than ever before. Our self-improvement involves healthier diets and regular exercise. Yet, some of us remain frustrated if our body contour is not sufficiently improved, although we have a healthier heart and mind. All that discipline and hard work does not seem to pay off when the physical changes have not complimented our internal sense of self-improvement and well being. Well, don’t be discouraged. It may not be of any consolation but factors such as genetic make- up, gender, age and skin quality contribute to the localized fat deposits that remain.

Liposuction can address the localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are in good general health, have relatively normal body weight and good skin tone. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction nor is it for everyone, but it serves to remove localized fat deposits that do not respond to dieting and exercise. Time required for the procedure varies, depending on the area and amount being suctioned and incisions are minimal and well concealed.

Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) is the most recent advance in liposuction and involves use of sound waves to "liquefy" unwanted fat and remove it in a less traumatic fashion. This does not replace traditional (or tumescent) liposuction, but is an effective tool for fat removal from fibrous areas of the body, such as the back and upper abdomen, or for removal of larger volumes of fat in a single procedure. Additional advantages include less blood loss while permitting greater volumes of fat removal and better control of surface contour. Recovery from liposuction is gradual with return to work usually within several days and a steady increase in activity.

A healthy life style with proper diet and regular exercise remains the key to an improved sense of well being. Liposuction, traditional and ultrasonic, offers an extra dimension to attaining further refinement in our physical appearance that secondarily can enhance our total self-improvement.