subject: I Think I Might Want To Get Liposuction--what Should I Know About It? [print this page] Liposuction (also known as lipoplasty and suction lipectomy) is a big deal. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans undergo the procedure. For twelve out of the last thirteen years, lipoplasty has ranked as the number one most popular cosmetic surgery in the United States.
Lipoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the surgery, a doctor makes one or a few small incisions directly over the desired target area and inserts a special hollow tube called a cannula. This cannula is hooked up to a vacuum device, and as the doctor moves the cannula back and forth through the fatty tissue, it breaks up and suctions out the excess and unwanted fat.
This procedure typically takes somewhere between one and several hours to perform. It is typically not necessary to stay overnight in a hospital or surgical center.
The surgery is very versatile. It can be used to remove fat from a number of different areas. Some of the most popular areas include the belly and the flanks (more informally known as the "love handles"), the breasts and the face and neck. Other popular areas include the hips, the thighs, the buttocks and the arms.
The surgery has a bit of a price tag, although it is actually less expensive than many types of cosmetic surgery. A lipoplasty typically costs somewhere between one and several thousand dollars. The price will depend somewhat on where you live; certain geographical regions tend to have pricier surgeries.
Your cost will also depend on a number of other factors, including where you are planning to have fat removed. Interestingly, your gender will also affect the price of your lipoplasty. Men tend to have tougher, denser fat than women, so it costs more for men than women.
The surgery typically doesn't have too long of a recovery time, as far as surgeries go. However, it is important not to rush things or push oneself too hard. People who work desk jobs can typically return to work within a couple of days of their surgery. However, returning to a more physically demanding job or to a rigorous exercise routine may take more time. In order to save yourself stress and keep from slowing your recovery, it's best to plan for a few more days of down time than you think you'll actually need.
If you would like to know more about liposuction, consider speaking with a surgeon in your area. Many cosmetic surgeons offer free consultations to potentially interested clients.
