Liposuction

Liposuction Phoenix Arizona is a procedure that leads to the permanent removal of fat tissue using a suction technique. Liposuction Phoenix Arizona can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Many people are unhappy about the fat they have in different parts of their body, and for that reason, liposuction Phoenix Arizona is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States (See Quick Facts About Plastic Surgery).

During the past decade, liposuction Phoenix Arizona, which is also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of newer techniques, including power liposuction (PL), ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), liposculpture, LipoSelection™, and the tumescent technique, are helping plastic surgeons to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times.

Patients should understand that liposuction Phoenix Arizona, in its simplest terms, means removal of fatty tissues and does not necessarily imply any molding, shaping or contouring of the human body. This type of traditional liposuction Phoenix Arizona is excellent for removing unwanted fatty deposits or bulges from individuals. Almost all of the tissue obtained using this technique is found in the deep fat layer, which is the farthest from the skin. While traditional liposuction Phoenix Arizona can reduce these bulges, it does not always create skin shrinkage and contouring. However, most patients, by the mere fact that the fat volume is removed also enjoy some of the benefits of skin shrinkage; a reduction in size. When patients desire more contouring and wish to create more of an hour-glass appearance or perhaps wish to make the abdomen appear more muscular, we usually recommend a more sophisticated form of liposuction Phoenix Arizona, called liposculpture.

Liposuction and its more refined versions share some common positive characteristics; (1) Quite a lot of fat tissue can be removed in one setting, usually through tiny, hidden incisions; (2) Because this procedure requires only tiny incisions to be effective, there is usually very little postoperative discomfort; and (3) Most patients return to almost normal functioning capacity within a few days. These three positive qualities make liposuction an extremely attractive option for most individuals in a busy society like ours.

While this section discusses liposuction as it pertains to abdominal contouring, you should not forget that liposuction can help reduce and remove localized excess fat in the following areas:

• cheeks, jowls and neck
• upper arms
• breast or chest areas
• back
• abdomen and waist
• hips and buttocks
• inner and outer thighs
• inner knee
• calves and ankles

Liposculture

Traditional liposuction set out to remove unwanted fatty deposits from individuals. Almost all of the tissue obtained through this process is found in the deep fat layer, which is located relatively far from the skin. When liposuction is performed closer to the skin or more superficial, then the procedure has the highest chance of creating more beautiful shapes by inducing maximal skin shrinkage. Liposculpture is a more sophisticated approach developed to stimulate greater skin shrinkage, which often leads to superior results and creates more beautiful contours. In addition, patients who had excess skin than what is considered ideal for traditional liposuction could be treated more effectively.

The art and practice of Liposculpture introduced several new and effective concepts to the practice of liposuction. First, came the understanding that the superficial fatty layer must be treated in order to achieve greater skin retraction. When this layer is treated along with fat extraction in the deep fat layer maximal skin retraction is accomplished. Second, treatment of the superficial layer must be performed with smaller devices, called microcannulas, to enhance the detail of the body, achieving more delicate and smooth contours. Third, liposculpture, which literally means “to sculpt fat” allows for the creation of ridges and indentations which enhance the appearance of the underlying muscular structures. This technique is used for abdominal etching, which sculpts the fat so that the “six pack” area and waistline appear more physically fit. Fourth and last, extracted fat is recycled into areas that are deficient. Most often, recycled fat is injected into laugh lines and other wrinkles of the face to reverse the effects of aging and sun damage. Because it is your own tissue the results are usually long-lasting. Extracted fat can also be grafted into the buttocks to improve the appearance and shape of this area.

Liposculpture is ideally carried out in patients who are mildly obese but have great skin tone and wish to add greater definition to their bodies. Because the skin and muscles are in very good shape, this group of patients usually experiences the best results. A second set of patients who have mildly excess fatty tissues, but whose skin demonstrates wrinkles, stretch marks and a slight excess of skin. Additionally, the underlying muscles are weak and displaced, usually from childbirth. In these patients, there is usually an excess of tissue, but not enough to counsel against liposuction.

LipoSelection™

A breakthrough technology used with liposuction involves the application of ultrasound waves which selectively target fat cells. LipoSelection™ involves use of a tiny device which is inserted and used to deliver ultrasound energy capable of emulsifying (melting) the fat tissues before any liposuction is performed. The ultrasound waves only target fat cells and allow total preservation of other structures, such as, nerves and blood vessels. Additionally, collagen fibers which support the fat cells and skin begin to contract leading to great skin shrinkage with this technique. Because other tissues are totally preserved, the amount of discomfort, swelling and bruising after LipoSelection™ is less than with any other liposuction technique currently available. Many patients are capable of achieving a smoother contour and with minimal discomfort and a gentler, quicker recovery. LipoSelection™ is truly a State-of-the-Art technique which is available through our office.