What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure that works by removing excess fat deposits from certain areas of the body. This technique allows for improvement of body contour and proportion. Liposuction, or ‘lipo’, uses a cannula or suction device to remove fat form underneath the skin. Target areas include the thighs, buttocks, waist, abdomen, upper arms, back, inner knee, chest, and calves.

The Procedure

Generally, diluted local anesthetic is first infused in a tumescence solution to reduce bleeding and trauma. Next, the cannula, or thin hollow tube, is inserted through small incisions in the skin. Dr. Bartlett uses a controlled back and forth motion to dislodge fat and suction it out of the body with a surgical vacuum. Most patients are alert and comfortable enough to go home after liposuction surgery. The best candidates for liposuction are healthy non-smokers near their ideal body weight, but having areas of excess fat. Skin excess may still be an issue following the procedure and may only be alleviated by a second procedure for removal.