Types, Basics and Benefits of Liposuction Procedures

types benefits liposuction procedures

There are a variety of cosmetic surgery techniques out there, and one of the most popular and successful in recent years is liposuction. A procedure that allows for targeting particular areas of fat that will not respond to other weight loss methods, liposuction has helped numerous patients achieve the appearance they desire, with hundreds of thousands of operations performed just in the last five years.

At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we’re proud to offer the highest-quality liposuction services available in Utah to all our qualified patients. If you’re wondering exactly what liposuction is and whether it might benefit you, our team is happy to answer any questions you may have. Here’s a basic primer on this procedure, some of the techniques often utilized within it, and some very limited side effects to keep in mind if you move forward with liposuction.

Liposuction Basics

Liposuction, in case you haven’t heard of it or read about it before, is a plastic surgery procedure meant to improve body contours. It may also sometimes be referred to as lipoplasty or liposculpture, though liposuction is the most common term.

During liposuction, fat just below the skin is broken up and then pulled out of the body in a suction format. This is generally an outpatient procedure, one that only requires small incisions in the skin and then tubes run into these incisions to suck out fat.

One important note here: Liposuction is not meant to replace healthy lifestyle habits, and is not a treatment for obesity or any related condition. It is not meant to eliminate cellulite or skin irregularities. Rather, it’s meant as a complement to healthy habits like exercise and proper diet, which may not always remove certain stubborn fat deposits.

Liposuction Techniques

There are several specific techniques that might be used for liposuction, including:

  • Suction-assisted: The most common procedure, using a vacuum to suction fat
  • Power-assisted: A combination of suction-assisted liposuction with an additional tool that speeds up the process
  • Ultrasound-assisted: Uses ultrasound to melt the fat, allowing for larger deposits to be removed at once
  • Laser-assisted: Utilizes a laser to melt or otherwise disrupt fat, making removal more efficient

Viable Liposuction Areas

Liposuction is a viable procedure for virtually any area of the body that has a stubborn fat buildup. Common use areas include:

  • Abdomen
  • Hips
  • Thighs
  • Inner knees
  • Back
  • Upper arms
  • Flanks
  • Buttocks
  • Chest
  • Chin or neckline

Limited Side Effects

When performed by a reputable doctor like Dr. Warnock in a licensed facility like ours, liposuction is completely safe. Like many other plastic surgery procedures, however, it may come with minor risks or side effects, such as bruising, numbness, soreness or swelling – but all of these will be temporary if they show up at all. We will also provide you with techniques and advice for limiting any such side effects.

For more on liposuction and whether it’s right for you, or to learn about any of our cosmetic surgery procedures, speak to the staff at the offices of Steven Warnock MD today.