Excessive fatty deposits are mainly due to weight gain. In genetically predisposed individuals, fat deposition can occur into unwanted areas of the body even when weight is not the problem.

Fat deposition is also very hormone dependent. Women develop bulges in the hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs and knees, while men complain of fullness in the flanks and waistline. Proper dieting and exercise can certainly help one to lose weight, unfortunately fatty deposits in certain areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, and inner and outer thighs are very difficult, if not impossible, to get rid of. It should be noted that liposuction is not the solution for excessive weight gain; it is designed to remove only regional and localized deposits of fat. For example a very large thigh cannot be reduced to a small thigh by liposuction. Individuals who are excessively over weight should consult health care professionals who specialize in the field of nutrition and weight reduction. If liposuction is performed in an overweight individual the result may be poor and undesirable as suctioning of fat can create excessive amounts of skin which will sag.

Liposuction is an operation which can help to remove and sculpt stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods. The areas to be suctioned are accurately marked and infiltrated with the tumescent solution, which contains local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors. These medications significantly reduce blood loss and bruising while providing post-operative pain relief.

Several small puncture wounds are placed in various areas through which a hollow and open-ended canula is inserted. The canula is attached to a vacuum pump, which suctions unwanted fat. I often use the External Ultrasonic machine to further reduce bleeding and to obtain softening of the fat prior to suctioning. Ultrasonic waves are sound waves that travel through water similar to sonar used by submarines. The tumescent fluid injected into the tissues creates a watery medium for the ultrasonic waves to travel. The sonic waves disperse and spread the medication evenly within the fatty layers facilitating the suctioning process. By back and forth strokes of the canula within the fatty layers, excessive fat can be carved out from areas such as the neck, chin, arms, back, abdomen, thighs, hips and knees. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. Only small areas can be suctioned comfortably with local anesthesia and IV sedation. Males with enlarged breasts, which are primarily fatty in nature can benefit from liposuction. It should be noted that liposuction produces better result when the overlying skin is tight. Recovery time is approximately one week. Post operative discomfort lasts just a few days and is adequately controlled by prescribed pain medication. One should stay away from anit-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, Advil, Ibuprophen and Motrin, starting 2 weeks prior to surgery and continue avoiding such medications 10 days post-operatively. Patients are required to wear appropriate girdles and garments for six weeks.

With liposuction, women can regain the desired feminine curves while men can reduce the non-athletic looking bulges.