Liposuction Is the Most Popular Cosmetic Surgery, Buts It Is Not For Everyone

More than 300,000 people underwent liposuction in 2003 and the numbers are even higher for 2004, making it the most popular form of cosmetic surgery. But just because it is popular doesn't mean that it is right for everyone that might want it. Consider the things people should know about liposuction and the questions people should ask themselves prior to undergoing this treatment.

December 17, 2004 -- Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery, but it's not for everyone - Noted dermatologist Emmanuel Loucas, MD discusses benefits, risks and criteria required for success.

Advanced Dermatology PC, NY, NY 2004 According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, more than 320,000 Americans underwent liposuction in 2003, making it far and away the most popular cosmetic surgery and one of the safest as well. Despite its popularity and safety, however, many hopeful liposuction candidates find themselves turned away from the surgical table each year after a risk assessment determines the procedure simply isnt suitable for them.

Prospective patients should never assume, just because a procedure is considered cosmetic and everyone else seems to be undergoing it, that its right for them, says Emmanuel Loucas, MD, a leading New York area dermatologist with Advanced Dermatology. Liposuction carries with it all of the inherent risks of invasive surgery. Whats more, there are numerous lifestyle associated criteria that can disqualify a liposuction candidate, either temporarily or permanently, Dr. Loucas notes.

What is liposuction?
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a procedure to remove accumulated fat cells in certain areas of the body through the use of a thin instrument called a cannula, hooked either to a suction device or a syringe. Dr. Loucas points out that many aspects of the surgery are variable, depending upon the amount of fat being removed, and taking into account any other requirements of the patient and/or the surgeon.

For example, the procedure may be performed in the surgeons office or an outpatient facility, or it may require an inpatient admission at a hospital. The surgeon may use the tumescent technique, during which a saline-based solution of pain reliever and epinephrine, a drug that contracts blood vessels, is injected into the fatty tissue before the surgery. This helps the doctor remove the fat cells quickly, and reduces post-operative pain and blood loss. Alternatively, the surgeon may opt for ultrasound-assisted liposuction, where the fat is melted using ultrasonic energy before it is removed from the body.

What can liposuction do? And what cant it do?
Liposuction is not effective as a weight loss strategy, Dr. Loucas explains. Neither can it take the place of a healthy diet and fitness regimen. Liposuction is also ineffective against cellulite or stretchmarks.

Rather, liposuction is most effective as a procedure to reshape and contour parts of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise efforts, such as saddlebags on the thighs, lovehandles at the hips, or a post-pregnancy store of belly fat.

Is liposuction right for me?
According to Dr. Loucas, those considering liposuction should ask themselves the following questions. Answering yes to these questions puts the patient on the right track, he says, adding, The next step is to contact a certified plastic surgeon for a consultation.

- Have you achieved a healthy weight? Long-term liposuction results are usually more successful if your post-operative weight remains stable. If you have plans to lose additional weight, you should do so prior to liposuction, Dr. Loucas advises.

- Can you commit to a lifetime diet and fitness regimen? Although the fat cells removed during liposuction are gone forever, you can regain weight in other areas of your body if you dont maintain your healthy weight and fitness levels.

- Is your skin elastic and free of cellulite? Cellulite cannot be corrected by liposuction, and for best results in areas where you have normal fat deposits, your skin should be well-toned and elastic. If you do have cellulite, your plastic surgeon may be able to recommend alternative techniques to diminish it prior to surgery, Dr. Loucas notes.

- Can you take time to heal? The recovery process varies from patient to patient. However, Dr. Loucas says that it can range from three to six weeks or longer, may include an overnight hospital stay, and will involve a period of limited physical activity.

- Are you in good medical health? Some chronic conditions or diseases can disqualify you from non-essential invasive surgery, either temporarily (for example, while establishing control of hypertension or diabetes through medication) or permanently.

Bio: Emmanuel Loucas
Emmanuel Robert Loucas, MD is a leading authority on Liposculpture, Dermatological Surgery and Laser Surgery. Caring for hundreds of patients over more than a dozen years, Dr. Loucas utilizes state-of-the-art technologies and procedures available in dermatology today. Dr. Loucas is currently an associate with Advanced Dermatology P.C., a leading Dermatology practice with offices in Long Island, Queens and Manhattan. Dr. Loucas completed his medical training at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, his Internship at University of North Carolina Hospital and his Residency at Tulane School of Medicine. He is currently affiliated with the North Shore, Long Island Jewish Health System, in Plainview, NY, St. Francis Hospital, in Port Washington, NY, and St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, in Jamaica, NY.

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