While most people are familiar with liposuction, a surgical procedure in which fat is literally vacuumed from the body, they may not have heard of its cousin, liposculpture. Liposculpture is a less invasive technique used by plastic surgeons to remove targeted areas of fat from under the skin to provide a more sculpted, younger look.
How is it done?
Developed in the late 20th century by doctors in Europe and Australia, liposculpture uses a technique called the tumescent technique. In this process, the doctor injects a saline solution in the targeted area, which numbs the area and liquidizes the fat to make it easier to remove. The fat is then removed with a small vacuum device.
What parts of the body can be liposculpted?
Even with diet and exercise some areas of fat remain stubbornly in place in the neck, cheeks, upper abdomen, buttocks, calves and ankles. Liposculpture can reduce the chubby appearance caused by this excess fat and help bring definition to the treated areas.
How long is recovery from liposculpture?
One reason liposculpture is so popular is that it is usually done on an outpatient basis. Patients can typically drive home after the procedure, and recovery takes just several days to a week. Patients can experience swelling and bruising, and sometimes fluid can leak from the injection site. Pain is mild to moderate.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgical procedure, there is always the risk of infection or allergic reaction. Also, depending on your age and the level of collagen in your skin, the skin may not always tighten properly over the treated area, resulting in sagging.