Liposuction first came to the public’s attention in the Eighties, and like all other technologies from 30 years ago, it has improved significantly.
The problem is, people still have that image from the 1980s of what Liposuction is, how it works, and who might get it.
In this article we’ll explain the basics of the procedure, how it works, and what’s involved.
The problem is, people still have that image from the 1980s of what Liposuction is, how it works, and who might get it.
In this article we’ll explain the basics of the procedure, how it works, and what’s involved.
The origins of liposuction
Liposuction was first developed in France in the 1970’s by father and son Arpad and Giorgio Fischer, as a way to remove excess body fat. They invented a small blunt, hollow instrument called a cannula, which allowed them to create tunnels through body fat, while simultaneously sucking it out.
This early version of liposuction was dangerous, and left many people scarred for life. It was only in 1985, when Californian dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein revolutionized liposuction, by perfecting the tumescent technique, that it became popular in cosmetic surgery today.
Like most new medical procedures, when liposuction first arrived on the scene it was expensive. This helped create the impression that the procedure was exclusively for the rich and famous of Beverly Hills, a myth which has lingered even until today.
This early version of liposuction was dangerous, and left many people scarred for life. It was only in 1985, when Californian dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein revolutionized liposuction, by perfecting the tumescent technique, that it became popular in cosmetic surgery today.
Like most new medical procedures, when liposuction first arrived on the scene it was expensive. This helped create the impression that the procedure was exclusively for the rich and famous of Beverly Hills, a myth which has lingered even until today.
How liposuction works
Also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy, the idea behind Liposuction is to reach the fatty deposits between the skin and muscle, which is known as subcutaneous fat. This excess fat would literally be sucked out of the body, leaving behind tiny tunnels which would then collapse, resulting in an improved body shape.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are undoubtedly the best way to maintain a figure you’re happy with, but unfortunately, as we age, we are genetically dispositioned to put on weight. Some parts of our body simply insist on retaining fat no matter what we do.
In men, fat tends to form on the abdomen, give men breasts, and gather around the neck/chin area.
For women, it generally gathers in the breasts, hips, waist and buttocks, although the most commonly treated areas also include thighs, knees, calves, ankles and beneath the chin.
The fat we gather as we age tends to be resistant to exercise, and for those who have tried to get rid of it unsuccessfully, liposuction may be the answer.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are undoubtedly the best way to maintain a figure you’re happy with, but unfortunately, as we age, we are genetically dispositioned to put on weight. Some parts of our body simply insist on retaining fat no matter what we do.
In men, fat tends to form on the abdomen, give men breasts, and gather around the neck/chin area.
For women, it generally gathers in the breasts, hips, waist and buttocks, although the most commonly treated areas also include thighs, knees, calves, ankles and beneath the chin.
The fat we gather as we age tends to be resistant to exercise, and for those who have tried to get rid of it unsuccessfully, liposuction may be the answer.
What's involved in the procedure
Tumescent liposuction, as developed by Dr. Klein in 1985, involves the use of a small stainless steel tube, called a cannula.
Inserted through small skin incisions, or tiny punch holes called adits, the cannula is connected to either a special suction syringe or a very powerful suction pump.
As the fat is sucked out, it creates tiny tunnels through the fatty tissue, which, when the instrument is removed, collapse in on themselves, pulling the remaining fat in tighter.
Removing even small amounts of excess fat can make a huge difference to body shape, and because the fat cells removed by liposuction do not grow back, these will no longer be hot spots for weight gain in the future.
Inserted through small skin incisions, or tiny punch holes called adits, the cannula is connected to either a special suction syringe or a very powerful suction pump.
As the fat is sucked out, it creates tiny tunnels through the fatty tissue, which, when the instrument is removed, collapse in on themselves, pulling the remaining fat in tighter.
Removing even small amounts of excess fat can make a huge difference to body shape, and because the fat cells removed by liposuction do not grow back, these will no longer be hot spots for weight gain in the future.
Are there risks with liposuction?
All medical procedures carry risks, no matter how small, especially when it comes to surgery, however there is minimal risk involved with tumescent liposuction as you (the patient) are awake, although lightly sedated, during the procedure so that the risks of general anaesthesia are not there.
The cannulas used during the procedure are so small, they allow a gentler approach, needing only a small amount of pressure to get through to the subcutaneous fat.
This results in a reduced risk of accidents, such as approaching too close to the surface of the skin, or going too deep.
The procedure also requires no stitches, so wounds heal by themselves and virtually disappear over a few months.
The procedure is also a “walk-in, walk-out” operation performed in a day stay surgical clinic.
The cannulas used during the procedure are so small, they allow a gentler approach, needing only a small amount of pressure to get through to the subcutaneous fat.
This results in a reduced risk of accidents, such as approaching too close to the surface of the skin, or going too deep.
The procedure also requires no stitches, so wounds heal by themselves and virtually disappear over a few months.
The procedure is also a “walk-in, walk-out” operation performed in a day stay surgical clinic.
How we can help
There are no age or weight restrictions when it comes to liposuction. If you generally maintain a stable weight but struggle with troublesome areas, liposuction could be the answer for you.
Here at the Vein and Skin Clinic, we have treated hundreds of patients with the tumescent liposuction procedure. With a long list of satisfied customers, you know you’re in safe hands when coming to us.
Book a consultation at Vein and Skin today and discuss your concerns with Dr Henryk Poczwa, one of New Zealand’s foremost experts in tumescent liposuction.
Or if you have any questions about the procedure, give us a call.
Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Here at the Vein and Skin Clinic, we have treated hundreds of patients with the tumescent liposuction procedure. With a long list of satisfied customers, you know you’re in safe hands when coming to us.
Book a consultation at Vein and Skin today and discuss your concerns with Dr Henryk Poczwa, one of New Zealand’s foremost experts in tumescent liposuction.
Or if you have any questions about the procedure, give us a call.
Our friendly and experienced staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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