Ask Dr. Man- Liposuction

Dear Dr. Man, I’ve always been a healthy and in-shape person. I work out in the gym about 5 days a week and I eat right. I’ve also been blessed with good genetics. The problem is that I’ve always had this extra fat around my belly, which seem to get worse with age (I’m 39). Also, I have some extra jiggle around my thighs and my rear end. I want to be able to wear a bikini and feel proud. Is liposuction safe? Is it still a good procedure to consider for these kinds of problems? Signed, Karen



Dear Karen, What you are experiencing is quite common. In fact, that could explain why liposuction is the number one procedure of choice to remove belly fat. Liposuction is safe, requires little downtime, and can be performed on just about any area of the body. It is most commonly used to remove excess fat from the stomach, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, back, neck, arms and knees. Scars are minimal; and risks may include swelling, infection and “dimpling” of the skin.



Liposuction is often performed under local anesthesia. Fat is removed by inserting a hollow tube, known as a cannula, through tiny ¼ inch incisions under the skin. The cannula is connected to a suction device that vacuums out the unwanted fat. After liposuction, patients wear a surgical garment for several days to weeks.



Women most often request liposuction to remove excess fatty deposits developed during pregnancy. Tummy pouches, loose belly skin, “love handles” around the waist, flabby arms, and bulges on the back and buttocks are also among the most common complaints. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is very effective for these areas of “high” density fatty tissue.



Men most often request liposuction in order to remove bulging around the waist (a.k.a. spare tires) and calves, and to reduce the appearance of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. Since “six pack abs” have become quite popular among men, we are seeing a procedure known as “ab etching” increase in popularity as well. This procedure removes fat between the muscles and ribs, so that the ab muscles appear more prominently. This gives the patient a much more defined, muscle-toned appearance.



Sometimes patients request another procedure, such as a tummy tuck, in conjunction with the liposuction. Which procedures you get depends on the amount of fat you need removed and what your desired results are. Larger volumes of excess fat or loose skin may require a surgical tummy tuck or other procedure, or a combination thereof.



Talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon to see if liposuction is right for you.

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.