In 2018, 1.8 million individuals in the US underwent cosmetic surgical procedures. Of these folks, 258,558 — or almost 15% of patients — had liposuction.

That’s a 5% jump from 2017, wherein surgeons performed 246,354 liposuction procedures. Those 2017 figures also represent a 5% increase from the year before.

This makes lipo the second-most common cosmetic surgical procedure in the US. These figures also prove that lipo is still widely popular among those who want to reduce body fat.

The question now is, what makes for the best liposuction candidates? What should and should you not expect from this procedure?

We’ll address all these questions in this ultimate guide to liposuction, so be sure to read on!

Liposuction: What It Is In A Nutshell

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure involving the removal of extra body fat. In the world of plastic surgery, it’s more commonly referred to as “lipoplasty”.

While lipo is best known as a fat-removal technique, it also allows for body contouring. In this way, surgeons can refine the body shape of their patients, giving their curves an extra “oomph”.

In fact, many surgeons use lipo to enhance the results of their patients’ other procedures. One reason is that it’s the only method that allows for such precise shape improvements.

What It’s Not

Liposuction, as impressive as its fat-reducing effects are, isn’t a weight-loss method. You shouldn’t consider getting it if you haven’t tried proper dieting and exercise yet.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Most lipo surgeons use a technique known as “tumescent”, which means “swollen and firm”. In this process, the surgeon injects a tumescent anesthetic into the treatment area. Afterward, they create a very small incision in which they insert a “cannula”, which is a small tube.

This tube allows the surgeon to move, release, and remove the fat using suction. If the patient is up for another enhancement procedure, they may preserve the removed fat. They may use this to enhance other features, such as the buttocks or the face.

In VASERlipo, one of the most innovative types of liposuction, the fat gets “broken down” first. It does so with the use of ultrasound technology, which helps facilitate fat removal. You can check out this liposuction company for a deeper look into VASERlipo.

What Are the Most Common Lipo Treatment Areas?

Lipo is very popular among those who want to get rid of their “love handles”. This term refers to the extra fat that builds up in the waist and flanks.

True, love handles are more common in overweight people, which is about 31.8% of Americans. However, they can also develop in people with normal weight. In these individuals, liposuction can help remove most of the stubborn fat build-up.  

Lipo isn’t just for the waist or the flanks though — it can also treat the following areas.

Dimpled Buttocks

The buttocks, which is prone to dimpling due to extra fat, is now also a popular lipo treatment area. It can also help correct the disproportion between the buttocks and the rest of the body.

Muffin Tops

Lipo can also help reduce “muffin tops”, the unsightly bulge on the abdomen. Belly fat, after all, is among the most stubborn type of fat build-up. It’s hard to get rid of because it’s formation can also be due to stress, hormones, and yes, even genes!

Batwings

The term “batwings” refers to the “jiggly” sections of the upper arms, a problem that affects both men and women. It’s more common in aging females though, and it appears that hormones play a role. Either way, liposuction can help smoothen, secure, and tighten these areas.

Thighs

Lipoplasty can also help remove “saddlebags”, the fat deposits on the outer thighs. Most people who get this also often undergo inner and anterior thigh liposuction.

Contouring the inner thigh can give the patient a “thigh gap”, a shapely space between the upper legs. Whereas anterior thigh lipo is a type of liposuction that helps define and firm up the buttocks.

Other Areas That Liposuction Can Help With

Although not as popular as the ones discussed above, you can still get lipo for the following areas.

Hips

Some women also undergo hip liposuction to improve the shape of the hips. This results in an enhanced silhouette and even helps give the buttocks a more defined look.

Face

Cheek and neck fat can make the cheeks chubby and the entire face looking puffy. Unfortunately, these fat deposits can be hard to get rid of, not to mention an embarrassment to those who have it. In fact, almost half of the respondents in one study said that their double chin bothers them.

With lipo being a precise and detailed procedure, it can help remove these facial fats. Best of all, you can get it alongside other enhancement procedures, such as a chin tuck.

Chest

Some women do undergo breast liposuction, but chest lipo is actually more common in males. Patients are often males who have gynecomastia.

Who Are the Best Liposuction Candidates?

The best liposuction candidates are those who aren’t too far from their ideal weight. Patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30 are also ideal candidates. Having a firm and elastic skin and a healthy muscle tone are also important.

The best way to gauge your candidacy is to get a consultation with a board-certified surgeon. They will review your medical history and current condition to see if lipo is right for you. They will also explain how lipo may (or may not) help you so that you can get your expectations straight.

Patient Limitations

Even the best liposuction doctors and cosmetic surgeons won’t operate on heavy smokers. Most will also advise against lipo if the patient has a health condition that may affect healing. Those who have weak muscles or loose skin due to pregnancy may also not be good candidates.

Get that Excess Fat Out With Safe and Innovative Liposuction Procedures

There you have it, your ultimate guide on what liposuction is and what it can do for you. Now that you know who the best liposuction candidates are, you can then decide if it’s right for you.

If you’re still unsure, schedule an initial consultation with a board-licensed surgeon. Their medical opinion will help you better understand the benefits and risks of lipo.

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