The areas most commonly treated via liposuction include fat under the chin, on the jaw line, on the flanks, hips, abdomen,  thighs, knees, chest, and lower legs. Using liposuction, the most commonly treated areas in women are the abdomen, hips, thighs, and knees, while in men it includes the abdomen,  the love handles, and enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia). Other areas treated by liposuction in men include the arms, neck, and face. Furthermore, sweat glands in the underarm can be removed by liposuction to reduce excessive sweating.

Liposuction was developed by physicians of different disciplines. Dr. Giorgio Fischer, an Italian gynecologist, invented liposuction in 1974. In 1978, Dr. Illouz, a French plastic surgeon, took the procedure to France, where it started to become more popular. In 1985, Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatologic surgeon, invented a safe technique, where liposuction could be performed entirely under local anesthesia, this was called the (Klein) tumescent liposuction technique. Since then, numerous long-term studies have confirmed the superiority in safety and final result.

Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. Since it was first introduced in the United States in the 1980’s, many refinements have been made . The most significant improvement was the use of dilute local anesthetic instead of general anesthesia, which was invented by a dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Klein. This is referred to as the Klein tumescent technique.

Types of Liposuction:

With liposuction surgery, both men and women can improve the contours of their bodies through a relatively simple and safe technique.  Liposuction surgery involves the removal of fat cells from the body.  It is designed for those who have specific areas of localized fat deposits and who have tried unsuccessfully to eliminate them through diet, exercise and weight loss.

While the procedure is not designed to correct general obesity, any area where excess fat deposits have accumulated can be treated.  These include the chin, neck, jowls, cheeks, arms, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, hips and abdomen.  Men with enlarged breasts can also benefit from this technique.

Before Surgery
Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient.  The procedure is almost always performed under local anesthesia.

The Procedure
The "tumescent" procedure is used where a large amount of diluted local anesthetic is injected into the area.  This procedure has the advantage of reducing pain and bruising in the area. The physician then makes a small incision in the skin and inserts a micro cannula attached to a vacuum suction.  This is a new method, where the size of the cannula used are so small that the procedure is made more safe, with less down time and more consistent results. The liquified fat is then removed from the body by suction.  After the incisions are closed, a compressive dressing or bandage is applied to the area to prevent bleeding, reduce swelling and support the affected area.

Following Surgery
A compression garment is worn for about one week following the surgery.  Following surgery, pain is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication.  Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection. Most patients are completely ambulatory immediately following surgery but rest is recommended for the initial postoperative period.  Patients are usually able to return to normal activities within a few days although vigorous physical activity is discouraged immediately following surgery.

Who is a potential candidate?
Most patients have localized fat deposits and some of our happiest patients are within twenty to thirty pounds of their ideal weight, and have been stable at that weight for years. Some patients have certain bulges irrespective of their weight and others are content with their weight, but would be more comfortable if certain bulges were recontoured. The best candidates for liposuction are in good health and have realistic expectations of the benefits of liposuction.

Cost of liposuction

Liposuction cost is based on the areas removed. On each liposuction surgery, the cost is determined as follows: The first area treated by liposuction is $2,000, and additional areas treated by liposuction are $1,000 more.  The areas treated with liposuction are as follows: chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen, inner thigh, outer thigh (saddle bag), knees, ankles, upper arms, each buttock cheek, flanks (love handles), upper back, each female breast. Any areas not mentioned, a quote can be given when meeting with the doctor during your complementary liposuction consultation. Some of the more common areas treated with liposuction are drawn below. The only cost to the patient is as stated, and there are no hidden fees. Other than the fee quoted, the patient is responsible for getting a compression garment. Furthermore, the doctor will prescribe medications for discomfort and antibiotics, which the patient would be responsible for.

Total cost of liposuction is:

1. Cost of liposuction surgery

2. Cost of pressure garment (roughly, $75 to $150)

3. Cost of medications (generic, and covered by medical insurance)

Example of total liposuction cost:

1. Male with gynecomastia (male breasts):

• Cost of liposuction is $2000
• Cost of pressure garment is $150
• Cost of prescription medications is $50

2. Female with upper and lower abdomen

• Cost of liposuction is $3000
• Cost of Pressure garment is $150
• Cost of prescription medications is $50  

Areas treated by tumescent liposuction:

Liposuction of the neck

Liposuction of the abdomen

Liposuction of the jowls

Liposuction of the back

Liposuction of the male chest

Liposuction for men

Liposuction of the male flanks

Liposuction of the female sides

Liposuction of the female thighs

Liposuction of the female buttocks

Liposuction of the ankles and knees

Liposuction of the arms

Liposuction of the female breasts