What is Liposuction?
The goal of liposuction in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts is to remove deposits of excess fat from the hips, thighs, waist, abdomen, buttocks, upper arms, back, and more. For many patients, exercise and healthy eating alone cannot eliminate stubborn pockets of fat. Liposuction is a great option to safety and quickly eliminate this fat.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction are at a stable weight, but still desire to improve their body shape and contours. They should also have decent elasticity in the skin, so when the fat is removed their skin achieves a smooth appearance. Many individuals can receive liposuction, though those with greater skin elasticity will achieve the best results. It is important to note that liposuction should not be thought of as a solution to obesity or a weight loss technique.
Liposuction- Patient 120
An Asian woman in her mid 20’s with a fatty deposit in her right axilla ( axillary lipodystrophy) which began when she had breast development and has not changed since. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after power assisted liposuction of the right axilla using the S.A.F.E. technique (Separation Aspiration Fat Equalization) At 6 weeks she will typically still have some swelling from the surgery that should continue to decrease over the next 6 months. Update: She is now seen 6 months after surgery. She has maintained an excellent contour and all swelling has now resolved.
Liposuction- Patient 119
A woman in her mid 20’s who is bothered by fatty deposits in the armpit area. (“Lipodystrophy of the axilla”) It has been present since she developed breasts, and bulges out of her bra and clothing. She is shown before and again, 6 weeks after power assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique. ( Suction Aspiration Fat Equalization) Under general anesthesia in the operating room, dilute local anesthetic solution is injected in each area. Then a cannula with raised fins on the end (“Becker cannula”) is used to mechanically break up the fat, using a power device that vibrates the cannula back and forth. This breaks up the fat but does not damage its viability. Then liposuction is performed using the same powered device but with a non finned cannula. Then the finned cannula is used again, without suction, to smooth and redistribute the remaining fat. In this way, I am able to obtain the smoothest removal of the fat with less chance of leaving irregularities. This procedure is commonly performed when needed at the time of a breast reduction, but can also be done by itself, as shown here. Update: Our patient is now seen 4 ½ months after liposuction. The contour has improved further as the mild swelling after surgery has continued to resolve.
Breast Reduction/Liposuction- Patient 152
A woman in her early 60’s who is bothered by breast hypertrophy and describes herself as a 36 double D cup. She has had symptoms for many years of neck, back and shoulder pain, grooving and irritation of her shoulders from the bra straps, a rash under the breasts in the summer months, and problems with her posture. She also has fatty deposits in the anterior axilla ( armpit area) She is shown before and again, 5 months after bilateral breast reduction along with power assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique ( suction aspiration fat equalization) to the lateral breast and anterior axillary area. Scars typically will continue to fade and improve for the first two years. Her symptoms are gone and she loves the new contour and looks forward to wearing evening dresses the show the upper breast and shoulders without the unsightly bulges in the anterior axilla.
Breast Reduction/Liposuction – Patient 151
A woman in her early 50’s who wears a 36 DDD bra and is bothered by back pain, shoulder pain, difficulty exercising and postural problems. She is also bothered by axillary lipodystrophy- extra fat in the anterior axilla that makes it difficult for her to wear halter tops or dresses. She is 5’3” and 197 lbs and is shown before and again, just 4 months after bilateral breast reduction with the removal of more than 1300 gms of tissue from each breast as well as Power assisted liposuction of the anterior axilla using the S.A.F.E. technique. (Suction Aspiration Fat Equalization) Scars will typically continue to fade and improve for the first 2 years adfter surgery- she is already thrilled with her result and no longer has problems with back and shoulder pain or her posture. She looks forward to wearing summer dresses that show the top of her breasts and that she could never wear before.
How is liposuction performed?
Liposuction can be done with the help of local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or intravenous sedation. There are many liposuction techniques available today, including traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and laser lipolysis.
During traditional liposuction, a thin tube, or a cannula, will be inserted though small incisions to loosen any excess fat with a back and forth motion. The loose fat is then suctioned out using a surgical vacuum that is connected to the cannula. Power-assisted liposuction uses cannulas that are located on a powered hand piece. With this technique, there is less manual exertion required by the surgeon.
During ultrasonic liposuction, ultrasonic technology is used to emulsify excess fat. Lastly, laser lipolysis, also known as SmartLipo, uses laser light to emulsify fat. Dr. Hall will help you choose a technique that is best suited to meet your goals.
What should I expect during recovery?
Patients should wear a compression garment after liposuction to control any swelling. Drains may also be used to collect any excess fluids. Swelling may take several months to fully subside, and your new body contours will improve with recovery. It is imperative to follow the liposuction recovery instructions provided by Dr. Hall for a safe and efficient recovery.
“Dr. Hall and his staff are great. They are friendly and made me feel comfortable. Dr. Hall is very knowledgeable and put me at ease regarding my surgery.”
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- Jonathan D. Hall, MD, FACSmembers of my own family."
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