Suction assisted lipectomy, more commonly referred to as liposuction, is a specific technique that is used to target areas with fat deposits.
This type of liposuction simply involves a cannula (a thin tube) being inserted through small incisions, and removing small areas of fat via a vacuum-like suction device. While other liposuction methods do exist, suction assisted lipectomy is considered the traditional approach, and it’s still widely used today.
In this blog, we’ll break down what suction assisted lipectomy actually involves and explain what makes someone a suitable candidate. Before undergoing any type of cosmetic surgery, it’s always important to get personalised advice, so we recommend organising a consultation with Dr Rastogi after reading.
How liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) works
Suction assisted lipectomy is performed under general or local anaesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the areas being treated.
During the liposuction procedure, Dr Rastogi makes small incisions in the skin, typically just a few millimetres wide, and inserts the cannula into the layer of fat beneath the skin. The cannula is connected to a suction device, which draws out the fat through controlled, back-and-forth movements.
The process physically breaks up the fat before removing it, which is part of why suction-assisted lipectomy can be effective for treating areas that are more resistant to other approaches, such as the lower abdomen, flanks, thighs, or under the chin.
Since it’s a manual process, the method can be more time-intensive for larger areas, but it does allow for more hands-on control. It’s also worth knowing that this type of liposuction focuses only on the superficial fat layer, which is the fat just beneath the skin.
It doesn’t target visceral fat (the fat around your organs), so it won’t address abdominal bloating or weight-related health issues. It is a cosmetic procedure, meaning it is performed to suit the patient’s personal aesthetic preferences.
What areas of the body can be treated?
Suction assisted lipectomy can be used in multiple different areas of the body, though the approach to the procedure will vary depending on the area being treated and how much fat is being removed. Some treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, outer and inner thighs, arms, under the chin, the back, buttocks, ankles and chest.
When multiple areas are being treated, the procedure time will usually increase – and so will the recovery period. It’s also more likely that compression garments will need to be worn longer when multiple areas are involved, especially if the volume of fat removed is more moderate to significant.
What suction assisted lipectomy is not
It’s important that suction assisted lipectomy isn’t mistaken for a weight loss procedure. This is one of the most common misconceptions about liposuction.
While fat is physically removed from the body, the amount is usually measured in litres rather than kilos. In most cases, the total weight loss is actually quite minimal. The aim of the procedure is more about shaping an area than achieving an overall reduction.
That being said, the procedure generally should only be performed on candidates who are already at or close to their stable weight.
It also won’t address issues with loose or stretched skin. In fact, if skin elasticity is poor, it can actually highlight this more – which is why, in some cases, liposuction is paired with a procedure to remove or tighten excess skin.
Who is considered a candidate for liposuction?
Someone may be considered a candidate for suction assisted lipectomy if they’re at a stable weight and have areas of localised fat that haven’t responded well to diet or exercise.
There’s no one ideal body type for the procedure, but since it is not a weight loss procedure, as we’ve mentioned, it may not be as effective for those who want to lose a significant amount of weight in the near future.
Apart from weight, it’s important that skin tone is taken into account. Since the fat is removed from underneath the skin, that overlying skin needs to be able to contract to form around the change in shape. If the skin doesn’t have good elasticity, there’s a higher chance that it could appear loose after surgery, especially in areas like the inner thighs, arms, or abdomen.
Age isn’t necessarily a limiting factor, but it’s true that younger patients tend to have more effective skin retraction – this is due to the amount of collagen and elastin that is present in our skin and tends to deplete as we age. However, many patients over 40 still undergo suction assisted lipectomy, particularly if their skin condition is good and they’re otherwise healthy.
Someone might not be considered a good candidate if they have health conditions that make surgery more complicated, or if they’re expecting a more drastic result than what can realistically be achieved. It’s also generally not recommended during periods of active weight change, such as during pregnancy, after recent weight loss surgery, or in the middle of a new diet or fitness plan.
When a potential liposuction candidate is considering the procedure, they will need to have an in-depth screening process with their surgeon beforehand. Their general health, health history (including any details of previous surgeries they may have had), personal expectations, lifestyle factors and more will be discussed to ensure that liposuction is the right choice for them.
Dr Rastogi: Liposuction (Suction Assisted Lipectomy) in Double Bay, Sydney
If you are looking into suction assisted lipectomy and want advice that’s specific to your body and goals, it’s important to book a consultation with an experienced doctor, like Dr Rastogi.
Dr Rastogi will be able to assess whether this type of liposuction is suitable for you and explain what is involved in more detail. He can discuss your personal goals, outline how liposuction is performed and the results it can achieve, and help you prepare.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with Dr Rastogi, please contact our team to book your appointment in Sydney.
