Micro-Liposuction: Perfection through Precision

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For years, body-conscious women have sought out surgical remedies to eliminate stubborn areas of fat – especially so-called love handles, saddlebags, and turkey wattle. In fact, fat removal by liposuction was the most popular cosmetic surgery in 2005.

Now, liposuction has become a tool to enhance not only flabby stomachs, hips and thighs, but also the near-perfect body parts of those whose physiques are already toned by diet and exercise.

An increasing number of cosmetic surgeons are using a more precise liposuction technique known as selective or micro-liposuction to target less perceptible areas of fat around the knees, ankles, backs, necks, chins, and upper arms.

“This is mostly for people who do not need much work done. It's liposuction for skinny people,” said innovator of the technique Dr. Luiz S. Toledo.

The goal of micro-liposuction is essentially to remove anywhere from one to three ounces of fat. Achieving this level of precision has required advancements in liposuction technology.

Smaller cannulae, the instrument used for suctioning out fat cells, and new types of ultrasound machines, which dislodge the fat before extraction, have helped increase the level of precision surgeons are able to achieve with liposuction.

“Because our equipment has gotten better, surgeons who a few years ago would not have touched areas like kneecaps, inner thighs, back rolls, calves and ankles have extended their practices,” said Los Angeles plastic surgeon Dr. Peter B. Fodor.

However, surgery for minor corrections is not necessarily as simple as it sounds. Experts in the technique argue that targeting areas with minimal amounts of fat requires extreme technical skill and precision as well as greater anatomical knowledge.

Patients who are considering micro-liposuction should make sure the plastic surgeon is trained in the technique.

Interested in micro-liposuction? Please contact us today to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.


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