People who are not overweight but have areas of fat they cannot get rid of through diet and exercise are good candidates for liposuction. Localized fat is often an inherited trait and liposuction is usually the only way to eliminate it.

Liposuction is not effective for the skin surface irregularities of cellulite.

You will realize good results from this procedure if your skin has the tone and elasticity necessary to achieve a smooth result following removal of the fat beneath it.

Dr. McLean will assess the quality of your skin and may ask you how your areas of localized fat were affected by weight loss in the past. Fat is removed through a small tube called a cannula inserted through tiny incisions close to the area to be suctioned. Incisions are very small - usually under a centimeter.

Dr. McLean uses a technique that involves infiltrating the fat with fluid ("tumescence") to assist in its removal. He may use standard SAL (suction assisted lipectomy) or PAL (power assisted lipectomy) depending on what is most effective for you. UAL (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) has fallen out of favour with many plastic surgeons.

Though infrequent, some complications include bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia. Skin numbness is to be expected and is usually only temporary. Occasionally, there is skin discoloration in the areas that have been treated. Irregularities of the skin surface, including depressions or wrinkling can happen. You can return to work in just a few days, though you will still have some swelling and bruising. This subsides in a week or two.

What areas are able to be treated with liposuction? Almost any deposit of fat beneath the skin can be removed by this very versatile technique. In order of
frequency the areas treated are: thighs (usually inner and outer), hips, abdomen, double chin and neck, inner knees, male chest, back rolls and love
handles, upper arms, buttocks, ankles, calves and wrists. Liposuction is often used in conjunction with other procedures such as facelifts, tummy tucks and arm lifts. Breast reduction can even be done by liposuction alone in suitable candidates who wish to avoid scars.