Advances in Liposuction (Lipoplasty)

Dr. Hsu is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Reconstructive Microsurgeon providing stare of the art cosmetic and reconstruction enhancements.

For Immediate Release: The cosmetic procedure known as liposuction was created to contour and shape the figure.

As we age, some areas of our bodies stubbornly accumulate and hang on to fat. Fat that we should be able to lose using a combination of regular exercise and a healthy diet. It is frustrating for people who work hard to stay fit and get in shape, to have places where no matter what they do, the fat will just not go away. As a result, they often turn to cosmetic surgery for a solution. The cosmetic procedure known as liposuction was created to contour and shape the figure. It allows a plastic surgeon to target a specific part of the body that retains fat. These areas of the body are typically comprised of the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks.

There have been attempts at surgically removing fat since the 1920’s. As you can imagine, these procedures were highly invasive, traumatic, and painful. Essentially, incisions were made in the tissue that revealed the underlying fat. The fat deposits were then cut away. Patients who underwent these procedures were left with significant scars, and a long and painful recovery. The risks and negative side effects eclipsed any benefits that may have been derived from the surgeries. This prompted surgeons to try and refine the process. Interestingly enough, by the 1970’s plastic surgery had developed to the point that it was relatively safe and quite effective. Famous movie stars of the era were using it, and thus it became well known in the mainstream.

From the 1970’s forward, liposuction techniques steadily improved. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, liposuction became one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. Today’s surgeons continually hone the surgery to serve their patients better. New techniques have been developed that provide safer procedures and reduction in the recovery time. State of the art cannulas (the hollow straws used to suction fat), ultrasound techniques, and laser surgery, refined liposuction even further. All of these advancements have paved the way for new and safer techniques in the 21st century. Today the surgery is one of the most popular in the United States, and tens of thousands of people have it performed every year.

Modern liposuction requires about forty-five minutes per area being treated. A skilled cosmetic surgeon can literally sculpt your figure to the desired look. The recovery time is fast, with few side effects. It has become an ideal solution when regular exercise and diet fail. It isn’t to be confused with a cure for obesity; patients need to be close to their ideal weight in order for liposuction to have the greatest outcome. The upside to the surgery is that once the fat is removed it is gone forever. That doesn’t mean you can’t gain elsewhere, but once those unwanted pockets of fat are gone, they are not coming back.

About Dr. Patrick Hsu

Dr. Patrick Hsu is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon and Reconstructive Microsurgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breasts and body, including breast augmentation, tummy tucks and liposuction. Dr. Patrick Hsu received a Bachelor of Science at Rutgers College and then a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Albany Medical College. He received his Medical Degree from UMDNJ – Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, graduating President of his class with highest honors and distinction. Following medical school graduation, Dr. Hsu attended the prestigious Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Hsu completed his plastic surgery fellowship at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson and dedicated an additional year to a second fellowship in Microsurgery at the world-renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Visit www.memorialplasticsurgery.com for more information.