In the 1920s, a French doctor named Charles Dujarier first used suction to remove fat from the human body, however, one of his procedures eventually led to the death of a famous model of the time from gangrene. This unfortunate occurrence put an end to liposuction for over half a century. Over the decades, attempts at removing fat without suction failed because large incisions had to be made to pull out fat and this usually left an imperfect and asymmetrical appearance.

Dr. Gorgio Fischer and his son of the same name, both Italian gynecologists, invented the first safe fat suction technique in 1974. Dr. Fischer made use of a tube like instrument called a cannula. A rotational scalpel at the end of the tube feeds fat tissue to the cannula which is attached to a rubber hose with suction. The new procedure was able to pull fats out of the body through a much smaller incision while leaving a more natural and symmetrical appearance.

The Fischer procedure was soon modified by Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz with the use of a blunt tipped cannula device. The previous sharp tipped cannula used by the Fischers caused traumatic blood loss, nerve damage and limited asymmetry. The use of a blunt cannula allowed a surgeon to avoid cutting and damaging nerves and blood vessels which causes excessive bleeding and loss of sensation in the area of surgery. While not prone to cutting nonfat tissue, the blunt tipped device goes through fat easily. The use of this new cannula caused faster recovery times and less complication in patients as well as fewer deaths on the operating table.

By the 1980s, the European procedure caused interest in the United States. Plastic surgeons, dermatologists and other kinds of physicians who were interested in the procedure traveled to Europe to observe and brought it back to the United States. Liposuction then became part of a unique shift in plastic surgery in the 1980s when cosmetic surgery became more prominent. During this time, the safety and effectiveness of the relatively new procedure was enhanced further as different kinds of practices joined the vigorous competition to make money in cosmetic surgery.

Compared to other plastic surgery techniques fat suction was invented relatively recently, but it has been quickly innovated to add safety and fast recovery to the patient’s experience. For such a recent addition to the world of plastic surgery, it certainly took the industry by storm.

Overall, there are a few different ways to go about the removal of fat:

• Traditional – This method involves the insertion of a long, thin tube called a cannula through a small incision in order to vacuum the fat cells. The operating surgeon moves the device back and forth through the layers of fat to break it up, and then suction out the excess.

• Ultrasound – This method uses a special cannula, which is inserted through a series of access incisions. The cannula emits sound waves that help to break up fat deposits, making the removal process all the more easier.

• Power-Assisted – A method in which a motorized cannula is used to break up fat tissues.

• Laser-Assisted – This method involves a small incision, into which a laser fiber probe is inserted. The probe produces a burst of energy and liquefies the fat prior to removal.

• Based on the operating surgeon’s experience and specialty, he or she will decide on a method of anesthetic, along with the wetting solution and exact method of liposuction.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are of relatively healthy weight, but who have isolated pockets of fat that have not responded well to diet and exercise programs. Skin should be elastic and firm, while showing excess of fat deposits in certain body area. Remember that the procedure removes fat, and not excess skin.

Prior to surgery, your surgeon will provide you with a list of instruction pertaining to what one should do and not do in the dates leading up to the operation. This may include instructions regarding food and beverage choices. In addition, your surgeon will almost definitely discuss the importance of quitting smoking a month prior to treatment. Smoking greatly increases the risks of any surgery, and liposuction is far from any exception. Additional instructions may pertain to medications or activities.

Post treatment, the areas will be swollen and bruised for several days. Generally, suction sites will be wrapped with an elastic bandage. Support hosiery or a girdle may be worn over in order to help compress tissue and control any bruising or swelling.

If you are interested in learning more about this exciting procedure, the best place to begin is by contacting a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. He or she will best be able to help you evaluate your available options while making recommendations regarding your specific case.

For a person considering body contouring through liposuction, part of the preparation is to be fully informed. To help you, here is information about how the process works and what to expect.

What is it?
The term lipo means fat. Modern liposuction evolved from medical work done in Italy in the 1920’s and then later in France.

While performed in the U.S. starting around the early 1980’s, it took several years for the procedure to become refined enough to generate widespread popularity. Early attempts received bad publicity for large amounts of blood loss. The procedure was originally performed by dermatologists until becoming one of the techniques to fall under the specialty of plastic surgery.

Throughout the history of liposuction, improvements and advances mean that the procedure can be performed with less blood loss less discomfort and less risk.

The Surgical Process
Because the FDA only approves liposuction equipment, when selecting a surgeon, a candidate might consider verifying that use of cannulas and other equipment. The FDA does not regulate a doctor’s practice.

It is generally performed on an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia. It generally takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of the work to be done. During the procedure, the doctor makes small cuts in the skin.

The fat is removed from under the skin with the use of a vacuum-suction cannula, which is like a hollow, pen-like instrument. In some methods, liquids or anesthesia is injected under the skin along with the suction device. Other techniques will use be laser assisted. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.

Results
It may be performed on many areas of the body during one surgery. While you may hear results of 50 or more pounds of fat being removed during the method, most doctors will not do so. Removal of such large amount of fat is complex and creates a higher surgical risk and may often result in lumps or dents in the skin.

The best results are going to be experienced by people who are already at an ideal weight, but struggling with stubborn fat deposits. A healthy diet and exercise plan needs to be maintained after surgery in order for the results to be long lasting.