Liposuction: What You Need to Know

Liposuction: What it is

Liposuction is an aesthetic procedure that does more than just remove stubborn areas of fat in the body.

Liposuction is a common procedure of which about a dozen people in Singapore undergo daily. Aside from its more common purpose – aesthetics – this procedure can also be applied for reconstructive and therapeutic purposes says Dr Terence Goh, Visiting Consultant, Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the SingHealth group.

Liposuction: What it is

Liposuction (also known as liposculpture, lipoplasty and lipectomy) is a technique used in cosmetic surgery for the removal of excess fat under the skin by suction. The fat is removed through a hollow tube-like instrument, called a cannula. A strong, high-pressure vacuum is applied to the cannula, which “sucks” out the fat in targeted areas that are not responding to diet and exercise.

Liposuction is commonly performed on:

Abdomen and flank (area from upper abdomen or ribs to the hips)
Despite weight loss, fat in this area will not budge easily for both men and women; especially for women who are unable to lose the excess fat around their waist after childbirth.
Arms
The procedure is ideal for removing the stubborn fat in the under arm or back of the arm area, as well as the armpit area. Many patients who had previously been reluctant to wear sleeveless clothing or raise their arms report an increase in self-confidence after the procedure.
Under the chin and neck
For ageing men and women, fat tends to accumulate under the chin and jawline, which causes a heavy-set appearance despite the fact that they may not have gained much weight.
Thighs
This is a troublesome area for most women despite diet and exercise as fats tend to accumulate easily in this area. Liposuction can be performed on both the inner and outer thighs.
Gynaecomastia
More commonly referred to “man boobs”, gynaecomastia can cause a great deal of embarrassment to most men.