Individuals who want to improve the shape of their body often choose to undergo liposuction, a popular procedure that removes small bulges of fat that have not been successfully reduced with dieting and exercise. Cosmetic surgeons are most frequently requested to perform these body-contouring procedures on their client’s face, neck, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, hips, and abdomen.

1. Removing Fat Deposits with
Liposuction
Dr Keith Berman

2. Introduction
 Individuals who want to improve the shape of their body often
choose to undergo liposuction, a popular procedure that
removes small bulges of fat that have not been successfully
reduced with dieting and exercise. Cosmetic surgeons are
most frequently requested to perform these body-contouring
procedures on their client’s face, neck, upper arms, thighs,
buttocks, hips, and abdomen.
At a consultation visit, the cosmetic surgeon will conduct a
physical exam on the patient and discuss their goals, the
treatment options available, the benefits and risks of the
procedure, as well as the cost of the procedure. When the
preferred procedure is selected, the surgeon will instruct the
patient on how to prepare for the surgery.
The location and extent of the surgery will determine if a
patient undergoes liposuction in an outpatient surgical center
or a hospital.

3. Liposuction
 Depending upon the type of surgery and the amount of
fat being removed, a general anesthesia or a local
anesthesia is administered. Next, the surgeon will make
small incisions and insert a device that removes excess
fat through a large syringe or suction pump.
Patients have two liposuction options from which to
choose. In a tumescent liposuction, the surgeon will inject
a solution into the target areas in order to facilitate fat
removal, and minimize blood loss as well as pain. This
injection combines a saline solution, a mild painkiller, and
a drug that contracts the blood vessels. When a surgeon
performs an ultrasound-assisted liposuction, ultrasonic
energy liquefies the fat, which is then removed by suction
from the patient’s body.

4. Conclusion
 Liposuction has proven to be a safe and effective
method of fat removal. In order to minimize risks,
patients should closely follow the advice of their
board certified surgeon. Additionally, patients must
follow a good diet and exercise program to maintain
their shape after liposuction.
About the author: Certified by the American Board of
Plastic Surgeons since 1999, Dr. Keith Berman
specializes in cosmetic surgery of the body, breast,
and face. Dr. Berman operates a state-of-the-art
ambulatory surgery facility in Staten Island, New
York. For information about Dr. Keith Berman’s Body
Max™ weight loss program, visit
www.drkberman.com/drberman7tipsweightloss.htm