Liposuction Pittsburgh

Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a time-tested method of addressing excess pockets of fat in localized body areas. It is not a weight loss surgery, but a body contouring procedure designed to minimize fat cells in the target area(s) of a patient's choosing; specifically, when those areas fail to respond to diligent diet and exercise efforts.

Do you want a reliable source for liposuction? Pittsburgh patients can select one or more body areas in which to undergo contouring, including the:

• Chin
• Neck
• Back
• Upper arms
• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Hips
• Thighs
• Calves

Ideally, patients should have good skin elasticity in their targeted area, as it will ensure optimal visual results. When you want a liposuction Pittsburgh friends and family will notice, Dr. Heil is here to help you achieve your goals.

Liposuction Methods

As with most cosmetic procedures, methods of performing liposuction have evolved and improved with time and technology. Today, there are also more liposuction technique options for patients to choose from than ever before. At Dr. Heil's practice of liposuction, Pittsburgh residents can expect methods include the following options:

Tumescent liposuction: Also known as "traditional" liposuction, tumescent lipo involves the administration of a saline/anesthetic solution prior to suctioning by cannula (a traditional liposuction instrument). The solution immobilizes the fat and increases patient comfort.

For many patients, tumescent is still the most beneficial option; and thanks to today's specialized cannulas, it no longer requires the large incisions and aggressive motion that liposuction of decades past did. With the exception of laser liposuction, the tumescent injection is used in conjunction with most liposuction techniques; this holds true for most cosmetic surgery practices, including our Pittsburgh liposuction facility.

Ultrasonic liposuction: In this variation, ultrasonic waves are implemented into the procedure to weaken and liquefy fat cells prior to suctioning. The energy is delivered directly to the fat via a thin (apx. 1/4" inch) rod that is inserted into the fat through a microincision. Tougher, more fibrous areas of fat often respond well to this technique; often, this includes areas such as the chin, neck, back, or calves. Other benefits include minimized bleeding and discomfort, as the fat has been emulsified at the onset of the procedure. As stated above, it should be noted that the tumescent solution is also utilized at the start of the procedure.

Laser liposuction: A method that has gained favor and visibility in recent years, laser liposuction allows a surgeon to glide through the targeted fat with laser heat, emulsifying and removing it with unprecedented ease. The specialized cannula contains a laser fiber; when passed through microincisions in the skin, its energy is absorbed by the targeted fat, resulting in destruction of fat cells. Another advantage is the skin tightening effect delivered by the laser, through its remodeling and neoformation of dermal collagen. The required amount of suctioning will follow.

Often, patients hear about laser liposuction through advertisements, as manufactured laser liposuction systems are marketed under a variety of names. There are several good systems available; but at our Pittsburgh liposuction office, ProLipo® is the laser liposuction system of choice. For liposuction Pittsburgh residents can count on, come to Dr. Heil for results.