A Surgical Procedure!

Liposuction can help get rid of localized fat in the thighs. The liposuction procedure involves inserting a suction device into fatty areas between skin and muscle -- resulting in a smoother, improved body contour. It's an option to remove stubborn fat, like fat on the thighs.

The best candidate for liposuction is a person of average or only slightly above average weight, in good health, with a localized area of fat that just won't go away. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is another possible technique. This involves using high-frequency sound waves to liquefy fat beneath the skin's surface before it is removed with gentle suction.

The Procedure:

Liposuction typically is done as an outpatient procedure; however, if a large volume of fat is being removed, hospitalization may be necessary.

Before the procedure begins you will be given an anesthetic. Depending on the degree of fat being removed and the type of liposuction being performed, anesthesia varies. It may only be locally applied or you may require a general application, in which case the surgery will be done while you are sleeping.

The Plastic surgeon will then inject a solution of saline, a mild painkiller, and epinephrine, a drug that contracts blood vessels, into the liposuction area. It helps the surgeon remove the fat more easily, helps reduce blood loss, and provides pain relief during and after surgery.

After small incisions are made, the suction device is inserted into fatty areas between skin and muscle and fat is gently removed. The length of the procedure will vary with the amount of fat removed.

In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, you get an injection that contains a local anesthetic as well as a solution that causes the fatty area to swell slightly. A thin tube-like ultrasonic probe is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision. The probe is maneuvered under the skin, emitting sound waves that cause fat cells to collapse and liquefy. The liquefied fat and anesthetic fluid are removed using gentle suction.

Common Side Effects:

You should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for a least a few weeks. However, every person's outcome will vary based on factors such as volume of fat cells removed and area of removal.

Complications:

Although rare, risks include infection and skin discoloration. Recovery: Under most circumstances, recovery is usually quick. Most people can return to work within a few days and to normal activities within about two weeks