When Was Liposuction Introduced?

When was liposuction introduced? The first crude liposuction procedure was performed in 1926 by Charles Dujarier. It ultimately resulted in gangrene and leg amputation for the patient. Understandably, this cast a dull glow on the idea and decades passed before any doctors tried again. 

The first basic liposuction procedure was performed in 1974 by doctors in Italy, with mixed results. In 1978, French doctors published their improvements on the basic liposuction technique. The new method reduced chances of nerve damage, muscle damage and heavy blood loss. Once these improvements had been made, liposuction advanced quickly and gained popularity throughout the world.

Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn deposits of fat cells from specific areas in the body. Liposuction cannot be used to replace diet and exercise as a general weight reduction technique. The procedure only works on specific spots of fat that cannot be reduced with diet and exercise. The stomach, thighs, buttocks and hips are the most common areas for liposuction.

Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction can be a quick out-patient procedure or an involved in-patient procedure, depending on the exact areas in need of work. Out-patient liposuction procedures usually require only local anesthetic and may take several hours to complete. In-patient liposuction procedures may require general anesthetic and an overnight hospital stay.

The basic concept behind liposuction literally uses suction to draw fat from the body. Doctors usually try to help liquidize fat with an injection. A small incision is then made and a tiny tube is inserted to gently suck the fat cells out of the body. The tube is removed, the incision closed and the procedure finished.

• Tumescent liposuction is the most popular method for liposuction. Your doctor will give you an injection that helps liquidize fat, constrict blood vessels and prevent pain. A small incision is made and a cannula-a tiny tube- is inserted right below the skin. The fat and fluid is then sucked away by the cannula.

• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction can use the same pain prevention and fat liquefying injection as the tumescent liposuction method. An incision is made and a tiny metal rod is inserted right below the skin. The rod emits ultrasonic energy to help liquefy fat. The rod is removed and a tiny tube is inserted to suck away the fat and fluid.

• Powered liposuction inserts a tiny, vibrating tube into a small incision. The rapid back and forth motion of the tube helps break up stubborn deposits of fat cells. The tube then sucks the fat from the body. This method is particularly useful for highly precise fat removal from a very small area.

Liposuction Results
It is extremely common to have bruising, swelling, pain and soreness after a liposuction procedure. Your body will eventually heal as your remaining fat cells settle into position. Though liposuction is an effective procedure, it does not automatically solve your body contour problems. Most people have an excess of loose skin after liposuction. It takes proper diet, exercise and care to help the skin tighten.