Usually when you hear about liposuction you think about women sculpturing their bodies to refine their appearance and restore their self-esteem. But men are now realizing the benefits of liposuction for restoring their appearance, look younger, and have an edge on competition in the business world.

In 2007, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), men had close to 1.1 million cosmetic procedures, an increase of 17 percent since 2006.

How Liposuction is Performed

Depending on the physician, a patient’s preference, and the type of procedure, liposuction is performed under local or general anesthesia. Most surgeries last between 1 to 3 hours and is usually performed in the outpatient operating room.

Modern liposuction does not focus on just the localized area but practically incorporates the whole perimeter. The incisions are small and are difficult to see and are often unnoticed.

Benefits

Liposuction is an effective treatment that can help get rid of unwanted fat. Not only does it improve psychological well being but it can help enhance ones appearance.

According to most doctors, getting rid of fat reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and many other health concerns.

Most Common

• Midsection

Some men have a hard time getting rid of fat around their abdominal region no matter how diligent they are with an exercise program and diet. Excess fat in the mid section or “spare tire” can be very difficult to tone. Liposuction is helpful in eliminating unwanted fat pockets in the abdominal region for a more healthier appearance.

• Face

Around the neck, chin, and jaw are standard areas for liposuction. The fat underneath the chin can be removed and at the same time tighten the skin giving a younger appearance.

• Male Breasts

Abnormal enlargement of the breasts or gynocomastia is a common condition in men. Not only can gynecomastia be psychologically embarrassing but it can be painful. Usually gynecomastia is not serious but at times there can be possible health conditions. It is best to seek the advice of a physician to determine if the problem is caused by excess fat or an abnormal growth.

If a healthy lean diet and regular exercise does not help then liposuction can be an excellent way for decreasing the size and appearance of the torso.

Types

• Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is one of the most effective and safest procedures. The surgery involves greater amounts of local anesthetics to help with swelling, bruising, and bleeding.

As with most surgeries there is always a risk factor. The rare complications of tumescent liposuction are lidocaine toxicity and fluid accumulation. Lidocaine toxicity occurs when a solution is to high with possible fluid can accumulating in the lungs.

• Mesotherapy

This practice does not use surgery and helps eliminate cellulite. Micro injections of conventional or homeopathic medicines, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are used. The injections are made into the middle layer of the skin and specific to the procedure needed.

• Thermage

This non-surgical procedure involves the use of heated lasers that tighten collagen. This pain free technique is used mostly to tighten facial skin as well as other parts of the body.

• Lipodissolve

Lipodissolve is the newest non surgical procedure that involves the use of mild medications and enzymes. The fat dissolving medications are flushed from the body and offers a quick recovery time. The technique is mostly used form facial toning around the neck and chin area and for ridding the body of cellulite.

Price Range

Typically liposuction is more expensive for men than it is for woman. It will take a physician more time due to the nature of a man’s physique being more fibrous and because they have a larger body structure.

Prices will vary depending on how much fat is being removed, the procedure being done, the size of the patient, and geographic location. Some areas of the body require more than one treatment. A procedure can cost anywhere between $1500 and $7500.

Abdominoplasty Risks

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tucks are rarely have serious complications. Sometimes there may be an anesthesia reaction, infection, slow healing, blood clots, bleeding, and aspiration pneumonia. Most complications are prevented by following a physicians guidelines before and after surgery. Most risks are with patients who smoke. Usually it is recommended to quite smoking two weeks before surgery and after surgery.