Before and after ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) of the abdomen, lower back and circumferential flanks in a 30 year old woman. She had a male pattern distribution of body fat, with firm, fibrous and stubborn fat concentrated in her midsection rather than her hips and thighs.
This is the usual body shape of men, and is known as an “android” (male pattern) body type rather than “gynecoid” (female pattern). It is normal for women some women naturally to be “apples” rather than “pears”.
This type of fat requires extra ultrasound energy to break it up via “cavitation” before it can be effectively removed through liposuction. UAL procedures always require a general anesthetic and must be performed in the operating room (unlike small areas of squishy, easy to remove fat that can be done in the office under local anesthesia).
Over 5 liters of fat were removed from her abdomen and flanks, her lower back fat roll, pubic region and upper inner thighs during surgery. A change of position was required while she was asleep. Follow up photos are shown 4 months after surgery.
She still has her stubborn genetics, which creates a “thick in the middle” body shape. We always educate our patients about what surgery can achieve, and what it cannot change. This is called “informed consent” and is vital to having realistic expectations for any Plastic Surgery procedure.
While she does till have some firm palpable swelling (which takes longer to resolve after UAL liposuction), by changing her diet and increasing her caloric expenditure through exercise, she can further improve her results.
*All photos are actual patient photographs and are for illustrative purposes only. Individual results may vary.
