Surgeons celebrate 20 years of liposuction

05 May 2009

With the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently reporting that liposuction remains the second most-sought after cosmetic surgery procedure among both men and women, specialists have gathered in Las Vegas to discuss what further advances can be made in helping patients stay slim and toned.

Times to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the launch of suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), or lipoplasty (liposuction), the six-day long conference will explore areas such as making such treatments less invasive and more effective against problem cellulite.

"Liposuction has come a long way in twenty years," explained St Louis-based expert Dr. Young

"Advances in knowledge and the evolution of technology and technique have resulted in increased safety with improved outcomes. However, even after twenty years, there is still room for the field to grow."

Over recent years, surgeons have increasingly offered techniques such as ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) to patients, allowing them to liquefy fat with sound waves, often over the course of a lunch break.