Liposuction of the Hips and Thighs

Abstract

Liposuction of the hips and thighs is one of the most requested areas in any cosmetic practice. Proper patient selection, planning, and precise execution of the surgical plan will avoid complications and unhappy patients. The main caveats is to think in a three-dimensional manner when marking the patient and performing the procedure. Using the prone, lateral, and supine positions allows a circumferential contouring of this area. Adequate compression postoperatively gives the best chance for skin contraction. Like any liposuction procedure, the plastic surgeon must remember that what matters is what is left behind to give an aesthetic contour and not how much fat is removed.