Liposuction is a procedure used to reshape specific areas of the body by removing unwanted fat deposits, improving the contour and overall proportion of the body. Today there a number of procedures, creams and pills all claiming to have the same effect as Lipo. However, in a society where everyone is trying to sell you everything and you don't always get what you pay for...how do you know what is real and what's not? Well since none of us have the benefit of an actual crystal ball that reaches out and smacks us on the head before we make one of those overly emotional silly purchases, I guess we have to walk the fine line between common sense and medical advice.

Common sense tells us that if it sounds too good...well you know the rest. Today there are so many forms of lipo being performed by clinicians that it is hard to know what is acceptable and what should immediately be a cause for concern.

With all of these new treatments there is so much that is unknown regarding the results, side effects and overall long term health risks of the many possible procedures.

So let's start with what we do know. We know that Liposuction, also called lipectomy or simply, lipo, is the only procedure for fat removal approved by the food and Drug Administration (FDA). Lipo can be done through a many different techniques such as Tumescent or laser, but in the end the procedure is still liposuction.

Laser lipo, also called the "lunch time" lipo because of its quick healing time, was approved by the FDA in November 2006 and now is the fastest growing cosmetic surgical procedure in the country. However, in contrast, lipodissolve is a non surgical medical procedure that involves the injection of a compound called phosphatidylcholine into localized fat deposits to dissolve the fat. This procedure is rapidly growing and can be found under names such as lipo-Zap, Flab-Jab, Lipojection, Lipotherapy, and many others. Although this procedure is clearly on the rise, neither the procedure nor any of the ingredients used have been approved by the FDA. What this means is that the necessary test needed to assess exactly what effects this compound will have on ones overall health simply have not yet been done.

Lipo is not a weight loss technique and should not be used as an alternative to a healthy diet. If you are interested in weight loss you should consult a dietitian regarding a healthy food menu plan and a proper exercise regimen.

Furthermore extremely overweight individuals are not good candidates for liposuction. Ideal lipo candidates are 18 or older, fairly healthy individuals with stubborn fat pockets not eradicated by a good diet and exercise. However, before you embark on any surgical procedure it is best to speak with a doctor regarding your medical history and individual needs.