Many patients travel to Aspen to take advantage of Dr. Fodor’s expertise in liposuction. He has written extensively on the topic in addition to having developed or helped to develop many of the innovative techniques that are widely used today.

Liposuction, also called lipoclastic, the most popular aesthetic procedure performed in the United States, is also perhaps one of the most misunderstood. Although the procedure involves the removal of fat, it is not a replacement for dieting and exercise, and liposuction is not a treatment for generalized obesity.

Liposuction should not be viewed as a means for weight loss. Liposuction is a tool for aesthetically sculpting the body. Although some weight loss may be noted after healing is completed, this is not the reason for having the procedure.

Liposuction remains one of the most commonly requested procedures in all adult age groups and for both sexes. Why? Quite simply, it works — as long as the patient understands that it is best used as a method of ‘spot reduction’ for areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Although adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise is always a good idea, it is a fact that localized fatty deposits in areas such as the hips, thighs, and abdomen often may be inherited traits that simply cannot be corrected by an improved lifestyle alone.

Liposuction can be used to target and reduce unsightly bulges that do not respond to usual weight-loss methods, and to effectively sculpt and recontour various areas of the body.

Dr. Fodopr emphasizes that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss: Liposuction is ideally suited to treating focal areas of fat accumulation — those lumps and bulges that can make it difficult to wear certain styles of clothing and can cause self-consciousness or even lack of self-esteem.

liposuction is serious surgery, and it is essential to verify that your doctor has accredited training that qualifies him or her to perform this procedure. A physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery has completed an accredited residency training program in plastic surgery and is well qualified to perform liposuction of the face and all body areas.

In some cases, dermatologists have received additional training in liposuction; the procedures they perform usually are limited to very small areas of localized fat. A facial plastic surgeon, whose primary specialty is otolaryngology, is also trained to perform liposuction of the face and neck. Your choice of physician should always be based on training, qualifications, and experience. Also important, however, is the fact that a board-certified plastic surgeon has the range of training and experience to be able to advise you on whether liposuction or perhaps some other surgical procedure may be best suited to achieving your goals.

Peter B. Fodor, M.D., F.A.C.S. is an internationally recognized aesthetic plastic surgeon, double board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

His extensive general surgical background gives Dr. Fodor a comprehensive understanding of the limits, possibilities and applications of both forms of surgery. It is his comprehensive knowledge has led him to develop many of the innovative procedures that are now used as standard in aesthetic plastic surgery.