Is Lipectomy the Same As Liposuction?

Question

The surgeon that I saw recommended Blepharoplasty, Liposuction to the inside corners and a Brow lift to correct excess eyelid skin.Clarifying the Liposuction part, his surgery explanation says Lipectomy in addition to Blepharoplasty. Is that the same as Liposuction?

Ricardo A. Meade, MD · Answer

Liposuction involves a cannula with negative pressure that is passed repeatedly through a little incision (like you've seen on tv shows).  They will not be doing that to the inner corner of your eye. Lipectomy is removal of fat.  There is probably some extra puffyness on the inner corner of your eye and he will remove it just after your plastic surgeon removes the extra skin. It's good that you're asking about this prior to surgery.  They'll no doubt be relevant when you're evaluating your result.Best wishes,DoctorMeade.

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Lipectomy means removal of fat.  When combined with skin excision, it becomes a dermolipectomy.  Depending on the region of the body, this can be a tummy tuck, thigh lift, brachioplasty, etc.  Liposuction is also called suction assisted lipectomy, meaning removal of fat with a suction cannula.
Liposuction is not performed on the eyelids.  If the lipectomy on your consent refers to the eyelids, it is referencing the fat comparments within the eyelids, which are directly excised.  Clarification with your surgeon would obviously be quite helpful.
Best of luck.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipectomy and Liposuction are not the same. Lipectomy just means removal of fat. Liposuction is sometimes called suction lipectomy meaning, removal of fat via suction. When you are having a belpharoplasty, it is very unlikely and dangerous if the plan is to remove fat via suction around the eyes. Please make sure you clarify this prior to your surgery.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

Dear Mom1234
This is now your second inquiry to this site regarding this issue that I am aware of.  
Liposuction and lipectomy are not terms that are usually associated with forehead and eyelid surgery. I am concerned that your doctor does not really know what they are doing.
Why are you so attached to this doctor? Obviously you have some concerns regarding what is being proposed or you would not be posting at this site. I strongly urge you to get so other opinions. Remember, the best way to get out of trouble is to stay out of trouble. My response to your last inquiry I suggest you see Jill Foster, M.D. in Columbus. Julian Perry, M.D. at the Cleveland Clinic  would be another good choice.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Lipectomy is not same as liposuction.In Blepharoplasty if you do liposuction you can cause severe bleeding inside the eyelid area and negative consequences.Lipectomy is more controlled excision of fat with cauterization of the blood vessels to avoid any bleeding.Regards

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

In medical terminology, "-ectomy" means removal and of course"lipo" means fat. Crudely stated, liposuction (also called suction lipectomy) is designed to reduce localized fat by vacuuming it out using an instrument called a cannula; the term "lipectomy" more commonly refers to cutting it out. This is more common around the eyes where the fat compartment is tiny.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A lipectomy is technically only a fat removal. Liposuction involves using a cannula to remove fat from the area of fatty deposits. Liposuction is not used around the eyelids. There is a very small amount of precise removal of fat in the lower lids and upper lids to effect a cosmetic and aesthetic change. Lipectomy is typically performed with instruments and is simply a removal of fat.

Richard D. Gentile, MD · Answer

In a standard blepharoplasty fat may be removed from the upper or lower lids. This is excision or lipectomy. Suctioning fat is not performed as it is unsafe and difficult to judge the amount of removal.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

Lipectomy refers to the removal of fat by surgical excision or cutting it out. Liposuction refers to the infiltration of tumescent solution (saline with local anesthetic and epinephrine) then removal of the fat with cannulas. This is not done in the eye-this would be lipectomy.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Lipectomy refers to excision of fat and skin usually performed for excess skin and fat. Whereas liposuction refers to a minimally invasive way of removing subcutaneous fat.

Is Lipectomy the Same As Liposuction?

Answers (15)

More Eyelid Surgery Questions

Procedure for Drooping Eye Corners?

Blepharoplasty Liposuction and Brow Lift for Excess Eyelid Skin?

Best Malar Bags Treatment for Someone with Hypothyroidism?

Will Bloodshot Eyes After Eyelid Surgery Fade?

Treatment to Lighten Eyelids After Eyelid Surgery?

Possible Levator Muscle Injury from Eyelid Surgery?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS