New Liposuction Technique
Reported by Carolyn Clifford
Web produced by Affaf Arabbo

Before and after results of the new liposuction technique. [Video]

Liposuction has been a controversial way to remove stubborn pockets of fat. But if you suffer from a sagging neck or jaw line, doctors have a new technique that is safer and provides a more natural look.

"I got to put my hand up here. There's nothing there anymore. It feels great," said patient Shirley Butko.

Shirley had a pocket of fat under her chin that no amount of diet or exercise could erase. Fran Fraser had similar facial fat, and wasn't ready for a face lift.

"When you see a picture of yourself and you realize, oh, you know, I hope it doesn't look that bad all the time," said Fran.

Dr. Langdon has developed a new liposuction technique to remove the fat from a sagging neck and jawline. He vacuums away the fat deposits by combining a handheld syringe with machine suction on the neck.

"Especially the jowl, above, and behind, to use a machine might be taking too much too quickly," said Langdon.

Dr. Langdon makes five tiny incisions instead of one larger one. He says approaching the jowl from two angles with a handheld syringe gives him more control and allows more precise and consistent fat removal.

The procedure is done with local anesthesia. The area is numb, and the patient stays awake.

"If you look at the statistics over the last 15 years, that method is amazingly safe. It's probably safer than having your teeth pulled," said Langdon.

Patients usually have little discomfort or bruising and the skin tightens around its new contours quickly. Those tiny incisions make a big difference to patients.

"I would recommend it to anybody. I really do. I feel good about myself now," said Butko.

Being overweight is not the only reason for fatty deposits in the neck or jowl. The natural aging process or heredity can also play a role.

Click here for more information on Dr. Langdon and this liposuction procedure.

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