The evolution of liposuction has come a long way over the years. Each technique that is used has one element in common, that is, tumescent solution. This is the fluid that the physician infuses into the tissue to eliminate or greatly reduce discomfort as well as decreases any bleeding complications. The fluid is made up of saline (sterile "salt water"), lidocaine to eliminate discomfort, and epinephrine to help with bruising/bleeding tendencies.
Liposuction Techniques
As a potential patient, you are constantly exposed to many different terms over the internet, on the radio, television, and newspaper ads. Each technique uses the tumescent fluid. Originally, surgeons used suction assisted liposuction as THE method to remove problematic fatty deposits. Now, as technology has progressed and from analyzing past patient results, new developments have emerged to assist with less downtime and potential complications. To name just a few, power assisted liposuction, ultrasonic assisted liposuction, water assisted liposuction, and now laser assisted liposuction.
As a team of board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons, Drs. Jerome and Tom Liu and their team have been trained to use these techniques and encompass their surgical skills to achieve the most natural and well-contoured results. By visiting our office, our surgeons will give you their honest opinion on the best approach and method to achieve the result you are seeking. As an added bonus, the on-site Ambulatory Surgery Center provides a convenient and optimal way to undergo the procedure.
Select patients can undergo body contouring in the office suite under a light sedation with oral medications. The three approaches used by our team of surgeons these include suction assisted liposuction, VASER Liposelection, and SmartLipo liposuction. The VASER technique uses ultrasonic waves to assist with contouring. SmartLipo uses a laser to melt the fat and assist with tightening loose skin. Please call the office for any questions you may have or to schedule a consultation with one of our top surgeons.
How is it done?
Liposuction/Liposelection® is accomplished through the use of a cannula—a thin, hollow tube that is inserted below the skin to manually loosen fat and sculpt the region. Cannulas come in different sizes to address different areas of the body. Small incisions are made depending on the area treated. Anesthesia is either general or local with sedation. Most procedures are done in one to three hours in an outpatient setting. Large volume Liposuction/Liposelection® (over 5 liters of fat) is a more complex proposition and may be performed in a hospital or considered a multi-staged procedure.
What is VASER LipoSelection®?
VASER LipoSelection® combines new patented technology with advanced surgical techniques to break up and remove fatty tissue. The VASER System uses ultrasound energy to break up and emulsify fat, leaving surrounding tissue - such as nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue - relatively intact. Only the VASER LipoSelection® procedure can offer you an experience that is UltraSelective, UltraSmooth, UltraSound!
Recuperation After Liposuction
You can expect to up and walking around shortly after surgery to minimize risks due to poor circulation. You will wear an elastic band on the treated area to compress your new shape and to keep the blood flowing for proper circulation. Most patients are back to work within the week. You will probably experience some temporary numbness, bruising and swelling. Contour irregularities may occur as fat settles. Results will be immediate but will continue to refine over 4 to 6 weeks. Your overall shape can continue to improve with proper exercise. Click here for post operative instructions using your password.
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Other Options
Liposuction/Liposelection® can be used effectively in conjunction with abdominoplasty, buttock lift, or arm lift for best results. Certain facial and neck procedures are further refined using Liposuction/Liposelection® as well. Click here for abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), body lift, and head and neck procedures.
A word about financing…
Liposuction can be made very affordable through our partners at CareCredit. Visit them at www.carecredit.com. We would be happy to answer any of your questions or assist you with the necessary paperwork.
Insurance Notes:
Liposuction is not considered an insurable procedure.
Ask Our Team
What Liposuction/Liposelection® technique is the best? Tumescence, ultrasound or power assisted?
Who is not a good candidate for Liposuction/Liposelection®?
Can my dermatologist do Liposuction/Liposelection® on me?
Can Liposuction/Liposelection® give me a 6 pack?
Is it true that Liposuction/Liposelection® can help cellulite?
Will my fat come back, or is Liposuction/Liposelection® permanent?
What Liposuction/Liposelection® technique is the best? Tumescence, ultrasound or power assisted?
Before defining which Liposuction/Liposelection® technique is best for you, your doctor must look at your overall health, skin quality, body mass, estimated volume of fat to be removed and number of sites to be treated. This is easily determined at your consultation.
Who is not a good candidate for Liposuction/Liposelection®?
Candidates with a history of poor healing and serious complications brought about by conditions such as lupus, diabetes, chronic blood or heart disease should not have this procedure. Older patients have less elasticity in their skin—their results will not be as favorable as someone younger with good skin tone.
Can my dermatologist do Liposuction/Liposelection® on me?
A dermatologist can perform Liposuction/Liposelection® if they have completed specialized training in Liposuction and if the procedure is of limited scope. Facial plastic surgeons are well suited to do Liposuction if the case involves only face and neck. A board certified plastic surgeon is the only medical professional who you should consider for any area of you face, breast or body but particularly if Liposuction/Liposelection® is combined with other surgical procedures.
Can Liposuction/Liposelection® give me a 6 pack?
No. Liposuction/Liposelection® does not tighten skin, it sculpts the body. A 6 pack is muscle, and only exercise will help achieve this goal.
Is it true that Liposuction/Liposelection® can help cellulite?
No. In fact, it can make it worse. Cellulite is not fat.
Will my fat come back, or is Liposuction/Liposelection® permanent?
Not all fat cells will be removed, so if the patient gains a lot of weight, the treated areas will get larger. It is very important to commit to a regimen of healthy diet and exercise to maintain and maximize your results.
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