Liposuction
Introduction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical technique that contours a region of the body, resulting a more youthful and sculpted appearance. Liposuction results depend on removing a sufficient amount of fat to contour the body, but leaving enough fat behind for the result to be smooth and natural appearing.
Regions of the body that can be contoured with liposuction include
- Abdomen (tummy)
- Flanks (love handles)
- Thighs and calves
- Buttocks
- Arms
- Neck
- Breast
- Male chest
- Bra rolls
Liposuction relies on the skin's natural elastic properties, which allow the skin to contract down around the reduced volume of each treated area. Patients with youthful and elastic skin tend have the best results with liposuction. Patients with stretch marks and loose folds of skin do not benefit from liposuction treatment and should consider other types of body contouring surgery.
Although the use of technology is important, a good liposuction result is most dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon, and not the particular liposuction device used. Most patients return to work and exercise after a couple of days following our liposuction. All liposuction procedures are done in our Medicare and Washington State certified Ambulatory Surgery Center in Bellevue, WA.
Abdominal and flank liposuction and breast lift as part of a Mommy Makeover. * Individual results may vary.
Is liposuction safe?
Our unique Liposuction technique combines the tumescent anesthetic technique and power assisted liposuction to gently and safely remove unwanted fat. As long the amount of fat removed is limited to under 5 liters and as long as the procedure is performed with adequate monitoring in a certified ambulatory surgery center, liposuction can be an extremely safe procedure.
Does liposuction result in any skin retraction?
Substantial skin retraction is seen with our Liposuction technique which combines tumescent anesthetic technique and power assisted liposuction. The skin retraction seen with Liposuction is a result of the skin's own elastic properties. The skin's natural elastic properties retract around the reduced volume of the treatment area, leaving a smooth and natural contour. Results are best in patients that have youthful and elastic skin.
How does the liposuction procedure work?
Prior to your procedure, we will take photographs of you, and will create a customized Liposuction Treatment Plan. Regions to be treated are carefully marked for liposuction. At the beginning of the procedure, a tumescent numbing solution is infiltrated into the treatment areas. Small cannula (tubes) are used to evacuate fat in regions that need therapy. The tiny incisions used for liposuction heal in just a few days.
What type of anesthesia is used?
Liposuction is typically performed in a certified operating room using IV sedation anesthesia. For small areas or touch-ups,with the use of tumescent numbing solution, liposuction can be done comfortably while you are awake.
Can liposuction be done with other procedures?
Liposuction can be done in combination with other procedures, such as breast augmentation and a tummy tuck for a complete Mommy Makeover procedure. Body Liposuction can also be combined with any facial cosmetic procedure that we perform.
Can liposuction be combined with fat grafting?
Our Liposuction can be combined with fat transfer procedures to the breast and buttock. Fat transfer, or fat grafting, is a technique that transfers fat from where you don't want it, and places it where you want more volume.
A Brazilian Butt Lift and Lipo Breast Augmentation are two procedures that can be combined with a comprehensive body liposuction procedure. The volume of your buttocks or breasts can be enhanced using your own living tissues, avoiding the use of an artificial implant device.
What is the recovery process like?
Our plastic surgeons ask patients to remain active after the procedure as this helps to prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT, or blood clots inside the vessels of the legs) and speeds recovery. Additionally, you will be asked to a wear a light compression garment (like Spandex) for 2 weeks post operatively to help maintain your new shape. Downtime is minimal due to the use of tumescent anesthesia. Most patients are back at work in a few days making this an ideal procedure for a weekend recovery. Results from liposuction tend to improve as the weeks pass after your procedure.
Can liposuction be used for weight loss?
Liposuction is not a safe means of weight-loss, and is never a replacement for healthy diet management and a sound exercise routine. In fact, the best results with liposuction are seen in patients close to their ideal body weight that have 'stubborn' regions of fattiness. Maintenance of a stable body weight and routine exercise habits help enhance the result after liposuction.
I am interested! What do I do next?
If you are considering liposuction we encourage you to complete this Surgical Consultation Intake Form. Dr. Burnett will tell you whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and inform you of the potential risks of the procedure. The most commonly requested areas for liposuction are thigh liposuction, arm liposuction, tummy liposuction, hip liposuction, neck liposuction, knee liposuction, flank liposuction, back liposuction, bra rolls liposuction and male breast liposuction in our Bellevue Washington clinic.
