Liposuction Overview
Liposuction is used to remove fat from under the skin and smooth out bulges and fatty areas. By undergoing liposuction, patients can enhance their appearance and greatly improve their self-confidence. Dr. Sanders utilizes the advanced technique of Tumescent and Ultrasonic assisted Liposuction as well as Microliposuction to contour a shapely body as he removes fat cells in the hips, thighs, buttocks and other areas. These procedures can be performed separately, or in conjunction with sculpting other areas of the body.
Who is a good candidate for Liposuction?
The best candidates for liposuction are those who are in good health, but who have been unable to completely eliminate unsightly bulges with diet and exercise. In the paragraphs below, plastic surgery specialist Dr. Sanders further explains this popular procedure and how it has helped many liposuction patients realize their dreams of attractive, slim bodies.
You may be considered a good candidate for liposuction if you:
- Are in overall good health
- Are within 30 percent of your ideal weight
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Have fat deposits on your body that don’t respond to diet and exercise
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Types of Liposuction Procedures
A variety of techniques are available to reduce the amount of fat in specific body areas. These include non-surgical techniques, which treat the fat with extreme cold, ultrasound, and lasers, as well as the surgical technique of liposuction. Although the non-surgical techniques allow you to avoid surgery, the results take weeks to months to appear and frequently require touch-ups. On the other hand, liposuction is a one-time procedure in most cases, and the results are immediately seen, although they improve for several months. Liposuction also allows for treatment of multiple body areas as opposed to a much more limited area treated with the non-surgical techniques.
There are different types of liposuction techniques available, which include tumescent, ultrasonic-assisted, laser-assisted, power-assisted and micro-liposuction. In his practice, Dr. Sanders uses micro-liposuction.
Micro-liposuction involves the use of tiny suction cannulas for fat removal, creating minimal scars and minimizing any skin irregularities after surgery. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia or sedation anesthesia. It begins with the injection of fluid that contains local anesthetic and epinephrine to minimize bleeding and maximize the amount of fat removed.
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Recovering from Liposuction
Everybody recovers differently from liposuction, but in general, San Fernando Valley patients can expect a bit of downtime after their procedure. Right after the surgery, patients will experience some bruising and swelling, as well as slight soreness. To promote healing, they’ll need to wear support garments that apply gentle pressure on the treatment area to minimize bruising and swelling, and also to keep everything precisely contoured. These garments are usually worn for up to six weeks, but Dr. Sanders will make a personalized recommendation for each patient.
Most San Fernando Valley patients can get back on their feet a day or so after surgery, and then they’re encouraged to take short walks to facilitate recovery. Usually, they can go back to work shortly thereafter, with full resolution of all swelling taking up to six months.
Liposuction FAQ
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How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The price of liposuction varies due to the type of liposuction selected, the number of areas being treated and other individual factors. Dr. Sanders will be able to provide you with a more accurate price estimate during your one-on-one consultation. At that time, you may also wish to ask Dr. Sanders about the financing options that he offers, which create an affordable monthly payment method with low to zero interest.
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What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can treat many areas of the body, including the: Abdomen, Flanks, Hips, Thighs, Buttocks, Male chest, Knees, Upper arms, Cheeks, and Neck.
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Is liposuction permanent?
After healing from liposuction, the treated area maintains the same shape even with changes in weight. Once removed via liposuction, fat cells do not grow back. However, gaining a significant amount of weight after liposuction could affect the results of surgery. Dr. Sanders recommends eating right, exercising regularly and practicing portion control after recovering from surgery.
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Does liposuction leave scarring?
The liposuction incisions are small and usually heal very well, so they do not leave noticeable scarring. Dr. Sanders always tries to hide the incisions by paying close attention to the position and direction of the incision.
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What is tumescent liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a special tumescent solution (fluid containing epinephrine and lidocaine) into the fat, causing it to swell and firm before it is removed. Tumescent liposuction causes less post-operative bleeding and swelling.
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Can I have liposuction if I am overweight?
Liposuction is not a suitable method of weight loss, nor is it recommended for individuals that are more than 50 pounds above their ideal weight. Dr. Sanders recommends getting reasonably close to your goal weight before considering liposuction.
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Do I need to wear a compression garment after surgery?
Compression garments are helpful for reducing bruising and swelling after surgery and helping the tissues heal properly. The garment is placed over the treated area and should be worn for several weeks, per Dr. Sanders’ recommendation.
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What Are Some Ways to Get Rid of Belly Fat?
Liposuction is an excellent way for to get rid of belly fat, but it’s not the only option. To trim down further and, in particular, to diminish the fat inside the abdomen, patients should avoid high-sodium foods, which cause water retention and bloat, especially in the belly. People should try to eat about a quarter of a teaspoon of salt or less each day, meaning they should cut back on bread, pizza, soup, tacos, and sandwiches.
Another way to get rid of belly fat is by drinking more water, as this helps keep a person hydrated and prevents constipation. Eating more fiber is also crucial, as it helps foods make their way through the intestines and encourages regular elimination. Skipping alcohol and eating slowly are also tried and true methods of cutting down on the waistline. Finally, diet and exercise will reduce the amount of fat, both beneath the skin as well as inside the abdomen where liposuction and surgery cannot reach.
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It can be difficult to know just how liposuction will affect skin elasticity until a patient has seen Dr. Sanders at his San Fernando Valley office. Patients’ skin types vary widely, so Dr. Sanders will need to perform a physical examination to determine the degree to which a patient’s skin may be affected. Some factors that can contribute to poor skin laxity after liposuction include:
- Preexisting poor skin tone and laxity from things like pregnancy, a history of weight gains and losses, significant sun exposure, or cigarette smoking.
- Being over the age of 40, as the skin naturally loses its elasticity with age
Because of these factors, Dr. Sanders will carefully consider whether liposuction is right for his patients before recommending the procedure.
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Can I Lose Weight With Liposuction?
Contrary to popular belief, liposuction is not a quick and easy way for patients trying to lose weight. Rather, it’s a procedure that’s intended to benefit those who are unable to eliminate stubborn pockets of fats. It’s a great shaping procedure, not a weight loss technique. In fact, if a patient is too overweight, Dr. Sanders may even recommend against liposuction because it may not provide the desired benefit for the patient. The ideal candidate is someone who has already lost the majority of their weight but needs help with shaping the body.
Technically, patients may drop up to ten pounds after the surgery, but if seeing numbers go down on the scale is the primary goal, Dr. Sanders will also recommend that healthy lifestyle habits like diet and exercise be included in the treatment plan.
