Liposuction of the Body

Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt and contour the body to produce a more aesthetically pleasing and attractive appearance. Specific areas of real concern include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, knees, cheeks, neck and chin. Other names for liposuction include body contouring, lipoplasty, suction lipectomy, and liposculpture. Today there are a number of new improvements, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasound assisted lipoplasty, and the super-wet technique. These treatments help surgeons and selected individuals achieve a more rapid recovery and more precise sculpting success.

There is no substitute for dieting or exercise. Therefore, it is important that one exercises regularly before and after liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is a technique whereby a large volume of saline solution with anesthetic (lidocaine) and swelling and blood prevention medication (epinephrine) is injected into the appropriate fat with very small needles. Small incisions are made in the appropriate areas, which hide quite nicely in the creases of the skin. A suction tube is then inserted through these incisions. Sculpting is performed with specific removal of fat in the desired areas. The small incisions heal and there is minimal discomfort. Tumescent liposuction can be done under IV sedation and thereby is considered an outpatient procedure. Patients usually resume activity within three to seven days and can exercise after 10 to 14 days.

Are You a Good Candidate for Body Liposuction?

Realistic expectations are required for liposuction. It is important to understand that liposuction can very nicely enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily match your ideal appearance or the appearance of someone else, such as a friend or family member. The best candidates for liposuction are individuals who are of normal weight with young elastic skin and pockets of excess fat in undesired areas. Of course, it is best for individuals to be physically healthy and psychologically stable with realistic expectations. Older individuals have diminished skin elasticity and generally do not achieve the same results as younger patients with tighter skin. There is a greater risk for individuals with medical problems, such as diabetes, heart/lung disease, poor circulation, and for those who use tobacco.

Can the Removed Fat Then Be Placed in Another Region of the Body?

Yes, fat removed from undesired areas can be transferred to other regions of the body. Fat injection can nicely improve depressed scars, facial furrows, nasolabial folds, glabellar furrows, etc. Fat transfer is a very nice supplemental treatment performed at during liposuction.

Will There be Loose Skin Left Over?

Generally, in youthful individuals the skin retracts in the same manner as simple weight loss. Once fat is removed the skin actually generally snaps back. More than 90% of women who feel that they need or want a “tummy tuck” actually do quite well with simple liposuction.

Is Fat Removed for Good?

Fat cells will be removed permanently. Nonetheless, weight gain can cause problems, but generally the liposculpture achieves a nice silhouette that will remain permanent. It is of course important to continue maintaining your weight after the procedure and continue with the desired diet and exercise routine.

How Safe is Liposuction?

Many studies have been performed by plastic surgeons over the years, evaluating complications with liposuction. Liposuction is extremely safe. Tumescent liposuction studies have shown no deaths in greater than 300,000 procedures.

Getting the Liposuction Answers You Need

For individuals considering liposuction, Dr. Santos provides a relaxed and comfortable environment for consultation. When considering cosmetic surgery, one can feel a bit overwhelmed; however the right treatment approach for you can be easily achieved. The overall safety, effectiveness, cost, and appropriateness of your needs will be thoroughly discussed. Dr. Santos’ surgical judgment and skill will provide you with the answers that you are seeking.

Dr. Santos is a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Specializing in facial plastic surgery with two clinics in the Renton, Seattle, Washington area; The clinics allow service to Seattle, Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Tacoma, and Puget Sound area of Western Washington.

Dr. Santos provides solutions for those seeking information regarding facial plastic and reconstructive cosmetic surgery. He specializes in consultation for various forms of cosmetic surgery such as face lifts (rhytidectomy), eye lifts (blepharoplasty), facial plastic surgery, facial rejuvenation, rhinoplasty (nose and nasal surgery), Botox(R) injections, Restylane injections, chemical peel (resurfacing), laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, scar revision, brow lift / forehead lift, lip enhancement and augmentation, liposuction, and overall facial rejuvenation. Dr. Santos is a plastic surgeon that strives to provide the highest level of comfort and integrity for those seeking an improvement in their appearance. The information provided on this website should not be construed as specific medical advice or recommendation.

Please call today at 1(425) 227-4000 or fill in the form below and set up an appointment for your individualized consultation at our Renton clinic, which serves the Seattle and Puget Sound area of Western Washington.

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Body: Liposuction