1. What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove fat cells. During liposuction, a narrow tube (cannula) is inserted to suction the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed back and forth through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe. It is important for a patient to understand that liposuction alone cannot solely improve an area that has excess fat and skin. To repair that area, an additional surgical procedure to repair skin laxity will need to be performed. If an Ultrasound-Assisted-Lipoplasty (UAL) is performed, a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy the fat. The traditional suction is then used for fat removal. This procedure is the most time-consuming and is used in high precision situations.


2. Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are people of a normal weight with firm, elastic skin who have stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods.


3. Who is not a good candidate for liposuction?

Patients that have skin laxity issues are not good candidates for liposuction unless they combine it with a surgical procedure to correct their excess and loose skin. By only liposuctioning the area, it will take away the unwanted fat, but it will also increase the skins laxity.


4. What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?

While there is some risk with any procedure, liposuction is one of the safest forms of cosmetic surgery. Complications have been reported in as low as 1 per 1,000 with most of these being small skin irregularities due to failure of the skin to contract to the patient’s now smaller size. Most of the risks involved in liposuction can be minimized by choosing a highly qualified board certified Plastic Surgeon. Should you choose to undergo either tumescent or ultrasonic liposuction in Southern California, I will advise you of the potential complications of each procedure and provide you with a written consent form. If treating many areas at the same time, the risks will increase. The same is true if removing a small amount of fat from a large area. If you want liposuction in various areas, it is best to space out the sessions.


5. What technique will the surgeon use to perform the liposuction?

Tumescent Liposuction and Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction are two techniques commonly practiced at Plastic Surgery Body Contouring Center. Below you can find information on both options.

Tumescent Liposuction- Tumescent liposuction requires injections of tumescent fluid into the target areas. Tumescent fluid is a mixture of an intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels). The liquid helps to minimize fluid loss, reduce bruising, and obviate the need for additional anesthetic. This solution swells the fat pockets and allows the liposuction cannula to move easily through tissue and remove fat cells. Tumescent liposuction is ideal for body areas that require precise fat removal such as the face, calves, and ankles. In many cases, tumescent liposuction is also the preferred choice for removing large areas of fat at once.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)- In its most simple form, UAL uses sound waves to liquefy the fat deposits after injection of tumescent fluid. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique. By using sound waves to break-up the fat deposits, UAL minimizes trauma and results in less bruising and blood loss. Furthermore, UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in especially fibrous areas of the body such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in secondary procedures when enhanced precision is needed. In general, UAL takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.


6. How long is the recovery period?

Swelling will subside in about 6 weeks after surgery. Getting up and walking around the night of your surgery is recommended. Light exercise to reduce swelling and prevent blood clotting is also advised. Light exercise includes walking, stretching, and moving your arms and legs while sitting. After the first week or two, cardiovascular activities such as riding a stationary bicycle or brisk walking can be initiated. You may gradually advance your exercises as tolerated.


7. Are the results of liposuction permanent?

Fat cells removed by liposuction will not be replaced, and if your weight is stable, the results can be permanent. Should you gain weight, the remaining fat cells within the liposuctioned area can still expand to some degree. However, this will not be as noticeable as expansion of the fat in areas that were not liposuctioned.