Liposuction
Liposuction is a popular and safe procedure that can improve body shape and help you achieve a fitter, more sculpted look.
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Our Cosmetic Self Evaluation can help you decide if this procedure is right for you:
TAKE OUR SELF EVALUATIONBenefits of Liposuction
Improved body shape and contour.
A liposuction procedure can remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to a healthy diet and regular exercise, helping to create a more sculpted and defined appearance.
Minimally invasive procedure.
Liposuction is a minimally invasive, body contouring procedure that is performed through small incisions, resulting in less scarring and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
Quick recovery.
Most liposuction patients are up and about the day after liposuction surgery and can return to work within a few days. Over-the-counter pain options are usually sufficient for managing any post-procedure discomfort.
Targeted fat removal.
Liposuction allows for precise and targeted fat removal in specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, love handles, and neck. This can help to achieve a more proportionate and balanced figure.
Long-lasting results.
Once the excess fat cells are removed, they do not come back. However, it is important to maintain a stable weight to ensure long-lasting results. Proper care and a healthy lifestyle can help to maintain the results achieved through liposuction.
Boost in self-confidence.
Liposuction can help to improve body image and enhance self-confidence by removing unwanted fat and improving body shape. This can have a positive impact on overall well-being and quality of life.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that targets specific areas of the body to remove excess pockets of fat. It is a popular and safe procedure that offers a relatively short recovery period. Liposuction can improve body shape and help you achieve a more sculpted look.
If you have areas of unwanted fat that don't respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be a suitable option for you. It is important to have good skin elasticity and realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. Liposuction cannot significantly improve loose or sagging skin.
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that involves making small incisions near the treatment area. Local anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia, or general anesthesia may be used. The type of anesthesia you receive for this procedure will be discussed and selected during your private consultation, as part of crafting a unique treatment plan that ensures patient comfort.
Once the anesthetic has taken effect, Dr. Fan will insert a thin tube called a cannula through the incisions. This cannula is used to loosen the excess fat deposits beneath the skin. Once the fat has been loosened, it is suctioned out of the body.
The length of the procedure can vary depending on the number of areas being treated. It can take anywhere from less than an hour to up to four hours or longer. Dr. Fan will discuss the expected duration of your specific procedure during your consultation.
Types of Liposuction
When it comes to liposuction, there are various techniques and technologies available to meet the individual needs and preferences of each patient. The form of liposuction received will depend on factors such as the patient's body type, the area being treated, and the patient's aesthetic goals.
1. Tumescent Liposuction: Tumescent technique for liposuction is the most popular and widely used technique. It involves the injection of a large volume of diluted solution into the target area. This solution contains an anesthetic to numb the area, as well as a vasoconstrictor to reduce blood loss. The expanded fat cells are then suctioned out through small cannulas inserted into the skin.
2. Laser-Assisted Liposuction: Laser-assisted liposuction, commonly referred to as SmartLipo, utilizes laser energy to liquefy fat cells before they are removed. The laser energy is delivered through a small cannula, which helps to target specific areas with precision. Laser-assisted liposuction may also stimulate collagen production, leading to potential skin tightening effects.
3. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or UAL, uses ultrasonic waves to liquefy fat cells, making them easier to remove. This technique is particularly effective for areas with dense or stubborn pockets of fat like the back, male chest, and upper abdomen. Ultrasound energy is delivered through a cannula, selectively targeting fat cells while preserving surrounding tissues.
4. Power-Assisted Liposuction: Power-assisted liposuction, or PAL, uses a vibrating cannula to break up fat cells and remove them more efficiently. The cannula's rapid back-and-forth motion allows for easier fat removal, reducing the physical effort required by the surgeon. This technique can be beneficial for larger treatment areas or when dealing with fibrous fat.
5. Suction-Assisted Liposuction: Suction-assisted liposuction, also known as the traditional liposuction technique, is a standard technique that utilizes a vacuum-like device attached to a cannula to suction out fat cells. This method allows for precise and controlled fat removal and is often combined with other liposuction techniques to achieve optimal results.
Recovery
A liposuction recovery is typically quick with minimal downtime. Patients can usually resume light activity the day after the procedure and return to work within a few days. Over-the-counter pain medication is usually sufficient for managing post-operative soreness. Swelling, bruising, and numbness may occur after the procedure, but these side effects generally subside within two to three weeks. Compression garments are typically worn to aid in the healing process. Deep tissue massage can help resolve swelling, and most patients can resume normal activities within 10 to 14 days. It's important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon for optimal recovery.
Liposuction in San Francisco, CA
Ready for a more sculpted and contoured appearance? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larry Fan, an award-winning plastic surgeon in San Francisco, specializing in liposuction. With his expertise and state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Fan will help you achieve your body goals. From abdomen to thighs, back to neck, Dr. Fan can contour various areas to enhance your figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is liposuction and how does it work?
Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery aimed at removing excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. During the procedure, a small incision is made near the treatment area, and a small tube called a cannula is inserted to suction out the unwanted fat. This helps to reshape and contour the body.
2. Am I a good candidate for liposuction surgery?
Good candidates for liposuction are generally in good overall health, have excessive fatty tissue that are resistant to diet and exercise, and have good skin elasticity. It's important to have realistic expectations about the results and understand that liposuction is not a weight loss method.
3. What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body, including the abdomen, love handles, thighs, back, chest (in men), and neck. These are commonly targeted areas where excess fat tends to accumulate. Liposuction can also be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures—like a mommy makeover, body lift, or breast augmentation—to enhance its results.
4. What are the risks and complications associated with liposuction surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries some risks. These risks include bleeding, infection, skin ulcerations, contour irregularities, and blood clots. It's important to choose a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize these risks.
5. How long is the recovery time after liposuction surgery?
The recovery time after liposuction varies depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. Generally, most patients can return to work within 2-7 days after surgery, with bruising typically resolving in 1-2 weeks. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks and wear compression garments to aid in the healing process.
6. Can liposuction treat loose skin or cellulite?
The liposuction procedure is primarily designed to remove excess fat deposits and improve body contour and shape. It is an effective treatment for fat reduction but cannot significantly improve loose or excess skin. In some cases, if the skin has good elasticity, it may tighten after the fat is removed. However, if loose skin is a concern, a tummy tuck or other body sculpting techniques may be more appropriate. Additionally, liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite. There are other corrective procedures specifically designed to target and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Liposuction
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