Liposuction has remained one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for the past three decades. For people seeking a slimmer, more contoured figure, liposuction may be a suitable option.
This safe and effective procedure removes stubborn fatty deposits from targeted areas of the body.
Liposuction is often performed in combination with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast enhancement or abdominoplasty. It can effectively eliminate stubborn fatty pockets that are unresponsive to diet and exercise.
Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides liposuction to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA , and surrounding communities.
Good Candidates
Ideal liposuction candidates will have the following attributes:
- The presence of stubborn, localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise
- A desire to improve the body contours and achieve a more defined physique
- Reasonably elastic skin in the treatment site or the candidate is willing to undergo a body lift in combination with liposuction
- Stable body weight with the candidate no more than 20 pounds above their ideal weight and in good general health
- Realistic expectations and the understanding that liposuction is not a weight loss, cellulite reduction or skin tightening procedure.
Treatable Areas of the Body
Liposuction cosmetic surgery is not meant to be a weight loss procedure. Instead, it is most successful and effective when a surgeon uses it to enhance the patient’s overall body shape by eliminating deposits of fat in precise areas. On areas such as the flanks, abdomen, thighs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks, liposuction can be very effective.
Procedure
Traditional Liposuction
The surgeon uses a narrow tube, known as a cannula, which is connected to a powerful suction pump in the traditional liposuction surgery. The surgeon will place a tiny incision and then insert the cannula through this incision. They will manipulate the cannula to break up the fat and inject fluid into the site.
This procedure has certain associated risks. However, traditional liposuction can eliminate fat very effectively. It remains one of the most popular forms of liposuction.
Tumescent Liposuction
Traditional liposuction and tumescent liposuction are similar procedures. But experts often hail tumescent liposuction’s innovative medication use and reduced risk of complications.
In this procedure, the surgeon will inject a special solution (a mixture of lidocaine, salt solution, and epinephrine) into the fat layer. The amount of fluid is generally measured at three times the amount of fat being eliminated.
The solution causes the fat cells to swell which makes it easier to isolate and remove these cells. Furthermore, it shrinks blood vessels, and as it contains local anesthesia, it can help reduce the patient’s discomfort without the risks related to general anesthesia.
The minimal risks involved in the procedure pertain to the amount of solution injected and the quantity of lidocaine it contains.
Ultrasonic or Laser Liposuction
These types of liposuction use a specialized cannula that emanates ultrasonic sound waves or laser beams into the fat pockets. This liquefies the fat cells and enables easier removal. The use of ultrasound or laser technology enables the surgeon to remove larger and thicker fat pockets as well as tighten the surrounding skin.
Recovery
For the first week after the liposuction, the patient will need to recover at home. However, they should perform gentle walks around their home and light activities to improve blood flow. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications to address the initial pain and discomfort.
Cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for liposuction.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.