Everything You Need to Know About Liposuction
What
When it comes to medical terminology, we’ve all heard these terms used before; rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, facelift, and perhaps most common of them all- liposuction. While most people have heard the term liposuction and can understand that it’s a means to weight loss, aside from knowing that a lot of celebrities have gotten the treatment, not many people understand what exactly is liposuction and how it works. In simple terms, Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body. This medical procedure targets high-fat storage areas in the body such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. Liposuction also works to shape or “contour” these target areas of the body. While fat accumulation and storage vary a bit from men to women, most people tend to receive a liposuction treatment to remedy belly fat, inner thigh fat, and arm fat. Other common names for liposuction include Lipoplasty and “Body Contouring”.
Why
So why is this such a popular and sought-after cosmetic procedure? People are interested in getting liposuction treatment for varying reasons, but most commonly, its due to a changed body post-pregnancy, the desire to have a bikini body going into the summer months, or because all other fat loss attempts were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, for many people, an active lifestyle, plenty of exercise, and dieting still don’t garner the results they seek. Being fit is no easy feat, and a lot of people with small children, those with excessive work schedules, or folks who travel for work often simply can’t make it to the gym five days a week. Liposuction is a great solution for people who are on the go and need a quick and painless solution to their physical goals.
How
Now that we understand the why and what let’s dive into the how of liposuction. Though liposuction is a fairly simple and safe procedure, most doctors won’t recommend it if you have previous or existing health problems or complications regarding blood flow. Other factors they’ll take into consideration prior to determining if you’re a good candidate, is your past experience with heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system. These health issues can pose serious problems during or after liposuction surgery.
However, if you’re healthy and you decide to go ahead with liposuction, your cosmetic surgeon will give you a few simple instructions on how to prepare for it. Doctors will stress the importance of a healthy diet and alcohol restrictions prior to surgery, as well as throughout recovery time.
Going into the procedure, you’ll receive either general anesthesia (meaning you’ll be asleep during the procedure), or they may decide to use local anesthesia (e.i. you’ll be awake, however likely won’t experience any pain or discomfort.
All liposuction surgeries use a thin tube called a cannula that is connected to a vacuum to suction the fat from your body. While there are a few varying surgical techniques that surgeons can choose from, they all use this same cannula tube.
The three main types of liposuction are:
Tumescent liposuction
This technique is the most widely used, and it involves your surgeon injecting a sterile solution into the area where the fat is to be removed. This solution is nothing to worry about as it consists of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine, and is very safe entering into the body. This solution ensures easeful fat suctioning while also reducing blood loss and pain.
Laser-assisted liposuction
Perhaps the newest technique introduced to the liposuction procedure is SmartLipo. This process uses a medical laser to produce a burst of energy that then liquefies the fat. The fat is then suctioned out through the same cannula tube as the other two methods.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction
UAL uses cutting edge sound wave energy under your skin to rupture the cell walls of the fat. This process then liquefies the fat so it can be suctioned out quickly and painlessly.
Healing
The healing process and length for a liposuction treatment vary slightly from patient to patient, however, it is a relatively simple, painless and speedy recovery process. You may not have to stay in the hospital depending on the type and severity of the surgery you had. A lot of patients actually go home the same day with help driving from a friend or loved one. The patient should expect a bit of bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks.
Your surgeon may require you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery in some more severe cases, in efforts to control swelling. Some clients do take antibiotics to prevent infection, and your doctor will be able to advise you on what a normal dose and prescription would be. Despite some rare cases, most people successfully return to work within a few days and are back to their normal activities and exercise within two short weeks.
Cost
The relative cost of liposuction in California will, of course, depend and vary on how much the client chooses to target, and on which specific parts of the body. Certain bodily zones store higher concentrations of fat than others (for example the belly and thighs versus arms or face). The average cost for a liposuction procedure in California is approximately $5,000, but this number can be a low as $2000 or as high as about $8000 depending on the client’s specific needs and desired look.
At Simoni Plastic Surgery, you’re in good hands. We provide careful, quality work and offer helpful finance and payment options for all of our clients. Interested in speaking with one of our medical professionals or setting up a consultation to learn more about our available liposuction treatments? Get in touch with us at Simoni Plastic Surgery, the best plastic surgery practice in Los Angeles! Don’t hesitate to start the conversation- we’re more than happy to begin the exciting transformation today!