What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a relatively simple surgical technique that removes excess fat from between the skin and muscle resulting in improved body contour. Here at GLOW we offer power assisted liposuction (PALS) and laser assisted liposuction (SmartLipo). Both techniques reduce the surgical trauma associated with traditional liposuction and allow for removal of larger volumes of fat while maintaining proper body contours. All liposuction procedures are done using tumescent local anesthesia which eliminates the risks associated with general associated with general anesthesia while maintaining excellent results.
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
The best candidates for liposuction are active men and women with areas of fat that are not responding to smart eating choices and consistent exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss method but in the appropriate candidates can produce significant improvements in appearance. Ideally candidates are in good health, are free from active disease and do not any serious pre-existing conditions. Patients should have a positive body self image, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of liposuction.
Can I come in for a liposuction consultation?
Yes. We will be happy to schedule your free, no obligation liposuction consultation at your convenience. During the consultation, you will learn more about the procedure, including what to expect before, during, and after liposuction, review before and after photos and have your questions answered. You will meet with one of our cosmetic surgeons ,who will examine your areas of interest, provide an honest opinion on what results you can expect and develop a customized procedure plan using the PALs and SmartLipo techniques. If you are a good candidate, we’ll gladly provide a quotation for your liposuction procedure. We always encourage our patients to take as much time as needed to decide if and when to pursue our treatment recommendations. If you decide to proceed with your liposuction procedure at GLOW, we’ll need to complete pre-operative work and finalize your procedure date. In some cases, we can do this at the time of your initial consultation, or schedule a more convenient time.
What body areas can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for treating arms, breasts (gynecomastia), abdomen (stomach), flanks, torso (upper chest and back), hips, thighs, and buttocks.
How is the liposuction procedure performed?
All our procedure are performed in our Redwood City cosmetic surgery office. Tumescent liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia in combination with one or two oral medications (for relaxation and discomfort). Once the treatment area has been anesthetized, if SmartLipo is being used, a very small cannula (tube) approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter is inserted under the skin. This cannula, which contains the Smartlipo laser fiber, is moved back and forth in the treatment area. Following the laser, a small suction cannula (tube) approximately 3mm in diameter is inserted under into the fat under the skin and the fat is removed.
What should I expect after the procedure?
You will be able to walk immediately following your procedure, though you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. The treatment areas will be numb for several hours after the procedure because of the tumescent anesthesia that was used. As this medicine wears off, most patients describe a mild achy pain as if they had undergone a "tough workout." Typically, any discomfort you have for the first few days is well controlled with the medicine we instruct you take. You will need to wear a compression garment for several days to two weeks after the procedure, depending on the area(s) treated. We do recommend several days of rest with a gradual resumption of activity. Most patients return to work within a week. You should refrain from hot tubs or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks.
When can I expect to see results?
You may see results as early as one to two days after the procedure, with continued improvement over several months.
Does liposuction provide lasting results?
Yes. Liposuction removes fat cells permanently and these fat cells can not come back. Liposuction does not impact the changes associated with aging however and it is normal for the size and location of the body’s fat deposits to change with increasing age. Should you gain weight, most new fat will be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Serious complications after liposuction are uncommon. Bruising and swelling can occur, but usually resolves within 1 to 2 weeks. Rarely a patient may experience numbness in the treatment area which typically resolves within a couple of months. As with any procedure, bleeding, infection, and collections of fluid and blood can occur, though rarely. One way to reduce the chance of complications is to carefully follow the post-procedure recommendations after surgery
When can I expect to see results?
You may see results as early as one to two days after the procedure, with continued improvement over several months.
Want to learn more about liposuction? Check out our blog post "Is Liposuction for Me?".
Pre Procedure Post Procedure
To see more liposuction before and after photos visit our abdominal and flanks and arms,thigh and back liposuction galleries.