Liposuction

Liposuction is a very popular procedure in Seattle that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, flanks, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as lipoplasty, suction lipectomy, or liposculpture, has benefited from several new refinements.

Today, a number of new techniques, including power-assisted lipoplasty (PAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping to provide selected patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don't respond to traditional weight-loss methods. The best results are obtained in patients who utilize liposuction in conjunction with diet and exercise.

Liposuction Before & After Pictures

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Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. Other patients who may be mildly overweight or have less-than-ideal skin tone may still greatly benefit from liposuction, but their results may be somewhat less impressive or “ideal.” You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

The time required to perform liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, and the technique used. A procedure may last anywhere from one hour to four hours, depending on the number of areas treated.

Liposuction is a procedure in which localized deposits of fat are removed to re-contour one or more areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump. There may be a limit to how much fat can be safely removed from a given area while minimizing the risk of visible irregularities in the skin surface.

Recovery following liposuction

Healing is a gradual process. You will be told to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will begin to feel better after a few days to about a week, and you should be back at work within a week following your surgery. The stitches are absorbable and beneath the skin, so they will not require removal.

Strenuous activity or exercise should be avoided for two weeks as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some mild swelling (not visible beneath clothing) may remain for six months or more, and full improvement may not be seen for six to nine months.

For more information about Liposuction at Seattle Plastic Surgery, call 206-324-1120.