SEATTLE LIPOSUCTION: BEFORE AND AFTER
Before
When you come in for a consultation at Seattle Plastic Surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will want to garner a good idea of your goals and health to determine if you are a candidate. They will do this through a thorough conversation where you are welcome and encouraged to ask questions.
First, they will ask about your concerns, your goals for liposuction, and the areas you are interested in treating. After gaining an idea of your goals, they will review your medical history to ensure that you are an ideal candidate. Finally, they will conduct an exam of the areas to see if liposuction could help you achieve your goals.
During
The majority of liposuction performed at Seattle Plastic Surgery utilizes the tumescent technique. This is now the standard for surgical liposuction procedures. The actual surgical technique will vary depending upon the area(s) that your plastic surgeon performs the procedure.
On the day of surgery, your cosmetic surgeon will review your surgical plan and make marks to guide them during surgery. This will help them keep your goals and the look you want in mind while they perform the procedure.
The first step of your Seattle liposuction procedure is to place you under anesthesia. Our licensed anesthesia providers will carefully place you under general anesthesia and continue to monitor you throughout.
Once you are comfortably under anesthesia, your cosmetic surgeon will inject tumescent fluid into the fat of the targeted areas. Tumescent fluid is a mix of lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline. Not only does this add another level of anesthetic and make suctioning the fat easier, the epinephrine helps constrict blood vessels. This can reduce bleeding, bruising, and improve overall recovery.
Next, your cosmetic surgeon will use a micro-cannula and begin to suction out the fat. Simultaneously, heat is applied to the area to help tighten the skin and decrease the overall risk during surgery. Like with tumescent fluid, the heat aids in recovery and the safety of the procedure.
As discussed above, our cosmetic surgeons do not perform liposuction to remove fat cells. Our premier plastic surgeons liposuction with purpose and intention to create shape, form, and figure. After liposculpture in Seattle, you can enjoy a flattering and contoured new body.
The Final Steps
Along with these techniques, the plastic surgeons at Seattle Plastic Surgery use the latest drugs that increase safety and comfort. Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because of the constant advancements surrounding the procedure.
To finish up the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will stitch up the cannula entry points. Liposuction requires only minimal suturing and small incisions because of the use of micro-cannulas. For those who do not have large amounts of extra skin, liposuction is a great alternative to a tummy tuck.
After
Once you wake up, you will need someone to drive you home because you will likely feel groggy from general anesthesia. Your plastic surgeon will give you instructions for your liposuction recovery. Likely, they will require you to wear a compression garment all day for two weeks. Then, later, for 12 hours every day over the remainder of your recovery.
The compression garment will help reduce swelling and promote blood circulation. Many patients often find their recovery more comfortable wearing a compression garment. Along with the garment, your plastic surgeon may prescribe other medications and regimens to help along your recovery.
Many patients return to work within 1-2 weeks of their liposuction in Seattle. With a healthy recovery and proper care, most patients return to the majority of their activities around a month following surgery. Each patient will vary in the time it takes to return to daily life.
Much like every procedure is a customized surgery, every recovery will depend upon the individual patient. You can expect swelling to last for a few months. This means that your final results will take some time to settle in.
How Can I Reduce Swelling?
Along with wearing your compression garment as your plastic surgeon dictates, you can reduce swelling in many ways. Avoiding NSAID painkillers like Aspirin and Ibuprofen because they can increase bleeding and bruising in the body. Our cosmetic surgeons usually encourage walking once you can because this promotes healthy blood circulation which can decrease swelling.
Finally, ultrasound lymphatic massages can help drain fluid buildup in your body. Performed at Seattle Plastic Surgery by master estheticians, ultrasound lymphatic massages can lead to a healthier and more comfortable recovery.
Maintaining Liposuction Results
Once you see your final results, many patients worry about maintaining them. If you continue to practice a healthy diet and exercise routine, you should easily keep your liposuction results for many years. The good news about liposuction is that once fat is removed, it cannot grow back. The bad news is that the remaining fat cells can expand and hinder your results. Large weight fluctuations, including those during pregnancy, can jeopardize your results.
This is why lipo is best performed after planned childbirth and when you are actively living a healthy lifestyle. Your cosmetic surgeon can perform liposuction on all body types. They will help you understand what to expect from Seattle liposuction based on your anatomy and health.
Can I Do Tacoma Lipo With Other Procedures?
Liposuction often aids in other surgical procedures like a Mommy Makeover, male breast reduction, and facelifts. Most commonly, liposuction is part of fat transfer surgeries like a Brazilian butt lift or skinny BBL. It is especially common during tummy tuck procedures such as a fleur de lis tummy tuck. Many will also have Renuvion skin tightening at the same time as liposuction. Additionally, combining procedures is usually safe when performed by a skilled and talented plastic surgeon.
If you are interested in more than one cosmetic procedure, talk about it during your consultation. Combining your surgeries can often lead to less stress on your body, a better recovery, and ultimately, achieving your results sooner.
