Liposuction in San Francisco
Liposuction reshapes specific body areas by suctioning excess fat from between the skin and the underlying muscle. This is done through a tiny incision only a few millimeters in length. It is not indicated for general weight reduction, but it is probably truly the only way to “spot reduce.” Liposuction may be a stand-alone procedure or used in combination with other body contour operations such as abdominoplasty or body lifts.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What determines how good of a result I will get from liposuction?
A: Our doctors can make a reasonable determination at your examination as to what your expected result would be. The more localized fatty deposits there are and the better skin tone, the higher the quality of result achieved. In other words, an individual 100 pounds overweight evenly distributed over their whole body presents a very difficult, if not impossible sculpting task. Localized deposits in the hips, tummy, or thighs, which are out of proportion, are easily contoured. The second factor influencing the result is the elasticity of the skin. With liposuction alone we are not tightening the skin; we must rely on its inherent elasticity to shrink to the new contour. If one has a large amount of cellulite or skin irregularity prior to liposuction, it is likely there is going to be some after. For this reason, it is not unusual to perform liposuction and skin tightening at the same time.
Q: What is LipoSelection?
A: LipoSelection or VASER Liposuction is the machine most commonly used by our practice for lipo contouring. This adds the interim step of utilizing ultrasound to emulsify or melt the fat while leaving blood vessels and nerves intact. This procedure allows the fat to be removed with less trauma to the tissues and in most cases results in less pain and bruising.
Q: What is Tumescent technique?
A: Tumescent technique refers to the fluid, which is infused in the area to be liposuctioned prior to ultrasound treatment or resection. In most cases, this involves a salt water solution containing epinephrine, which makes the fat easier to extract and shrinks up the blood vessels minimizing the blood loss that occurs with the procedure. This allows larger amounts of fat to be removed while minimizing potential complications.
Q: What are the main risks or tradeoffs associated with liposuction?
A: Every elective procedure has specific tradeoffs that are unique to that particular procedure. With liposuction, we are trying not only to remove fat, but to do it with a smooth contour of the treated skin. If the pre-existing skin elasticity is poor or liposuction is aggressively performed the resulting contours may not be even. Our doctors will discuss the expected contours, which could be achieved with your individual procedure.
Q: How long does the surgery take and what is the recovery period like?
A: The healing from liposuction depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed. Good judgment by one of our board certified surgeons must be utilized in formulating an appropriate operative plan. The average amount of fat removed is in the range of 3000- 5000cc. However, sometimes as much as 10 L of fat maybe removed in one operative setting. This must be individualized based on the health of the individual. For this reason, in larger liposuction, it is important to have assistance at home for several days following the surgery. Often an elastic garment will be utilized, which helps to minimize swelling after surgery. Studies have shown these garments do not affect the actual result of the surgery, but in most cases add to the patients comfort during the early days. You should expect discomfort and possible heavy bruising, which will gradually resolve over 1-2 weeks. Use of anti-inflammatory medicine following the operation, along with local anesthetics used during the operation has minimized recovery for most people.
Q: Will the fat that is suctioned out come back?
A: No, the removed fat will not come back. However, if you gain weight, the fat is going to appear possibly in a surrounding area not suctioned. Therefore, it is important to maintain a stable weight in the post operative period in order to get the best result.
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