Liposuction
Liposuction continues to be one of the foundation plastic surgery procedures. Its flexibility and potential for adaptive techniques means it can address a range of concerns about stubborn pockets of fat almost anywhere on the body. Dr. Brent is proud to perform liposuction in Beverly Hills for patients who want to sculpt a defined, elevated figure for a body they love.
What Is Liposuction?
A classic of plastic surgery, liposuction removes pockets of fat from target areas of the body. While diet and exercise are essential to a healthy weight, many patients are frustrated to find that lifestyle alone is not always enough to achieve their body goals. Lipo allows you to receive the results you deserve by removing fat that is unresponsive to your lifestyle improvements. The procedure works by liquifying target fat cells and suctioning them from the body. However, this is more than simply vacuuming away unwanted fat. To see natural results, you need a physician who understands the interplay of fat with other tissues. He needs to know what fat to remove (and in what amounts) and what fat to sculpt.
Procedure At a Glance
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours, depending on complexity
- Anesthesia: Local, sedation, or general anesthesia
- Experience: Pain-free surgery
- Downtime: about 1 week average
- Type of Procedure: Cosmetic, outpatient
- Target Areas:
- Stomach
- Waist
- Hips
- Flanks
- Breasts
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Arms
- Cheeks
- Neck
Liposuction vs. Liposculpture
Liposculpture is a more cautious, refined form of liposuction. It is designed more for improving body shape rather than significant weight loss. This procedure slenderizes areas and sculpts regions of your body that have stubborn fat. The primary goal is to produce the ideal contour that blends in with the rest of your body.
What to Expect
Dr. Brent specializes in awake procedures, which allow for improved patient safety and aesthetic outcomes. Liposuction can be performed as one such procedure. This means you would be awake, but local anesthetic ensures you feel no pain. We can also provide sedation if this option does not suit your preferences.
The entire procedure should take about 1 to 4 hours, depending on your individual plan. Dr. Brent will use the chosen technique to break down fat and remove it from each target area. Once the results match your goals, he closes all incisions and you are taken to a comfortable room to rest for a time. When you are ready, you can return home with someone (ideally a friend or family member) to drive you.
What Is the Recovery from Liposuction Like?
Liposuction recovery depends on four main factors:
- Personal health and recovery speed
- Complexity and type of procedure
- Amount of fat removed
- Following post-procedure instructions
While these factors can lead to varied experiences, most patients can expect an initial recovery period of about 1 week. During this time, swelling and some discomfort. But patients will wear a compression garment over the treated area to manage the swelling and improve the evenness of healing. Over-the-counter pain medication is typically enough to handle the discomfort, though we consider each patient’s situation individually.
Schedule a
Consultation
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310.273.1001
Beverly Hills
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805.898.9299
Santa Barbara
Techniques & Options
There are many different liposuction surgery techniques available to help you achieve the body you want. With today’s technology, surgery has become a procedure that meets the highest safety standards, requires minimal downtime, and gives you excellent results.
Some of the techniques used include:
Traditional Liposuction
Uses negative pressure or vacuum suction to suck out the fat. Tubes (cannulas) have a relatively large diameter and remove fat quickly.
Power-Assisted Lipo
Uses a mechanized tip, which nibbles away at the fat. But it requires smaller cannulas.
Laser-Assisted Lipo
Also called SMART Lipo. It is a relatively new technique using a laser to rupture and liquefy fat cells. Ideal for less-intensive body contouring.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Fat cells are liquefied with ultrasound waves emitted from a special cannula, leading to easier removal.
Microliposuction
Minimally invasive, uses a smaller tube to remove fat from hard-to-target areas.
Waterjet-Assisted Lipo
Uses a jet of water to flush out fat. Produces little tissue trauma, so recovery is speedy.
Radiofrequency-Assisted Lipo
Uses RF energy to melt fat externally with simultaneous suctioning fat internally. It achieves the greatest extent of skin tightening.
Tumescent Technique
Uses a special fluid to cause fat tissue to swell, making it easier to remove while avoiding bruising and bleeding.
Super-Wet Technique
Similar to the tumescent technique, the amount of liquid injected is much less.
Call to Book your Initial Consultation Today!
To find out if liposuction is right for you, your first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brent, plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. During your meeting, you will have a chance to express your aesthetic goals. According to your needs, Dr. Brent will describe various techniques and procedures. Dr. Brent will “sculpt” your body into a more natural but enhanced form you can be happy with for years to come. Call today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Liposuction Right for Me?
If you have stubborn fat that does not respond to lifestyle changes, then liposuction may be right for you. Having good skin elasticity is also a bonus. Once the fat is removed, your skin will need to tighten. However, we can also provide skin tightening when needed. A good candidate will currently have no serious medical conditions that could increase procedure risk.
How Much Fat Can Liposuction Remove?
While liposuction can remove substantial amounts of fat, it is important to remember this is not a weight-loss procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that patients be within 30% of their target weight before proceeding. Some lipo techniques can remove more fat than others, which can be explored during your consultation. However, it works best for individuals who want to take the final few steps in their weight-loss process by clearing away the remaining stubborn fat.
Downtime: What Is It and How Long Does It Last?
Downtime means taking time away from work and your daily routine, including all physical activity. For mild liposuction procedures, patients can expect about 1 week of downtime and can return to light activity within 2 weeks. For more involved liposuction (or liposuction combined with other surgery), downtime typically lasts about 2 weeks. In either case, the most important factor is not to rush through downtime. Give your body the time it needs to fully recover, and you will thank yourself for it. A smoother recovery means better results in the long run.
Which Liposuction Technique Is Right for Me?
Each liposuction surgery has advantages and is designed to address different concerns. During your consultation with Dr. Brent, together you can determine which technique will work best for you. Factors that influence the best type for you include:
- Which areas you want to treat
- The amount of fat to be removed
- Current physical health
- Any combination treatments
- Aesthetic preferences
Will Fat Come Back After Liposuction?
The cells removed during your treatment are permanently removed. However, continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize the production of new fat cells. Weight fluctuations are still possible. So keep up the good work of your previous healthy routine and you should see longer-lasting results.
Will Liposuction Treat Cellulite?
While this procedure on its own does not treat cellulite, it can be part of a treatment plan. Lipo can remove fat, while Dr. Brent can use other techniques to improve cellulite appearance. Cellulite is often associated with weight gain, but it is actually generally caused by hormones, genetics, and age.
