Liposuction

You work hard to eat right and do the things that help you look your best. Even so, you may look in the mirror and be disappointed by stubborn fat deposits. That's where a Newport Beach liposuction procedure at CosmetiCare can help.

The shape of your body is determined by such factors as genetics, age, metabolism, and level of fitness. Localized pockets of fat can look disproportionate to other areas of the body, making it difficult to feel comfortable in clothes and affecting your self-esteem. Liposuction was originally designed to remove areas of fat primarily in the body, but is frequently performed on the face and neck as well. This procedure can help to contour and sculpt the body by eliminating unwanted fat from specific areas including thighs, knees, abdomen, hips, waist, buttocks and upper arms.

Liposuction patients from Newport Beach and Long Beach must remember that the procedure is not meant to take the place of good nutrition and regular exercise – it is all about body contouring. At CosmetiCare, our plastic surgery specialists understand that achieving the look you want can help you live the life you want. Learn more when you request a Complimentary Consultation with one of our surgeons.

What Do I Need to Know about Liposuction?

Liposuction is performed using general anesthesia. Surgical time will vary with each individual patient by the number of areas on the body to address, the size of the patient and, amount of fat to be removed and the surgical technique used. Tiny incisions are made inconspicuously in and around the areas where fat is to be removed. Through these incisions, a narrow tube-like medical device called a cannula is inserted and used to extract fatty layers underneath the skin. The surgeon guides the cannula back and forth to break up the fat cells and suction them out.

Am I a Candidate for a Newport Beach Liposuction Procedure?

After doing the research, many people find that this procedure is a good choice for them:

• Men and women who wish to eliminate isolated pockets of fat that cause areas of the body to appear disproportionate.
• Some of the best results are seen on patients of normal weight with good, firm skin elasticity. Those with extremely loose or thin skin may require a different type procedure (lift or tuck) to correct their problem areas, as they may not achieve the best result through liposuction alone.
• Those wishing to create a more toned look by contouring and sculpting and shaping areas of the body.
• A good candidate will have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve for them and understand that a good nutritional program and exercise program following surgery is needed to maintain their results.
• Patients must be in good health.
• Age is not necessarily a factor but younger patients with tighter skin may achieve better results than an older patient whose skin is less firm. Candidates for liposuction should discuss expectations with their surgeon before making a decision.

Which Type of Liposuction is Right for Me?

At CosmetiCare, our surgeons offer 3 liposuction variations for Long Beach and Newport Beach patients. During your consultation, your surgeon will recommend a particular technique based on what area of the body you would like to treat and your cosmetic goals

• Fluid Injected (Tumescent) Liposuction
  Prior to the development of newer liposuction methods, the extraction of fat was performed without the "wet" or fluid injected technique. Surgery was performed without placing fluid in the body. This limited the amount of fat that could safely be removed due to bleeding. This technique also caused more bruising, swelling and pain. Fluid injection techniques are much more popular today. These techniques use a medicated solution that is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed. Tumescent lipo allows removal of larger amounts of fat more safely and easily, resulting in less blood loss, bruising and pain.



• Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
  This technique uses a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. A sound wave generator is attached to a sterile hand piece with a titanium rod that vibrates at a very high, slightly audible pitch. This sound wave creates energy into the fatty tissue causing this fat to break up and liquefy, making it easier to extract. This technique causes less trauma to surrounding tissue, as it only requires low-pressure suctioning, making the procedure a bit gentler. This technique has improved the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body that were once more difficult such as the upper back and the enlarged male breast.



• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
  PAL uses a motorized liposuction cannula that oscillates, vibrating back and forth to allow penetration of the tissue and greatly reduces the surgeons amount of physical exertion. The PAL cannula is smaller, resulting in smaller scars and the surgery requires less time than other liposuction techniques. This technique is also used in conjunction with the tumescent liposuction method and helps to facilitate removal of fat in more fibrous, difficult areas including upper abdomen, waist (love handles) and back.

How Will I Look and Feel after My Procedure?

• Most patients can see a noticeable difference in their body shortly after surgery.
• You can expect residual fluid drainage from the incision sites during the first 24 hours.
• A tight, girdle-like, compression garment will be placed on you immediately following surgery to help control swelling. The garment will be worn for a few weeks.
• You will experience some discomfort, burning, swelling and temporary numbness after surgery. Pain medication prescribed by your physician will help to reduce this discomfort.
• Although you will feel sore and stiff for a few days, it is recommended that you start walking around as soon as possible to help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs and to reduce swelling.
• You will begin to notice more improvement after about four to six weeks, after most of the swelling has gone.
• The amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly with each individual patient and is a gradual process.
• Most patients resume regular activities within a week or two but many patients are able to return to work within only days of their surgery.
• Stitches are usually removed within the first week.
• Swelling and bruising will typically disappear within three weeks, but some swelling may continue to be present for six months or more.
• Strenuous activities should be avoided for about one month.
• You will begin to notice even more improvement in your shape and contour after about three months.

Keep in mind that weight gain can alter your original results. Scars are usually hidden from view and very minimal. However, liposuction can result in some irregularities of skin surface such as waviness and unevenness, especially in an older patient with less elasticity and tone to the skin.

Request your Complimentary Consultation online with one of the plastic surgeons at CosmetiCare who will discuss the benefits of liposuction in more detail and help you decide if the procedure is right for you. Or, if you'd prefer, call us at 800-95-IMAGE (800-954-6243) to schedule your appointment. With convenient locations on Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach and Bayside Drive in Newport Beach, CosmetiCare makes it easy to look your best in Southern California.

Remember that all medical procedures carry some risk. Specific risks associated with this procedure will be discussed with you during your consultation. Major complications are rare, but minor complications not affecting your surgical outcome may occasionally occur.