Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure performed to remove fat (not cellulite) to improve the contour of selected regions of the body:

  • -Thighs
  • -Abdomen
  • -Buttocks
  • -Neck
  • -Hips
  • -Love handles
  • -Inner thighs
  • -Upper arms
  • -Chin
  • -Breast tissue in men

It is recommended for healthy patients who are not able to lose the fat on their own through diet or exercise.

Liposuction Techniques

Liposuction is performed throughout Los Angeles. Procedures have evolved to minimize patient discomfort and the risk of complications. Generally, the fat is suctioned through a straw-like tool called a cannula.

Liposuction techniques differ from one another based on the mechanism used to break up the fat tissue before it is suctioned from the body. Los Angeles patients have many different types of techniques that can be used to perform liposuction. Examples include:

  • -Suction Assisted Liposuction, where the fat is broken up manually as the physician moves the cannula back and forth to break up the fat
  • -Power Assisted Liposuction uses a motor that helps the cannula break up fat through mechanized movement (as opposed to having the physician do this manually).
  • -Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction uses sound waves to emulsify the fat before it is suctioned.
  • -Thermal Lipolysis, which is still in its experimental stage, uses probes that apply laser energy to break up the fat.
  • -Water Assisted Liposuction uses the continuous application of water through a fan shaped beam to loosen the fat before it is suctioned.

Tumescent Liposuction

Many patients in Los Angeles have the impression that Tumescent Liposuction is a specialized type of procedure. However, this is actually a safety measure that is universally performed prior to the actual procedure.

Lidocaine and epinephrine are prepared in a saline solution. The lidocaine decrease the amount of pain experienced by the patient. The epinephrine shrinks the blood vessels to minimize bleeding and bruising. The saline solution is injected intravenously at the site where the liposuction is performed. The amount of solution used depends on the anticipated amount of fat that is to be removed.

In addition this application of regional anesthesia allows patients in Los Angeles to have their liposuction procedure performed in the doctor’s office as opposed to a hospital setting.

Balancing Safety with Liposuction Fat Removal in Los Angeles

Liposuction procedures involve more than simply removing excess fat. It needs to be performed through a comprehensive perspective to ensure the safety of the patient. The physician needs to ensure that a conservative amount of fat is removed to minimize the risk of complications that can occur. “Too much fat” is defined by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to be more than 5 liters or 10.5 pints.

Excessive fluid loss is another potential risk. The doctor performing the liposuction procedure must be careful to not to disrupt the fluid balance of the patient’s physiological system. Furthermore, the process of removing the fat should also not disturb surrounding blood vessels or connective tissue.

Los Angeles Male Patient: Liposuction Before and After

This male patient in Los Angeles was not able to achieve a toned slimmed contour on his lower abdomen on his own. He opted for a liposuction procedure to remove excess fat in this area. Here are before and after pictures, where targeted area for the liposuction has been marked.

Los Angeles Patient Before and After liposuction

Patients who are not able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone may benefit from liposuction*

Los Angeles Female Patient: Liposuction Before and After

This female patient in Los Angeles wanted to improve the appearance of her buttocks and thighs through liposuction. A conservative amount of fat was removed to help her attain more desirable contours in these areas.

Los Angeles Patient- Liposuction for Thighs

Los patient before and after liposuction for the thighs.*

Candidates for Los Angeles Liposuction

Liposuction is not a substitute for exercise or eating a diet low in fat. In fact, candidates for liposuction must be over the age of 18, and are required to be as healthy as possible. Patients are required to refrain from smoking several months before the procedure.

Liposuction is not recommended for individuals who have the following pre-existing conditions:

  • -Diabetes
  • -Infections
  • -Heart or circulatory issues
  • -Poor skin elasticity

Due to risks of life threatening complications, liposuction cannot be performed in conjunction with tummy tuck procedures.

Some people are not able to lose weight despite their best efforts. This is often due to genetic factors. For these individuals, liposuction can be a positive intervention for helping them achieve their desired appearance. If you are in the Los Angeles area and feel you might be a candidate for liposuction, consult with a board certified specialist.

Click here to read about jowl removal, which may also use liposuction.