Seattle Liposuction - Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction: Seattle Specialists

For men and women in Seattle, liposuction can offer an improved body contour for a more pleasing appearance. This surgical technique is used to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Common liposuction treatment areas include the face and neck, upper arms, trunk, breasts, abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs, as well as the knees, calves, and ankles. There are several methods of liposuction used by the plastic surgeons of The Gallery of Cosmetic surgery, each of which involves the insertion of fluid (usually dilute local anesthetic solution) into the deposits, followed by their removal through suction. The suction may be applied using a vacuum pump (machine) or via closed syringe system.

Liposuction is not intended as weight reduction treatment, but a method for removing localized fat, resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is particularly effective in patients who are not obese, but display problems of fat distribution creating unwanted contours. Liposuction can improve those contours, sculpting them for an improved appearance. Though humans have a large number of fat cells, those cells do not divide after puberty, making liposuction removal of resistant fat deposits a permanent fat removal treatment. For our patients in Seattle, Liposuction may be performed as a primary procedure for body contouring and size reduction. It may also be combined with other surgical techniques such as facelift, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), thigh lift, breast reduction, and various procedures that help tighten loose skin and supporting structures.

The best candidates for liposuction in Seattle are those of relatively normal weight, with unwanted distribution sites in particular body areas. Some patients with higher percent body fat are treated by liposuction in two or more sessions, known as "serial liposuction". Although not a treatment for obesity, it is often useful as part of a physician-controlled medication, diet, and exercise program, with liposuction aimed at permanent removal of a large portion of the most resistant sites.

Having firm, elastic skin will result in a better final contour after liposuction. Hanging skin with small underlying fat deposits may not reshape to the new contours, and may require additional surgery to remove and tighten excess skin. Irregular shapes and contours caused by muscle or the skeleton will not be improved by removal of small amounts of fat. Liposuction is not considered as a primary treatment of dimpled skin known as "cellulite".

For patients in Seattle, liposuction surgery is performed by using a hollow metal surgical instrument known as a canula, that is inserted through small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth within the treatment area removing fat deposits through suction. Liposuction may be performed on an outpatient basis in The Gallery's state-of-the-art surgical center. It can be performed under local anesthesia, local-sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the needs of the patient and method of treatment used. Since 1986, many surgeons place substantial amounts of dilute local anesthetic solution into the fat layer to facilitate removal of the fat cells. This advance, known as Tumescent Liposuction, reduces bleeding and improves patient safety. Ultrasonic liposuction, another advanced technique, uses ultrasonic sound waves to liquefy fat deposits, allowing for easier removal from difficult areas such as the ankles, calves, knees, neck and chin. To improve the effectiveness of ultrasonic liposuction, Seattle cosmetic surgeons Dr. Jonov and Dr. Sobel often combine tumescent liposuction for improved patient safety and better aesthetic results.

The experienced Seattle cosmetic surgeons at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery are pleased to offer our patients the latest techniques including tumescent liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, as well as combined liposuction-radiofrequency treatment to accomplish maximal skin tightening and deep contouring as with laserlipo (laser liposuction).

After liposuction, compression garments and wraps are often used to help control swelling and promote healing.

Liposuction is an effective tool for sculpting and shaping the body for a more pleasing appearance. The caring plastic surgeons at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offer a variety of liposuction options to Seattle men and women. For more information on Seattle liposuction, or to schedule a consultation, contact us online or call (425) 775-3561 or (866) 346-0000.

Before & After Photos [GO]