What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Munasifi and Dr. Economides. During this procedure, unwanted pockets of fat are suctioned to enhance curves and contour. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body. The procedure involves making small incisions in the skin, through which a small, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is attached to a suction device, which is used to remove the excess fat.
Liposuction can be used to remove stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, and is commonly performed on areas such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and chin. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.
There are several different techniques used for liposuction, including tumescent liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and laser-assisted liposuction. These techniques use different approaches to break up the fat cells and make them easier to remove.
What is a Fat Transfer
Proceedure?
A fat transfer procedure, also known as fat grafting or fat injection, is a cosmetic surgical technique that involves removing unwanted fat from one area and transferring it to another area to improve the shape, contour, or volume of the recipient.
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove fat from a donor area, such as the abdomen or thighs, and then process and purify the fat before injecting it into the target area, such as the face, breasts, buttocks, shoulders (deltoids), chest (pectorals) muscles, or abdominal muscles. The fat is carefully injected in small quantities to ensure that it integrates well with the surrounding tissues and blood supply.
The procedure is often used for facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, buttock augmentation, and other body contouring procedures. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural alternative to traditional implants or fillers, as it uses the patient’s own tissue to achieve the desired results.
What are the different types of liposuction?
- Traditional: This is the most common type of liposuction, which involves making small incisions in the treatment area and inserting a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to suction out the fat.
- Tumescent: This technique involves injecting a large amount of a solution containing lidocaine (a local anesthetic), epinephrine (a drug that constricts blood vessels), and saline (a sterile saltwater solution) into the treatment area before the fat is suctioned out. This helps to minimize bleeding, bruising, and swelling.
- Ultrasonic: Also known as “VASER liposuction,” this technique uses ultrasonic energy to break up fat cells, which are then suctioned out using a cannula. This method is particularly useful for areas with dense or fibrous fat, such as the back, chest, or upper abdomen.
- Laser-Assisted: This method uses a laser to liquefy the fat cells before they are suctioned out.
- Power-Assisted: This method uses a specialized cannula that vibrates rapidly to break up the fat cells before they are suctioned out. This can make the procedure faster and more efficient, with less trauma to the surrounding tissues.
It’s important to note that each type of liposuction has its own set of benefits and risks, and the best technique for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. It’s important to discuss your options with Dr. Munasifi and Dr. Economides, who will recommend the best approach for your specific goals.
What areas of the body can Liposuction be performed?
The talented and experienced surgeons at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center can perform liposuction on a wide range of body parts, including:
- Thighs
- Hips & Buttocks
- Abdomen & Waist
- Back
- Upper Arms
- Chin & Neck
- Inner Knee
- Chest Area
- Calves & Ankles
Dr. Economides and his staff are the absolute best. Extremely professional, personable & provide above-and-beyond results. I highly recommend Dr. E and his team for any of your Plastic Surgery needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction & Fat Transfers
What happens during Liposuction procedures?
The doctors provide general anesthesia before starting liposuction. It’s an outpatient procedure that usually takes 1-3 hours. Your surgeon makes a small incision in your skin and inserts the cannula. Then, they either manually loosen or use the VASER device to gently break up your unwanted fat and suction it out of your body. When your procedure is complete, your surgeon removes the cannula and closes the small incision with a suture.
What should I expect after Liposuction?
When you recover from your anesthesia, your surgeon reviews your aftercare instructions and releases you to go home and recuperate. You may feel stiff or sore after your liposuction procedure, and you should expect some swelling and bruising.
In most cases, you can manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers and should be up and walking around the day after your liposuction. Most patients can return to work and most regular activities within five days, although you shouldn’t engage in vigorous physical activity until your surgeon says it’s safe.
Am I a good candidate for Liposuction?
If you’re within 30% of your ideal body weight but are struggling with pockets of fat on trouble spots like your abdomen or thighs, liposuction might be an excellent option for you. You should be in good health overall and have realistic expectations about your results. Liposuction isn’t a replacement for weight loss, and you do need to continue to make healthy choices to maintain your new slim silhouette.
What happens during a Fat Transfer procedure?
During your complimentary consultation Dr. Munasifi and Economides will review your medical history, discuss your treatment goals, and examine you to determine if high definition liposuction is suitable for you. The length of surgery is dependent on the treatment area and varies from patient to patient. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia and most patients go home the same day.