Do you have unwanted or excess fat that you would like to get rid of?

Liposuction is, at the most fundamental level, the removal of excess and unwanted fat through tiny access sites by means of suction techniques. The art of liposuction expands on this basic principle, by aesthetically slimming, smoothing, shaping and sculpting to achieve beautiful and natural contours. Skillful administration of such techniques can bring about excellent results in areas that are otherwise unresponsive to training or diet.

For some, that little bulge of fat may not budge despite the vigorous attempts at diet and exercise. This can be caused by fat cells that are programmed not to shrink. For those who want to get rid of these fat cells, liposuction may be the answer. It is a very popular plastic surgery procedure since it defines and enhances the body’s natural figure.

Dr. Wu utilizes power assisted liposculpture as this is the latest technology for effective, smooth, and safe fat removal, allowing for the best possible results. Multiple areas are frequently treated at the same surgical procedure and liposculpture is often utilized at the same time as other plastic surgical procedures.

BENEFITS OF LIPOSUCTION INCLUDE…

  • Safe, quick reduction of unwanted fat deposits
  • Results are immediate
  • Reshapes, slims and tones the body
  • Reduces the appearance of cellulite
  • Improves self-confidence in one’s image
  • Improves fit in swimwear, eveningwear and clothing
  • Provides results where dieting and exercise have failed

Liposuction can help re-contour numerous areas on the body, including the:

  • Abdomen, to eliminate fat that just won’t go away.
  • Waistline, giving you a trimmer physique.
  • Chin and neckline, eliminating a “double chin”.
  • Upper arms, eliminating sagging fat.
  • Hips, making you look better in your jeans.
  • Buttocks, to get rid of the fat that squats can’t eliminate.
  • Thighs, trimming them down, so they don’t touch when you stand.
  • Knees, giving you a more contoured look.

Solutions

Regions that can be treated are almost limitless, provided the regional skin elasticity is sufficient. Liposuction can be used to reduce and refine the thighs, hips, knees, abdomen, flanks, lower back, chest, breast, arms, and neck, individually, or in varying combinations. There are several different methods of Liposuction that make it easier, safer, less invasive and less painful.

Liposuction can be combined with other cosmetic procedures including a tummy tuck and breast reduction, among others. Dr. Chad Wu will be able to advise more specifically on this, as every case is unique to the individual.

Tumescent Liposuction

Liposuction using a large volume of solution for maximizing safety, comfort and cosmetic results.

Superwet Liposuction

A moderate volume of solution is used to achieve the best liposuction results.

Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL)

Classical liposuction, using tiny access sites with thin cannulas (tubes) to remove excess fat.

Power Assisted Lipectomy (PAL)

Adds an oscillating tip to help break up dense, fibrous attachments within the fat.

Ultrasound Assisted Lipectomy (UAL)

Adds an ultrasound emitting tip to the procedure, assisting in the emulsification of fat.

SmartLipo™

Known as laser lipolysis, purported to “tighten skin” in addition to removing fat with liposuction.

The Procedure

TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

  • Do not take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications.
  • Tell your surgeon about any allergies.
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications.
  • Tell your surgeon if you smoke.

THE DAY OF THE OPERATION

  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Do not wear make-up.
  • Do not wear jewelry.
  • Wash with a disinfectant soap.

Lipoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia by intravenous medication or under general anesthesia, depending on the area to be treated. Your surgeon will make a very small incision at the place where the liposuction will be performed. He will then remove the fatty deposits using a mechanical suction or ultrasonic device.

You can leave the hospital or clinic a few hours after surgery. You will have to keep your dressings a week after the surgery and, if necessary, take the painkillers prescribed by the surgeon. Swelling and bruising will disappear within six to eight weeks of the operation.

Liposuction of the stomach or legs can cause difficulties sitting or walking for the first few days. However, you can wash as soon as your dressings have been removed. Your treatment team will also explain how to massage the treated area to promote healing.

  • No alcohol
  • No tobacco
  • No intense physical activity

THE MAIN SHORT-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Hematoma.
  • Seroma.
  • Infection.
  • Significant loss of blood or serum.
  • Phlebitis.
  • Pulmonary or fatty embolism.
  • Injury to adjacent structures.
  • Loss of skin (necrosis).

THE MAIN LONG-TERM COMPLICATIONS

  • Irregular skin.
  • Relaxation of the skin.
  • Hyperpigmentation.
  • Contour asymmetry.
  • Local paresthesia or dysesthesia.
  • Persistent edema (swelling).
  • Visible scars.

FAQ

How safe is Liposuction?

Liposuction done by a  board-certified plastic surgeon ensures the utmost in safety. Having multiple areas treated, or having extensive work done, can increase the risks of liposuction during and after the procedure.

Liposuction complications include:

  • Temporary numbness, soreness, bruising and swelling around the treated areas.
  • Minor scarring and irritation around the incision areas where the cannulas were inserted.
  • Rippling and baggy skin. The skin will often retract and tighten after a few months.
How soon do I see the results?

In six months to a year, you will realize complete outcomes from your liposuction procedure. However, many patients start to see improvement after three weeks, when the swelling goes down. Before surgery, you and Dr. Wu will discuss expectations, and he will explain what you should expect.

How much fat is removed?

Enough fat is removed during liposuction to get a natural and proportionate outcome. This result depends on factors unique to the individual patient. The goal is to remove just the right amount of fat cells precisely in the right areas.

What are the limitations of liposuction?

Dr. Wu will not use liposuction as a weight loss treatment. He uses this procedure for body shaping on areas where stubborn fat deposits are resistant to diet and exercise. Optimal results from liposuction happen in body areas where there is acceptable muscle tone, where the skin is elastic, and where fat is not too excessive.

What happens if there is weight gained after liposuction?

Liposuction removes fat cells which your body can’t replace. If performed correctly, your body contours will remain the same even after weight gain. The weight will be evenly distributed throughout the body, but your shape will remain the same – just larger.

Does Liposuction leave loose skin?

After a successful liposuction procedure, your skin should drape and retract back to conform to your new shape. However, your skin’s elasticity will be important to make this happen. Your skin will be evaluated during your consultation to ensure you will have the necessary skin support for your liposuction procedure.

Can I have liposuction performed with other procedures at the same time?

Yes. Dr. Wu will discuss which liposuction procedures may be performed at the same time while still being safe. Many patients will opt to have liposuction and breast augmentation surgery or liposuction and tummy tuck surgery at the same time. Combination surgeries can give dramatic results. In some patients, it is prudent to do several procedures in sequence, rather than all at the same time, to assure the safest outcome.

When can I resume exercising after liposuction?

Depending on the areas treated, most patients can resume exercise two to three weeks after liposuction.

How long do I need to be off work following liposuction?

We suggest that you take off work for three to five days after liposuction surgery but continue to avoid strenuous activity for three weeks.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction are people at their normal weight who have isolated areas of fat. Firm, elastic skin allows for a better outcome. The patient’s age is not a factor. However, older patients have less skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as younger patients.

When can I get back to my normal routine after liposuction?

The recovery time differs with each patient. The recovery time will vary depending on how much liposuction was performed and how many areas were treated. Most patients can return to work two to seven days after liposuction surgery.