5 Things You Should Know About Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that targets and eliminates fat deposits just under the skin, creating a more attractive, toned appearance. Surgeons can customize their approach to contour almost any area of the body that could benefit from this effect. The procedure involves fat removal with an instrument called a cannula that suctions fat deposits away permanently. With liposuction, patients can attain their dream figure with minimal downtime and minimal scarring. Since its inception in the 1970s, researchers have found numerous ways to make the treatment safer than ever.

At NorCal Liposculpture near Sacramento, we can guide you through the process of achieving transformative results with VASER (vibrational amplification of sound energy at resonance) liposuction, a technology that promotes higher-quality results and less downtime than traditional liposuction. The professionals at our practice- led by the expertise of cosmetic surgeon Dr. Jack Friedlander– will ensure that you have a positive experience that takes into account your unique body shape and aesthetic needs.

To get started today, call (916) 347-7755 or request your consultation online, and a staff member will be in touch with you shortly. Dr. Friedlander will take the time necessary to make sure you are the right fit for a liposuction procedure, going over the cosmetic and surgical benefits in depth.

About Liposuction

Liposuction is a means of removing subcutaneous fat that the body stores for energy when calories are in short supply. If you have stubborn, pinchable fat in any of the following areas, treatment with liposuction may be able to provide the sculpting effect you are looking for.

  • Abdomen
  • Thighs
  • Knees
  • Hips
  • Lower Back and Flanks
  • Upper Back
  • Calves
  • Neck
  • Male Chest
  • Breasts
  • Chin

Before newer technologies came about, surgeons simply made a small incision to inject tumescent fluid at the site of the treatment area, loosening the targeted fat from its connection to the surrounding tissues. Then, using the same incision/s, they would apply pneumatic pressure (suction) to strategically collect the fat deposits. However, Dr. Friedlander adds the extra step of applying a VASER device to the treatment area to add more precision and safety to the procedure before applying suction. This instrument emits ultrasound energy that serves to break apart bonds in between fat cells, “liquefying” the fat.

VASER Promotes a Shorter Recovery and Quality Results

As a more advanced form of the procedure, patients can expect more dramatic results with significantly less damage to muscle fascia, nerves, lymph node structures, and blood vessels under the skin. When compared to traditional liposuction, patients report less tenderness and bruising during their recovery. (1) Dr. Friedlander can collect a larger concentration of fat and less blood. He can utilize VASER to accentuate muscle tone by strategically leaving behind small portions of fat that provide more definition. VASER technology can enable surgeons to perform VASER Hi-Def, a technique in which they can access and remove fat tissue directly overlying muscle tissue, providing an even more enhanced athletic look.

Liposuction is Minimally Invasive

Liposuction is one of the least invasive options available- usually requiring only 1 or 2 incisions of about 1 to 1.5 cm in length. With such small openings, the risk of developing an infection is extremely low, at around 0.1%. (2) Surgeons typically close such incisions with surgical gauze and steri-strips, so even sutures are not necessary. Dr. Friedlander performs all of his liposuction using only local anesthesia and IV sedation, completely preventing rare situations of lidocaine toxicity and other negative effects of general anesthesia such as nausea, temporary disorientation, and sore throat.

Research Into Liposuction Continues

The latest research has granted surgeons the ability to guide patients toward a healthy recovery with personalized aftercare instructions. Though liposuction has been an incredibly popular procedure for decades, around 50 new techniques/ devices have been developed to promote an easier, safer procedure process in just the past 10 years. (3) Some of the most popular technologies include ultrasound (Dr. Friedlander’s method), power-assisted liposuction which utilizes mechanical vibration of the cannula, and laser-assisted liposuction which also causes less trauma to subcutaneous connective tissues. Surgeons have developed new standards for prescribing compression garments that will allow for optimal skin healing and the prevention of excess swelling.

Results Can Be Permanent

With natural weight loss subcutaneous fat atrophies, but the cells are still alive and present under the skin. Liposuction permanently removes these deposits, so it is much easier for patients to maintain weight and their new contours. The slimming effects of the procedure are not only long-lasting, but they can promote a greater sense of body confidence and an overall boost in self-esteem. With the application of such tiny, pinpoint incisions, most patients’ scars fade significantly within a year of their procedure. Surgeons are careful to make incisions in discreet locations so that patients can still feel comfortable in minimal clothing, like a bathing suit. Once healed enough, patients can use silicone gel sheets, lymphatic massage, and other remedies to help their body recover fully. Dr. Friedlander can educate you on personalized diet and exercise tips to maximize your results and maintain your health overall.

Liposuction is Popular

In 2019 alone, American surgeons performed over 265,000 liposuction procedures, making it the fourth most popular cosmetic procedure. (4) Alongside the benefits mentioned above, patients have many other reasons to feel excited by the body rejuvenation that liposuction can provide. It is a consistently successful, customizable, and versatile procedure for any patient with a BMI of 35 and under. Though patients will have to postpone their gym workout for a few weeks, they can expect to go home on the same day of their procedure and return to their daily routine within 7 to 10 days. For smaller treatment areas, like the chin, patients may only need 3 to 5 days of downtime. As the results settle in, patients continue to heal, and the results improve gradually and naturally. All in all, its high accessibility and minimal downtime are what continually attract patients to this transformative approach to body contouring.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

Emsculpt

Emsculpt is a device that applies two electromagnetic energies- high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) and radiofrequency (RF) to non-invasively cause fat reduction and build muscle in the treatment area. (5) In just a half-hour session, Emsculpt melts fat cells and provokes thousands of muscle-building contractions. Patients only feel pulsating and warm sensations, so the procedure is highly tolerable and does not require anesthesia. After a session with Emsculpt, some patients feel some soreness similar to a post-workout burn, but they can soon return for multiple sessions to enhance the lean results even further. Dr. Friedlander can prescribe a specific treatment plan, depending on patient desires. Emsculpt is safe and effective for use on the buttocks, thighs, calves, abdomen, and even the upper arms.

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with Dr. Friedlander, you will have the opportunity to discuss the intricacies of liposuction and the results you would like to attain. He will evaluate the fatty areas you would like to treat and your overall skin elasticity to ensure that you can benefit from the procedure without experiencing skin laxity. Dr. Friedlander will strive to be as informative as possible and will answer any questions you may have about the process of preparation, the procedure itself, or your recovery. He will further detail the advantages of using VASER methods and your options for enhancing muscular definition- if you are interested in this approach. Beside procedure-specific matters, he will also review your health history and any recent blood tests to ensure you are medically cleared to undergo liposuction safely.

To get in contact with NorCal Liposculpture today, call our location in Roseville, CA, near Sacramento, at (916) 347-7755 or fill out our contact form, and a member of Dr. Friedlander’s staff will be happy to help you find an appointment date and time that works best for you.

Cost of Liposuction in Sacramento

Liposuction Sacremento

The cost of your liposuction treatment will depend on the size of your treatment area/s, the amount of fat removal, anesthesia fees, surgical fees, and post-procedure medication and follow-up. Dr. Friedlander will discuss these factors with you at your initial consultation, ensuring that you have a thorough understanding of the total cost. If interested, you can inquire about our available financing options with payment plans from reputable companies Cherry and Lending USA. To learn more about liposuction and the other procedures Dr. Friedlander offers, visit our blog.

FAQ

Is VASER the most effective form of liposuction?

Unlike traditional liposuction, VASER can eliminate tougher, more fibrous fat tissue, allowing surgeons to sculpt with more precision and ease. Surgeons can also use this method to enhance muscular definition and collect more fat and less blood. Unlike laser-assisted liposuction, VASER poses no risk of damaging tissues with thermal energy.

Can I get liposuction on any part of my body?

Liposuction is a great procedure for those with pinchable fat in any area of the body, even more delicate areas like the chin and neck.

How do you prepare for liposuction?

Your surgeon will review your medications and require that you make necessary adjustments in the weeks leading up to the procedure. They may also review blood tests and require that you stop smoking for at least one month beforehand. You should be able to demonstrate a stable weight, with a BMI under 35 for at least a year.

References

  1. Ruff PG, Garcia O, Nykiel M, Galanis CJ. Consensus-based Recommendations for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2023;11(7):e5110-e5110. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005110
  2. Cuevas Bustos R, Cervantes Gutierrez O, Perez Tristan FA, Acuña Macouzet A, Flores-Huidobro Martinez A, Jafif Cojab M. Necrotizing soft tissue infection after liposculpture; Case report. International Journal of Surgery Case Reports. 2020;77:677-681. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijscr.2020.11.078
  3. Beidas OE, Gusenoff JA. Update on Liposuction: What All Plastic Surgeons Should Know. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2021;147(4):658e668e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000007419
  4. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf
  5. Samuels JB, Katz B, Weiss RA, Samuels JB. Radiofrequency Heating and High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Treatment Delivered Simultaneously: The First Sham-Controlled Randomized Trial. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2022;Publish Ahead of Print(149). doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000009030
  • Share: