Liposuction in San Francisco, CA

Despite how much you watch what you eat and exercise, you might still be bothered by pockets of fat that prevent you from being fully confident in your body. L Plastic Surgery offers the latest treatments to effectively rid fat from the body. Surgical liposuction is a body contouring treatment that reduces pockets of fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks to create a leaner appearance. This fat removal surgery at L Plastic Surgery can be blended to treat multiple body parts. When we see you for your consultation, San Francisco, CA plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Lee will examine areas of your body you wish to address so you can reach your aesthetic goals. We want to help you feel and look the best you can be.

Body procedures involve reshaping and improving body contour by a combination of removing skin and fat, but also tightening the underlying muscle. The ideal liposuction candidate is someone who has excess fat deposits in areas around the body (neck, arms, waist, thighs, etc) that still remain despite appropriate diet and exercise. The amount of excess skin determines whether additional skin removal may be needed in addition to the liposuction. 

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excess fatty deposits in areas of the body that do not respond well to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is popular because it is performed through small incisions that are strategically placed in skin folds or in locations where the resulting scars may be difficult to see. Common areas that respond well to liposuction include the neck, arms, waist, and thighs. The procedure is made possible by a special solution (saline and lidocaine: tumescent) that is injected into the area to numb and prepare the area. The fat is then suctioned out using hollow cannulas of different sizes which are connected to a suction machine.

Dr. Lee uses a combination of Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) and Laser Energy (SLIM Lipo) to remove the fatty deposits in the most efficient way and also to optimize skin retraction and tightening.

Liposuction is not a surgical procedure for weight loss. This is a fat removal surgery that is a terrific treatment for patients who are at a healthy weight but have stubborn areas of fat in the neck, arms, waist, thighs, etc. These fatty tissues may be resistant to exercise and diet. Individuals considering liposuction should have skin that is taut because liposuction does not address stretched-out skin.

Women having liposuction should have childbearing behind them as this could compromise the lasting outcome. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lee will discuss realistic expectations as to what liposuction can do for you.

As an outpatient procedure, liposuction by Dr. Lee is performed with anesthesia and a tumescent solution made of saline and lidocaine. He will make small, strategic incisions in the skin folds or in areas where the scar can be concealed. The area is then injected with the tumescent solution. A cannula, which loosens up the fat, will be inserted into the incision to assist with the suctioning of the fat. Small incisions will be closed as necessary. Liposuction can take 1 – 3 hours, but this number can change if you are having multiple areas treated, or if you are having more than one type of procedure. Our post-op nurse will assist you in recovery until you are discharged.

You may need to stay at home for recovery from liposuction surgery depending on the number of sections treated and the size of the treatment area. It's normal to see bruising and swelling for 1 – 2 weeks, and you can have stitches removed 7 – 10 days after surgery. The most important thing to do following liposuction is to allow your body time to recover and heal. Once you return to your job after your liposuction, you should do your best to take it easy. To increase your strength, try short walks and light workouts as approved by Dr. Lee. Remember, you may see some changes soon after your surgery, but it takes around 6 – 10 months until your new body contour and shape are attained.

What about nonsurgical liposuction?
Thanks to modern advancements, there are many nonsurgical procedures to reduce fat. While these nonsurgical treatments can help reduce small amounts of fat, liposuction is still best for most patients. Liposuction surgery produces more dramatic and consistent results. Talk to Dr. Lee about nonsurgical options in your consultation. He can explain the benefits of both methods and help you decide which is best for you.

Will I have scars?
Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, incisions will be made and sutured. This will cause scars, but Dr. Lee does his best to reduce a surgical scar's potential appearance. He will be making small, thin incisions in less visible areas or the natural folds of your body. After your surgery, Dr. Lee or a member of his team will explain how to care for your incisions so they heal properly and eventually fade.

Will my results last?
Before you have liposuction surgery, it's important to be committed to maintaining your results. While liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells in your body, you can still gain and lose weight. Dr. Lee suggests that you be at or close to a healthy weight before having liposuction. Afterward, it's best to stay within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Pregnancy after liposuction will also affect your results; however, another surgery like a mommy makeover may be performed to refresh your outcomes.

Less is always more when it comes to having fat on your body. Liposuction at L Plastic Surgery offers both women and men the chance to have annoying fat diminished surgically. Without liposuction, can be seemingly impossible to attain the slimming results you want. We offer various options for liposuction treatment based on your personal aesthetic desires. We welcome you to call our practice in San Francisco, CA and set up your private consultation with Dr. Lee.