Body Liposuction Bellevue

Liposuction is a procedure that involves the removal of fat by the use of a cannula system through small incisions. Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure performed worldwide. It can be done awake or asleep and in many different areas of the body including the chin and lower jaw. The downtime is quite low and is an outpatient procedure. Liposuction is usually performed by using tumescent fluid infiltrated into the fat before it is removed. There are many forms of liposuction and many names in the market. The important thing to remember is that liposuction is the gold standard for fat removal. There are devices in the market that can cool or heat the fat and are considered noninvasive. These devices do work in the right candidates and should be compared to liposuction as the gold standard. Liposuction can be assisted with laser, RFA (radio frequency) ultrasound (VASER) or plasma. These assist devices can help with skin tightening and not actual fat removal. Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, and a well-balanced healthy diet. Liposuction will not remove skin can be done by including a tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, body lift, etc. In addition liposuction should be viewed at as a body contouring procedure and not a weight loss procedure.

View Liposuction Before & After Photos

Liposuction Body contouring areas

Abdomen
Hips or Love handles
Upper back
Middle back or Bra line
Lower back
Sacrum
Inner thighs
Outer thighs or saddle bags
Knees
Ankles
Calves
Arms
Submental or Double chin
Jaw line

Each area has its own outcomes. Areas where the skin is thinner for example inner thighs or inner arm may require a change in techniques or cannula size.

Adjuncts to Liposuction

Liposuction outcomes and contour results are based on the skill and expertise of the Plastic surgeon doing the procedure. Not on the following techniques used below. The following techniques can be employed in combination with traditional liposuction.

Laser assisted
Ultrasound assisted
Water assisted

These techniques can be employed in combination with Suction Assisted Liposuction (SAL) or Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL). Results can vary based on techniques and Surgeon skill.

Fat transfer

Fat is harvested and transfer can be performed with liposuction and injection techniques. Liposuction is used to harvest the fat for transfer in a sterile fashion. This harvested fat is then processed and injected into the desired areas. Common areas where fat can be transferred include;

Face
Breast
Buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift)
Calves
Hands
Defects in soft tissue in different areas of the body

Dr. Parikh can perform fat transfer to these areas if you are a candidate at the time of liposuction.

Tumescence

The fluid that is infiltrated in the fat prior to liposuction. It allows for anesthesia and vasoconstriction (reduces blood loss) during liposuction. It allows for liposuction to be performed in the awake individual.

Tumescence is made of;

Anesthetic for pain control = Lidocaine

Fluid = Normal Saline (NS) or Lactated Ringer’s (LR) Solution

Vasoconstriction drug = Epinephrine or Adrenaline

The amount of tumescence infiltrated to the amount of lipoaspirate (the amount removed) is monitored closely. There are different ratios in how much tumescence is infiltrated to how much is removed with liposuction. Techniques such as Wet technique 3:1 ratio, Superwet technique 1:1 ratio or Tumescent techniques are employed.

Lidocaine toxicity occurs from too much lidocaine in the system based on weight of the individual. It’s very important to record lidocaine dosing and weight when performing liposuction.

Candidates for Liposuction:

Candidates are relatively healthy. You should have good skin elasticity or recoil. After liposuction the skin recoil takes time to occur and the final results are usually not seen for months. If your skin elasticity is poor or there is poor recoil of the skin your results from liposuction may not be as dramatic or aesthetic in appearance. This is something that Dr. Parikh will figure out for you during consultation. Liposuction should be used in areas that do not respond to weight loss and exercise.

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure performed. It is competitive and performed by physicians trained in different specialties or disciplines all over the world. Please do not underestimate liposuction procedures. Complications can occur and undesirable results can happen. It is important to set the goals and expectations for your body in a thorough consultation with Dr. Parikh prior to your procedure. We can offer liposuction either awake or asleep.

Liposuction Cost

Cost of the procedure is based on 1. Anesthesia Fees 2. Facility Fees and 3. Surgeon Fees.

Range is highly variable based on different areas from $2000 USD per area for all combined charges. Prices may vary based on length of time and complexity of the case. Pricing includes all follow up appointments and care. There are no hidden fees.

Postoperative Recovery after Liposuction

This is a same day procedure and the patient will go home that day after the procedure. After the procedure there may be some discomfort. Some swelling and bruising is normal. A compression garment is placed over the liposuction areas and is worn for 6 weeks. The garment helps with swelling and skin recoil. Overall recovery is not very extensive. Patients usually return to work within a few days. Final results take months to see, but early results should be seen. Massaging can be performed at 3 weeks when it can be tolerated. Showering may occur after 48 hrs. If there are any questions during the postoperative course we encourage patients to call immediately. Follow ups are close initially and will be spaced out farther with time.

Liposuction Complications

Although liposuction is being performed in many different settings by many different types of physicians, it is important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure and not without risks. Complications can occur from liposuction alone or from the tumescence fluid used prior to liposuction.

Direct Liposuction Complications

Bleeding
Infection
Nodule formation and Scar
Contour Irregularities
Asymmetry
Injury to adjacent structures ( bowel, vessels, nerves etc..)
Burning of skin
Seroma and abscess
Cellulitis

Complications of Tumescence Solution and Anesthetic

Lidocaine Toxicity
Anesthetic Complications
Fluid shifts
Dehydration
Fluid Overload

With any surgical procedure complications can occur, but are generally low. We encourage that you ask about complications during your visit with Dr. Parikh. Dr. Parikh will ensure that your safety is first and discuss any concern in great detail that is tailored to your specific medical history.