Contour Liposuction
OUR BEFORE & AFTERS
The gallery contains before and after pictures of actual patients. View all cases for a complete listing of all our before and after photos of the patients treated.
No matter how much you exercise, certain areas just will not respond. These “problem” areas tend to include the hips, thighs, abdomen, upper arms, and back. Liposuction contours and refines areas of the body where localized accumulations of fat exist.
If you are interested in a liposuction procedure, feel free to contact our office to request a consult with Dr. Brown in either of our San Diego locations.
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ABOUT LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction is a procedure where localized fat deposits are removed from the body using a thin tube called a cannula. It is not a weight loss operation, but rather a technique for artful body sculpting. Therefore, it is best performed for patients who are already within close range of their target goal weight and have a stable diet and exercise routine.
Liposuction works by making small incisions in the skin near the localized fat deposits and inserting the cannula. The cannula uses negative pressure to suction fat from the body, removing it once and for all. The result is enhanced contour and an improved silhouette so long as the patient continues to maintain a stable weight.
Liposuction is among the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States, and it is a safe and effective procedure when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Daniel Brown.
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TREATMENT AREAS
Treatment areas for liposuction can include, but are not limited to:
- Neck
- Arms
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Back
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Inner and outer thighs
- Knees
- Calves
IDEAL LIPOSUCTION CANDIDATES
The best candidates for liposuction are within 10% of their ideal body weight and are currently at a stable body weight. These patients do however have localized areas of excess fat, often around the arms, stomach, back, buttocks, hips, or thighs, that are not responsive to diet or exercise. Men and women who possess good skin elasticity are great candidates because this allows the skin to regain contour. Candidates should be non-smokers with realistic expectations as to what liposuction can achieve. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution; it is not meant to replace a healthy diet and working out. Patients who are overweight or obese may not be suitable for this treatment. In order to determine candidacy for a liposuction procedure, please request a consultation at our La Jolla or Carmel Valley locations. We look forward to speaking with you.
TECHNIQUES
There are various liposuction techniques that can be utilized to deliver optimal results. After a full consultation and examination, Dr. Brown will be able to determine which technique will be best suited for an individual’s case. In some cases, a combination of techniques for different areas may be best to achieve the desired outcome.
SUCTION ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
In suction assisted liposuction, the traditional gold-standard method, fat is manually removed using cannulas and negative pressure. The cannula is inserted through small incisions that the doctor specially places to optimally contour the body, keeping an eye for natural proportions.
POWER ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
Power assisted liposuction uses a device that connects to the cannula to give it powerful vibrations. These vibrations help break up the fat cells so they can be more easily suctioned from the body. In turn, this results in a faster procedure and reduced recovery time.
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LASER ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
Laser assisted liposuction, also known as SmartLipo, uses low-wavelength lasers to break down and liquefy the fat before removing it from the body. This makes the fat particularly easy to remove from the body. SmartLipo also promotes collagen growth which aids in skin-tightening, helping the skin contour to its newly slimmed shape. This procedure offers some of the fastest recovery time.
ULTRASOUND ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION
Ultrasound assisted liposuction, also called Vaser Hi-Def Lipo, uses the energy produced by ultrasound wavelengths to shrink and expand tumescent fluid air bubbles injected prior to suctioning. This process causes the surrounding fat cells to liquefy. Like laser assisted liposuction, liquefied fat makes it easier to remove via the cannulas and reduces recovery time.
It is important to keep in mind that no liposuction technique is “the best” or better than the others. The best technique in any given case ultimately depends on a number of factors, including treatment area, skin elasticity, and individual patient goals.
LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE
To begin a liposuction procedure, the patient will be given a local or general anesthetic to make the process more comfortable. Incisions will be made in the predetermined locations to offer the best contouring benefits. The incisions for the cannulas are less than ¼ of an inch in diameter for most cases and will produce minimal to no scarring, which will fade over time. Fat will then be suctioned from the body using the liposuction method decided on during the initial consultation. The entire procedure takes about one to three hours, depending on the specific case.
The specifics of the procedure will be discussed in detail at the time of the consultation. Each patient will receive thorough instructions on what to expect and how to prepare prior to, during, and after the treatment.
LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
After the procedure, Dr. Brown may prescribe medication to help ease discomfort during recovery. During recovery time, we ask that patients refrain from drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These may prolong side effects such as bruising and swelling, which should shortly go away on their own if all recovery instructions are followed.
Patients will be sent home with a compression garment, which is to be worn at all times except for in the shower for six weeks. This will help the body settle into its final contoured form. Most patients can return to work in three to five days and resume light exercise and activities in ten to fourteen days. However, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least three to four weeks.
For a patient’s comfort and convenience, professional home nursing care can be arranged upon request. Dr. Brown and his staff will advise patients on their future health needs and concerns prior to their release and will gladly assist and answer any questions that may arise at any time.
RESULTS AND MAINTENANCE
After undergoing a liposuction procedure, results will be immediately noticeable. Results will continue to improve as swelling goes down and the body settles into it’s more defined shape while using the compression garments. Most patients report that their clothes fit better and they feel noticeably more confident.
It will still be possible to gain weight in areas that were not treated. Therefore, it is important that patients maintain their workout and diet routines.
COMPLEMENTARY PROCEDURES
In some cases, Dr. Brown may suggest combining liposuction with another procedure in order to yield the best results. Some common ancillary procedures include:
TUMMY TUCK
Since liposuction will not work to remove excess skin, procedures like a tummy tuck may be necessary for ideal results. A tummy tuck is particularly effective for women who have recently given birth, since the skin is often so stretched that it is not possible to get back to pre-baby form. During this procedure, the abdominal muscles are also tightened to give the appearance of a firmer and more toned stomach.
FAT TRANSFER
Fat transfer is a procedure where the liposuctioned fat is inserted into another part of the body the patient wants augmented. Popular areas include the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), breasts, hands, or lips.
MOMMY MAKEOVER
A very popular surgery offered by Dr. Brown at both San Diego locations is the Mommy Makeover. The Mommy Makeover combines body and breast procedures, including breast lift, breast augmentation, breast reduction, a tummy tuck, and/or liposuction. The goal of this surgery is to reverse pregnancy-induced body changes that are not responsive to diet and exercise.
CONSULTATION AND COST
During the consultation, Dr. Brown will meet with patients personally. The consultation will begin with the patient voicing their areas of concern and what they would like to achieve from a liposuction treatment.
Dr. Brown will ask about the patient’s medical history, including any medications or supplements that they currently take and previous procedures they have undergone. Then, Dr. Brown will perform an examination that will aid in determining candidacy for liposuction and the best liposuction technique for the patient’s needs.
Once the examination is complete, Dr. Brown will work with the patient in order to develop a comprehensive plan for treatment. In some instances, Dr. Brown may suggest complementary procedures to help reach the patient’s ultimate goals for their bodies and enhance the patient’s ultimate satisfaction. Price will also be addressed at this time.
The price of liposuction treatment will vary since there are many factors to take into consideration including the number of treatment areas, liposuction technique, anesthesia, complementary procedures, etc. After a treatment plan has been developed, Dr. Brown and his staff will be able to give you the estimated cost of the procedure.
Feel free to contact us to request a liposuction consultation at our La Jolla or Carmel Valley locations and take the first step to a more sculpted you.
FAQ
What is the average cost of liposuction?
The average cost of liposuction varies considerably based on a number of factors. The exact cost of your liposuction procedure also depends on the size and number of areas being treated, as well as other factors such as the need for skin tightening, etc. Here in San Diego, there is high demand for the procedure and the cost of care is higher, making the procedure more expensive than in smaller metro areas in other parts of the country. Costs include the operating facility fees, anesthesia fees, surgeon’s fee, and others. Our office will be able to give you an accurate liposuction price estimate at your consultation.
How do I choose the best liposuction plastic surgeon near me?
To find a qualified liposuction plastic surgeon near you, check medical credentials of the plastic surgeon and staff members online – assure that your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, view before and after liposuction photos and read online reviews. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, schedule a consultation with your top one or two picks to meet each one in person and make your final decision. Again, make sure to look for board certification in plastic surgery!
How much weight can you lose with liposuction?
While you may lose anywhere from 3 to 10 pounds with liposuction, the goal of this procedure is not to achieve significant weight loss. Instead, liposuction is a body contouring procedure aimed at fine-tuning your physique, especially in challenging areas like the abdomen, love handles, bra rolls and other areas that tend to be resistant to exercise.
Does liposuction leave loose skin?
In the majority of cases, liposuction does not leave loose skin, as it generally does not remove enough fat to cause significant skin laxity. However, if you have experienced significant weight changes and depending on the area you’re interested in treating, liposuction alone may not be the best body contouring solution. Instead, consider pairing liposuction contouring with a skin firming/tightening procedure such as Renuvion or potentially a skin removal procedure such as a tummy tuck and/or arm lift to maximally enhance your new figure.
Rather than assessing your liposuction results in terms of numbers on the scale, consider how your clothes fit before and after. This is often a much better indication of successful liposuction results than pounds of weight loss.
How painful is liposuction?
Your liposuction procedure itself should not be painful at all, as comprehensive anesthesia is used. For the first several days after getting liposuction, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, tenderness and discomfort. These symptoms are generally well managed with over-the-counter and prescription pain and anti-inflammatory medications and should gradually subside in the coming days and weeks.
When will I see my liposuction results?
Swelling after your lipo procedure will temporarily hide initial results, so don’t worry if you don’t see a trimmer figure right away. It can take 2 to 3 weeks for swelling to subside enough to begin to see your results, with the majority of your full liposuction outcome developing between 1 to 3 months after treatment.
How long does lipo last?
Liposuction results can be very long-lasting, provided you maintain healthy lifestyle habits like eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise and managing stress. While fat cells removed via liposuction are gone for good, it is still possible to gain weight in remaining fat cells in the same areas and in surrounding areas. However, some people find that small weight gain after liposuction is more evenly distributed throughout the body, rather than accumulating in one or two trouble spots – lower abdomen, “muffin-top”, hips, etc.
When can I get back to work and exercising?
Most patients can return to work in three to five days and resume light exercise and activities in ten to fourteen days depending on the number and size of the areas treated. However, strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least three to four weeks.
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Telephone No.619-461-1500
