What is liposuction?
Liposuction, sometimes referred to as “lipo,” slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving body contours. It is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, neck, arms, hips, thighs or buttocks. You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have too much body fat in specific spots, but otherwise have a stable body weight.
What can I expect during treatments?
A small incision is made in the area that will be treated, and a hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. We will then move the cannula back and forth in order to suction out the excess fat tissue. When the power-assisted liposuction device is used to move the cannula back and forth, the fat cells are broken up more efficiently. Our multiple-step approach allows us to use cannulas that vary in size and type, which provides you with the smoothest possible outcome. We strive to place the incisions in areas where the small scars will not be easily seen.
If we are performing liposuction on a small area, we commonly use a syringe technique, which allows for precise and localized fat treatment that is more controlled and less invasive than the traditional method. A syringe is connected to the liposuction cannula, and the surgeon is able to create suction by hand, which allows more control and finesse to refine certain areas.
In most liposuction cases, general anesthesia is recommended, but in smaller cases, local anesthesia can be used. The tumescent technique, which is the gold standard for liposuction, infiltrates local anesthesia and epinephrine in the treatment areas, which allows some liposuction to be done without sedation. The tumescent solution also significantly reduces blood loss and bruising, making recovery faster and easier.
What is involved in the recovery process?
After liposuction, most patients are fitted with a compression garment over the treated areas. This garment helps to prevent swelling and can speed up the healing process. Depending upon the extent of your liposuction, you may have to wear it for a few days and up to a few weeks.
Most patients take at least a week off from work after surgical liposuction. If large areas were treated, however, you might need a couple of weeks before returning to work. Exercise can be gradually increased after a few weeks. The staff at Luma Med Spa will follow your recovery progress closely, and we strive to get you back to your routine as quickly as possible.
Soreness, bruising, and swelling are common after liposuction. The tumescent technique helps to keep this to a minimum, as does following our post-procedure instructions. Ice packs may be helpful, and we will provide you with a prescription for pain medication to use if you need it. Typically, there are no sutures to remove. Any scars will be small and discreet, and they will fade and become smooth within a few months.
When will I notice my results?
The result of liposuction will be a smoother, shapelier body contour, increased confidence, and maybe even smaller-sized clothing in your closet.
Request liposuction treatments at Luma Med Spa in Auburn, Washington
During your liposuction consultation, we will advise you of our proposed surgical plan, and we will tell you everything to expect before, during, and after your surgery. To get started at Luma Med Spa in Auburn, Washington, request an appointment online or give us a call at (253) 218-6642.