The best way to deal with unwanted fat, whether due to sudden weight gain or a lifetime of struggles with stubborn fat deposits, is through proper nutrition and exercise. However, many people find that despite a commitment to a healthy diet and exercise routine, stubborn pockets of fat undermine their efforts and don’t go away.
To learn more about liposuction, please contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery today by completing the form on this page or calling 650-934-7020 to schedule a free consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. We proudly serve the Silicon Valley and Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and San Francisco, California.
Liposuction FAQs
- What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
- What Is Tumescent Liposuction?
- What Is Power-Assisted Liposuction?
- How Should I Prepare For Liposuction Surgery?
- Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
- Fat Transfer with Liposuction
- Is Liposuction Weight Loss Surgery?
- Will I Have Scarring From My Liposuction Procedure?
- Why Choose Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery for Your Liposuction?
- How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
- Schedule Your Free Liposuction Consultation Today
What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated with Liposuction?
One of the reasons why liposuction is among the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States is due to its remarkable versatility. Liposuction can be performed nearly anywhere on your body, including your:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Love handles
- Back
- Flanks
- Knees
- Arms
- Neck
- Chin
- Chest (gynecomastia treatment)
What Is Tumescent Liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is an effective body contouring technique that uses tumescent fluid. Tumescent fluid is a special formulation that causes the fat cells in the targeted area to grow firm and swollen, making it easier to break apart fat and remove it through a small cannula (tube). Tumescent fluid is made of:
- Saline: sterile salt water
- Epinephrine: to reduce bleeding and bruising complications
- Lidocaine: to eliminate or greatly reduce discomfort
The lidocaine in tumescent fluid remains active in your body for approximately 24 hours, helping to combat discomfort well after the procedure has been performed. Over-the-counter pain relievers are effective at managing discomfort once the effects of the lidocaine have worn off.
Tumescent liposuction is an outpatient surgery, so you should be able to return home shortly after the completion of your procedure. Although every patient heals at his or her own pace, you should be able to return to work after just a few days of recuperation at home. Avoid most types of strenuous activity and exercise, except walking, for about a week after your surgery.
The tumescent technique is one of the most popular and effective ways to remove unwanted fat, but it is not a treatment for obesity and should not be used as a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise. During your free initial consultation at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery, you will meet personally with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will listen to your goals, evaluate your physical condition and liposuction candidacy and explain all of your cosmetic options.
What Is Power-Assisted Liposuction?
With power-assisted liposuction, the cannula or tube used to remove fat from targeted areas contains a vibrating tip which helps to further break up fat so that it can be more easily suctioned out. This technique usually results in a quicker procedure and leads to more successful removal of fatty tissue from certain areas.
How Should I Prepare For Liposuction Surgery?
While there are a variety of liposuction techniques, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when preparing for your procedure:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions
- Set realistic expectations
- Stop smoking
- Avoid blood-thinning substances such as alcohol and certain medications
Depending on the type of liposuction you choose to undergo, you will be provided with detailed pre- and postoperative instructions on how to get ready for your surgery and manage the recovery process once it has been completed. It is important to follow all instructions given to you by your liposuction surgeon to ensure you experience the best recovery and results possible.
Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck
Liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures can both improve the appearance of your midsection and overall body contours, but they are performed for different reasons.
Abdominoplasty is performed to remove excess skin around the abdominal region and tighten underlying muscles in the abdomen. Tummy tucks are often ideal for patients who have recently lost a significant amount of weight or completed a pregnancy.
Liposuction, on the other hand, is ideally suited for patients with good muscle tone and no excess skin who want to eliminate small pockets of stubborn fat.
While the two procedures are designed to accomplish different goals, many patients choose to combine liposuction with other procedures, such as tummy tucks and mommy makeovers.
Fat Transfer with Liposuction
As medical knowledge and techniques have advanced, we have developed techniques to help turn unwanted fat from an “enemy” to a valuable tool in achieving beautifully-sculpted figures through the process of fat transfer.
Through fat transfer, rather than simply discarding harvested fat as trash, fat is cleaned, processed and used to provide volume in other areas of the body. With liposuction, your fat can be safely removed and used in procedures such as:
What Our Patients Have to Say
"I got terrific care from the moment I walked in through all my post-op visits. With a location right in Los Altos, the facility couldn't have been more convenient."
Is Liposuction Weight Loss Surgery?
No. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure intended for patients at or near their ideal weight. It is not a weight loss surgery.
If you are unsure if you are at a good weight for liposuction surgery, the best way to find out is to contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery to discuss your candidacy.
Will I Have Scarring From My Liposuction Procedure?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which incisions are made and scars result. As with every surgical procedure conducted at Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery, we always strive to make your incisions and resulting scars as small and discreetly placed as possible.
The size and placement of your incisions depend on the specifics of your unique procedure. Before surgery, your physician will carefully explain where your incisions will be made and what type of scarring you can expect.
Liposuction Results — Before and After Photos
Don’t just take our word for it. We invite you to visit our before and after gallery to see the quality of our results for yourself.
Why Choose Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery for Your Liposuction?
As board-certified plastic surgeons, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, each of our liposuction surgeons have demonstrated a commitment to the highest standards of patient safety and ethical care. They have undergone rigorous testing and proven their expertise in the field of plastic surgery.
Procedures are performed in our fully licensed and accredited onsite surgical centers. As a surgical facility accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), we offer the highest levels of safety and patient care available today.
While many patients seek our advanced plastic surgery services because of the experience and distinguished credentials of our surgeons, they recommend us to their friends and family because of our passion for positive patient experiences and exceptional results.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The cost of liposuction varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of liposuction procedure performed, the extent of work needed and whether your liposuction is performed alone or in combination with other procedures. The best way to get a clear understanding of what you can expect to pay for your surgery is to meet personally with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in a free initial consultation.
During this one-on-one meeting, all of your options will be explained and you will be provided with an estimate of what you can expect to pay for the procedure you have chosen.
We understand what an important and personal decision plastic surgery is. We strive to inform you fully about every procedure so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. You will never feel pressured or rushed into making a decision.
Schedule Your Free Liposuction Consultation Today
If you are considering liposuction in Silicon Valley or Bay Area, including Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose and San Francisco, please contact Altos Oaks Plastic Surgery today online or at 650-934-7020 to schedule a free consultation.