Liposuction in Upland, CA

Liposuction remains a sought-after and safe cosmetic procedure for enhancing body contours and achieving a leaner, more sculpted physique.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that eliminates targeted fat deposits throughout the body. It is favored for its safety and relatively brief recovery period, offering significant improvements in body contouring.

If you struggle with stubborn fat pockets resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction procedures may present a viable solution. It's essential to possess good skin elasticity and maintain realistic expectations regarding achievable outcomes, as liposuction surgery does not effectively address loose skin or excess skin. Additional surgical procedures, like the tummy tuck, can enhance results.

Performed as an outpatient procedure, traditional liposuction involves creating small incisions near the treatment site. Depending on individual needs, local anesthesia, intravenous anesthesia, or general anesthesia may be administered. You and your plastic surgeon will decide which method is best for you.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, Dr. Gilbert utilizes a thin tube, known as a cannula, inserted through these incisions to dislodge excess fat deposits beneath the skin. The loosened fat is subsequently suctioned out, with the procedure duration varying based on the number of treated areas, typically ranging from under an hour to four hours or more, a detail discussed during your consultation.

Types of Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction techniques and technologies cater to diverse patient preferences and body types. The selection of body contouring procedures hinges on factors such as specific body areas and desired outcomes:

1. Tumescent Liposuction: Tumescent techniques involve injecting a diluted solution into the target area and numbing it with an anesthetic while reducing blood loss with a vasoconstrictor. Small cannulas remove the expanded fatty tissue. Tumescent liposuction is the most popular form of liposuction.
2. Laser-Assisted Liposuction: Known as SmartLipo, this approach employs laser energy to liquefy significant amounts of fat before extraction. Laser liposuction may also stimulate collagen production, potentially tightening skin.
3. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): UAL uses ultrasonic waves to break down fat cells, particularly effective for dense fat areas like the back and abdomen.
4. Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): PAL uses a vibrating cannula to facilitate fat cell removal more efficiently, beneficial for larger treatment areas or fibrous fat.
5. Suction-Assisted Liposuction: This traditional method involves using a cannula attached to a vacuum-like device to meticulously suction pockets of fat, ensuring precise removal and often combined with other techniques for optimal results.

Recovery

Recovery following liposuction surgery is typically quick with minimal downtime and low risk of complications. Patients can often resume light activities as soon as the day after the procedure and return to work within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually adequate for managing any discomfort post-operatively. Swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness may occur but typically diminish within two to three weeks after surgery. Compression garments are commonly worn to assist in the healing process. Deep tissue massage can be beneficial in reducing swelling following plastic surgeries, and most individuals can resume their normal routines within 10 to 14 days. Adhering to all post-operative guidelines provided by your cosmetic surgeon is crucial for ensuring an optimal recovery process.