Liposuction currently ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US, according to the figures released by the ASPS. The surgical procedure over the years has been simplified, and innovative technologies such as laser, ultrasound and RF are now used to support liposuction in some cases. However, the basic procedure steps in liposuction remain largely unchanged.
Dr. Eugene Kim is a board certified plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other surgical and non-surgical cosmetic body contouring procedures. At the time of initial consultation, Dr. Kim will discuss about various aspects of liposuction and explain the procedure steps to relieve the patient of any pre-surgery anxiety and concerns. Dr. Kim provides liposuction to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding communities.
Anesthesia
Liposuction cosmetic surgery is nowadays commonly performed using the tumescent technique. This technique is less invasive and avoids the need for general anesthesia. The surgeon will use a solution with lidocaine local anesthetic to numb the local area.
Mild sedation along with local anesthesia may be used in some cases. General anesthesia will be used only if large amount of fat tissue removal is involved or if the patient wants to be completely unconscious during the procedure.
Incision Placement
Liposuction surgery will begin with the surgeon making small incisions in the pre-determined discreet locations. Incision size may vary from a quarter to a third of an inch. The surgeon’s goal will be to use minimal incisions in order to make the recovery speedier and minimize subsequent scarring. Proven plastic surgeon Dr. Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for liposuction.
Removal of Excess Fat Tissue
A thin cannula will be inserted through the incision to the deeper fat tissue layers. The surgeon will gently manipulate the stubborn tissue by moving the cannula back and forth and dislodge the targeted fat cells. Once the fat cells are disintegrated, they will be suctioned out through a syringe attached to the outer end of the cannula.
Heat Energy Intervention
In some cases, liposuction may be accompanied by the use of controlled heat energy generated through laser, ultrasound or radio frequency techniques. The heat will help to liquefy the fat cells, enabling their removal in a less invasive manner. The patient will be given IV fluids during the surgery to compensate for the loss of blood and bodily fluids, which may occur during the fat removal process.
Closing the Incisions
Once the liposuction process is completed, the surgeon will close the incisions carefully with removable or dissolvable sutures. Temporary drainage tubes may be placed below the skin in the incision areas to collect excess fluid. Drains and sutures may be removed in about one week. If minor liposuction is performed using very small incisions, the surgeon may keep them open to minimize bruising and promote faster healing.
Liposuction may sometimes be combined with other procedures such as body lift, tummy tuck, and mommy makeover. The procedure steps will vary in such cases according to the customized surgery plan.
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
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