Our bodies are genetically predisposed to store fat in particular areas, and for many of us, this means fat ends up getting deposited in the last place we’d ever want it to go. If diligent diet and exercise regimens have failed to help you attain the sculpted contours you desire, liposuction may be an ideal solution. One of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S., liposuction is a safe and effective way to eliminate stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.
If you would like to find out if liposuction is right for you, contact Legacy Plastic Surgery today online or at 610-524-8244 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced plastic surgeons. We serve men and women from Exton, Paoli, the Main Line, Chester County, Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania and other communities throughout the state as well as Delaware and surrounding areas.
On this page, we discuss a number of topics related to liposuction procedures, including:
- Areas Liposuction Can Treat
- Good Candidates for Liposuction
- Tumescent Liposuction
- PAL Liposuction
- Laser Liposuction with SmartLipo
- UAL Liposuction
- Your Liposuction Consultation
- Your Customized Liposuction Procedure
- Liposuction Recovery
- Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation Today
AREAS LIPOSUCTION CAN TREAT
Liposuction is an effective way to remove stubborn pockets of fat from virtually any part of your body. No matter what area you would like to address, our world-class plastic surgeons can discuss your options and help you achieve your desired appearance.
Lower Body Liposuction
When most people think of liposuction, they usually think of its proven ability to treat areas of the lower body, such as the:
- Abdomen
- Thighs
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Lower back
Upper Body Liposuction
For many patients, stubborn fat lingers in the upper portions of their bodies. Fortunately, liposuction can safely help to slim and define the:
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chest
Liposuction is often an element of breast reduction surgery for both men and women.
Facial Liposuction
You may be surprised to learn that liposuction can effectively remove unwanted fat in and around your face, including areas such as your:
- Jaw line
- Cheeks
- Chin
- Neck
GOOD CANDIDATES FOR LIPOSUCTION
As with many other plastic surgery procedures, candidates for liposuction must be at least 18 years old and have realistic expectations for what can be achieved with the procedure. Typically, you may be a good candidate for lipo if you are:
- In good overall health
- Close to your ideal weight
- Prepared for the steps necessary and time required for a successful recovery
- Prepared to maintain your results
The best way to truly determine if liposuction is the right choice for you is to meet personally with one of our plastic surgeons in a confidential consultation. Our liposuction surgeon will assess your medical history, physical condition and treatment options.
TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION
The tumescent technique involves the injection of tumescent fluid, which contains a local anesthetic. Tumescent fluid both numbs the treatment area and makes the fat cells swollen and firm, making it easier to remove the fat with a cannula. Post-operative swelling bruising and pain is minimized due to the tumescent fluid’s ability to temporarily shrink blood vessels. This versatile technique can be used to remove fat from the body, face and neck. It is also frequently used to treat gynecomastia, a condition where men have excess fat in their chest due to genetics or weight loss.
Some of the benefits of tumescent liposuction include:
- Reduced pain, bruising and swelling following the procedure
- Side effects of general anesthesia and IV sedatives are avoided
- Reduced blood loss during procedure
POWER-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL), utilizes a vibrating instrument to mechanically break apart fat deposits. This technique allows fat to be removed with more efficient contouring and far less trauma. Other benefits of power-assisted liposuction include:
- Proven safety
- Minimal discomfort
- Quick recovery
- Small incisions
- Minimal bruising and swelling
- Short procedure time
- Great precision
- Exceptional results in difficult, fibrous areas
LASER LIPOSUCTION WITH SMARTLIPO
A few basic elements are involved in all liposuction procedures. In every surgery, a tool is used to break up stubborn deposits of fat, then the fat is suctioned from your body through a tube called a cannula. With these procedures, most of the fat is removed, the rest is absorbed by your body and after a quick recovery period, your body will have new, attractive contours.
What sets SmartLipo apart is its use of lasers. SmartLipo utilizes an advanced laser to melt fat within your body before it is drawn out through the cannula. This technique provides greater precision, requires fewer incisions and reduces the visibility of scars.
Benefits of SmartLipo include:
- Reduced recovery time
- Fewer risks of bleeding
- Better results in hard-to-treat areas
- More complete removal of stubborn fat
- Smaller incisions for less visible scarring
In addition to the benefits listed above, laser liposuction also tightens the skin. Your procedure will be customized to address your unique needs and goals. Our experienced lipo surgeon will help you determine which body contouring procedure or combination of procedures is right for you.
ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED LIPOSUCTION (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) transmits ultrasonic waves through the skin to break fat cells apart, easing the removal process. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction offers a number of benefits, such as:
- Safe, effective procedure
- Precision in difficult and delicate areas
- Increased skin tightening, reducing loose skin
- Ability to break up tough, fibrous fat deposits
- Exceptional results in gynecomastia treatment
YOUR LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION
Because every patient has different needs, when you visit Legacy Plastic Surgery for your initial consultation, our plastic surgeon will listen to your goals and work with you on an individual basis to ensure the ideal procedure is used to achieve your desired outcome. During your consultation, our liposuction surgeon will:
- Discuss your liposuction candidacy
- Answer your questions about liposuction
- Describe the areas of the body that liposuction can treat
We firmly believe in patient education. We will take the time to understand exactly what you hope to achieve with your procedure and thoroughly explain all of your treatment options. We will help you determine which procedure or combination of procedures can best achieve your goals, but ultimately, the choice is yours. You will never feel rushed or pressured into any procedure or treatment. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to get started.
YOUR CUSTOMIZED LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE
Each patient is unique. Before determining which liposuction technique is best suited to help you achieve your particular goals, our experienced surgeon will evaluate your medical history, physical condition, estimated amount of fat to be removed, and number of areas to be treated.
During your consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, you will learn which type of procedure will best achieve your desired outcome. For example, you may visit us because you’d like to reduce abdominal bulging with liposuction, but following your consultation with one of our surgeons, it may be determined that a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty),in conjunction with liposuction, may meet your needs more effectively.
Tumescent liposuction and power-assisted liposuction procedures are performed at our on-site surgical center under general anesthesia. Other options, such as SmartLipo and UAL liposuction procedures are performed in our office under anesthesia while you are awake.
LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
Our liposuction surgeon will thoroughly explain everything you need to know about your procedure to ensure you are fully prepared for your recuperation period. Recoveries are somewhat different for each patient. Your recovery will depend on the amount of fat that was removed and from which area, or areas, of your body. You can expect to feel varying levels of discomfort, which can usually be addressed successfully with over-the-counter medications. Our surgeon may prescribe additional pain relief to help your recovery go as smoothly as possible.
Plan to take at least one week off from work after liposuction. In order to minimize residual swelling, you will wear compression garments for four to six weeks after your procedure. You’ll return to Legacy Plastic Surgery in a day or two for a follow-up appointment, then again at one week, three weeks, two months, six months and one year following your procedure. The final results of your liposuction surgery won’t be fully seen for a few months as your body recuperates and grows accustomed to your new dimensions.
SCHEDULE YOUR LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION TODAY
If you suffer from unsightly pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, please call Legacy Plastic Surgery today by completing the form on this page or calling 610-524-8244 to schedule a personal consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Our friendly Exton office proudly welcomes patients from in and around Paoli, the Main Line, Chester County, Philadelphia, Eastern Pennsylvania and other communities throughout the state, as well as Delaware and surrounding areas.