Home•Procedures•Body Contouring•Liposuction

Liposuction at a Glance

Sedation: General anesthesia
Procedure Length: Approximately one to three hours
Potential Benefits: Slimmer, flatter, and more sculpted body contours; reduction of unwanted, stubborn fat pockets
Potential Risks: Swelling, infection, bruising; (less commonly) bleeding, fluid accumulation, and risks associated with anesthesia
Cost: Variable based on the size and number of areas treated

Looking and feeling good often means having a fit, well-proportioned body. Unfortunately, however, a strict diet or disciplined exercise program cannot always conquer stubborn areas of excess fat, making this may seem like an unreachable goal for many people. Liposuction – a specialty at our Mountain View surgical center – may be the answer for those who seek a smoother or better-proportioned body contour.

Also called “lipoplasty” or “suction-assisted lipectomy” (SAL), liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face, or neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles, or eliminate a double chin.

Liposuction Benefits

The primary benefits of liposuction often include slimmer contours in the treated area(s), better-fitting clothing, and an overall better shape or silhouette. The results can be considered relatively permanent. Once fat cells have been physically removed from the body, they cannot grow back; however, the remaining fat cells can enlarge with significant weight gain. Dr. Ereso’s patients have frequently stated that their liposuction results motivate them to maintain their weight through diet and regular exercise.

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is most commonly recommended for men and women of normal weight who simply want to improve their body contour. The procedure can produce excellent results for people who have deposits of excess fat that make certain body areas appear disproportionately large. Although liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, it can eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.

People of almost any age may undergo liposuction; however, patients with good skin elasticity typically achieve the smoothest contour after fat is removed. You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you desire fat removal or contouring in any of the following areas:

Chin and neck
Upper arms
Breast or chest area
Back
Abdomen and waist
Hips and buttocks
Thighs
Inner knee
Calves and ankles

Liposuction is not for everyone who desires to lose excess fat, but if you feel you are an ideal candidate for liposuction, contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center in Mountain View

What Does the Liposuction Consultation Entail?

A personal consultation with Dr. Alexander Ereso is the first step. Our Mountain View plastic surgeon will assess your physical and emotional health, review your medical history, and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery. Dr. Ereso will make sure that your expectations regarding liposuction are in line with what the procedure can actually achieve. If you are expecting liposuction to replace a healthy diet or exercise, undergoing surgery may not be a good decision.

Dr. Ereso has been performing liposuction for many years. He will discuss the details of a liposuction procedure as well as variations in techniques for optimum fat removal. He will also cover the safety and success of the procedure.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Although liposuction and tummy tuck surgery are sometimes confused, the two procedures are actually very different in the way they are performed and the effects they can produce. Whereas liposuction was designed to remove isolated pockets of stubborn fat, tummy tuck surgery (also known as ”abdominoplasty”) aims to address lax muscles and sagging skin in the midsection. Further, while liposuction uses a specialized suction device to vacuum away fat cells, tummy tuck surgery involves the complex, meticulous redraping and reworking of skin and muscles.

As such, these two surgeries are not interchangeable. With that in mind, Dr. Ereso is often able to combine liposuction and tummy tuck methods for a more dramatic rejuvenation.

Complementary Procedures to Liposuction

In addition to tummy tuck surgery (which is frequently performed alongside this procedure), liposuction can be combined with several other cosmetic treatments. This can include breast surgeries, such as breast lift or augmentation; body contouring solutions like a lower body lift, upper body lift, arm lift, or thigh lift; or even facial enhancement surgeries or non-surgical options. When multiple aesthetic procedures are incorporated into a treatment plan, the procedure is often referred to as a “mommy makeover.”

A discussion with Dr. Ereso about your cosmetic goals can clarify whether you are a suitable candidate for a combination procedure, and if so, what procedure(s) would pair well with liposuction.

What Types Of Liposuction Are Available?

Several variations to the basic liposuction technique have been introduced. The fat removal technique that best meets your needs will depend on a number of individual factors that our plastic surgeon will discuss with you.

Dr. Ereso always employs the most advanced, scar-minimizing techniques known to the medical community. For example, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) is a two-step technique that uses the energy from sound waves to liquefy the fat before it is suctioned. Dr. Ereso believes that this liposuction method is particularly useful for dense adherent fat frequently seen in the flanks, upper abdomen, and male breast, but it is not necessary to perform UAL on every patient. Furthermore, it is useful in patients that are looking to graft the fat into another area like the buttocks, hands, breast, or face. Unlike other modalities, usage of the ultrasound does not destroy the fat cells allowing them to be used for structural fat grafting.

The type of instrumentation used during liposuction may also vary. For some areas, a handheld syringe may be used to provide the vacuum instead of a suction pump. Sometimes power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is performed; this technique utilizes a motor to move the cannula back and forth, allowing the procedure to be completed more efficiently.

How Is Liposuction Performed?

As long as you follow Dr. Ereso’s instructions regarding medications, vitamins, supplements, smoking, and alcohol consumption, you should be well-prepared for liposuction. Sticking to a nutritious diet, exercising, and getting lots of sleep should also serve you well as you plan to undergo surgery.

To perform liposuction, Dr. Ereso will create several small access points near the area to be suctioned and administer an injection of lidocaine and epinephrine; this can decrease post-operative pain and significantly reduce the amount of bleeding during the liposuction procedure. Next, Dr. Ereso places a slim, hollow tube called a cannula through the access point so that its tip penetrates the underlying fat. After the cannula is connected by flexible tubing to a suction pump, he will move the cannula back and forth through the fat, which is vacuumed into the tube. The tumescent liposuction technique, used at our Mountain View facility for several years, typically enables our plastic surgeon to remove a greater volume of fat more safely.

Patient Results

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What Does Liposuction Recovery Involve?

When the procedure is complete, you will be taken to the recovery area on-site at our cosmetic plastic surgery facility in tranquil Mountain View. Any discomfort you may feel can generally be controlled with prescribed medication. A specially designed compression garment is typically applied over the treated areas to control swelling and assist healing. Dr. Ereso believes that wearing the garment allows more rapid shrinkage of your overlying skin after the liposuction procedure. He will ask you to wear it day and night for two to three weeks. From Weeks Four to Six after surgery, Dr. Ereso will either clear you to stop wearing the garment or recommend you wear it only part of the time.

Shortly after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and slowly increase your activity. Keep in mind that the speed of your recovery will depend largely on the extent of your surgery. Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this general timeline:

Within The First Week

The swelling will reach its peak and then begin to subside
Your sutures will be removed
You may return to non-strenuous work

After Several Weeks

Bruises will fade and eventually disappear
Areas that felt numb will regain normal sensation
You may resume most of your normal exercise and activities
Swelling will continue to subside

What Are the Typical Results Of Liposuction?

Quite soon after liposuction surgery, you should see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body. Improvement should become even more apparent after a couple of months, when fluid retention and swelling have subsided. For most patients, approximately 90% of the final result is evident after about three months.

After your liposuction surgery, you may notice that clothes fit more comfortably and you feel more confident about your appearance. As long as you maintain your post-operative weight, your new slimmer contour should be permanent. Many patients who gain a few pounds after liposuction surgery find that the weight distributes itself more evenly and does not settle in the same “problem areas.”

As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to seek the skill of an experienced plastic surgeon in order to obtain optimal results. Dr. Ereso has been performing liposuction and other body contouring procedures at his cosmetic plastic surgery practice in Mountain View for many years. His exceptional experience and dedication to your ideal body are unsurpassed. Our plastic surgeon has the knowledge, skill, and ability to achieve the results you deserve.

What Are the Potential Risks Of Liposuction?

Liposuction risks include the following:

Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid accumulation under the skin
Poor wound healing
Asymmetrical results

As an informed patient, you will need to decide whether the possible risks of liposuction outweigh the benefits. Under the care of Dr. Ereso, you can feel confident that the likelihood of lasting complications is very low. He will ensure you understand all of the potential risks and explain what he does to mitigate these risks.

“Nothing but top notch service from Dr. Ereso and his staff. He is very professional and kept me aware of everything as it was happening. I am very pleased with my services and would highly recommend Dr. Ereso for any of your surgical needs. Thanks again to Dr. Ereso and staff for making my experience very pleasant!”

- Actual Patient

Does Liposuction Cause Scarring?

As with any major cosmetic surgery, liposuction is liable to cause scarring; however, rest assured that Dr. Ereso always attempts to place incisions within the natural folds or contour lines of skin so that they are inconspicuous. If you follow your aftercare instructions closely and wear your compression garments as directed, you can potentially limit the chance of significant scarring. Please also note that any scars that do appear should fade to a flesh color in the months following the surgery.

Is Non-Surgical Liposuction Possible?

As of today, no non-surgical cosmetic treatment can compare to liposuction. This is because liposuction was specifically developed to reduce unwanted fat in a way that only a surgical procedure can. With that said, certain non-surgical procedures – such as injectables or skin resurfacing treatments – can sometimes be added to liposuction treatment plans for a more comprehensive outcome.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

At Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, the cost of liposuction typically ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. With this in mind, the final price will depend on:

The technology and approaches used
The number and severity of the area(s) treated
The addition of other treatments
The surgeon’s fee
Facility fees
Anesthesia fees
Pre- and post-operative care (e.g., compression garments and medications)

When evaluating a liposuction price quote, make sure you understand exactly what is and is not included in the total cost. Does the quote include the surgeon’s fee as well as the facility fee, cost of anesthesia and follow-up care? Do not be afraid to ask our office staff questions about your financial responsibilities, as we are here to help.

Moreover, qualified candidates can finance their liposuction through CareCredit^®, an option which allows patients to undergo surgery now and pay for it in affordable monthly increments. For more details, feel free to contact our friendly staff.

Why Choose Dr. Ereso for Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction requires technical expertise as well as an eye for balance and proportion. One of Dr. Ereso’s specialties as a liposuction surgeon is knowing exactly how much fat to remove and how much to leave in order to attain great results. Instead of simply removing large volumes of fat and “debulking” the target area, Dr. Ereso will also sculpt the remaining fat to create beautiful shapes and curves.

For more information about what liposuction can do for you, contact Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics today.