Liposuction Plastic Surgery
Serving Vancouver and the Portland, Oregon area
Liposuction or Suction Assisted Lipectomy (SAL) is the most commonly performed plastic surgery in America. Liposuction removes unwanted fat from the body and is an effective technique for achieving a new and slimmer body contour with minimal scarring. Most patients are very pleased with the results.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (or UAL) uses sound waves to "liquefy" unwanted fat. However, UAL has a documented higher rate of complications, including skin burns and fluid accumulation. We offer the procedure, but rarely perform it for the above reasons.
Liposuction plastic surgery is used to remove localized areas of fat. Women tend to have excess fat cells in the outer and inner thigh, flank, stomach, and inner knees. Men often carry extra fat cells in the love handles, abdomen, and chest. Liposuction involves the infiltration of "tumescent" fluid into areas of excess fat. A cannula is then used to aspirate or remove the unwanted cells. "Twilight sleep" or general anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort.
Depending upon the amount of fat removed, most people are able to return to work in 3-4 days. A compression garment must be worn for 2-4 weeks. Final results are generally seen in 3-4 months, although most patients see improvement in 2 weeks.
Liposuction is very safe, providing one does not remove too much fat and that the surgery is performed in an operating room. We use compression stockings to minimize risk of blood clots. Approximately 5% of patients will require a touchup, to remove a bit more fat. Approximately 5% of patients will notice a subtle waviness after the liposuction plastic surgery.
