Liposuction In Gainesville, FL
We now offer Coolsculpting as a non-surgical alternative to liposuction!
Liposuction, also known medically as suction lipectomy or lipoplasty, is an effective cosmetic surgery procedure that uses a suction technique to remove excess fat. This minimally invasive procedure can be used on several areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, neck, or buttocks. Liposuction slims and contours the body to help patients achieve their desired aesthetic. Liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure, or in combination with other types of plastic surgery to help patients with their overall body confidence and comfort.
At our Gainesville plastic surgery center, we offer a variety of liposuction services to help you accomplish your specific goals. Our experienced plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the best liposuction technique based on your specific needs. Contact us today for more information on the different liposuction techniques we offer and to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Tyrone.
Discover The Types Of Liposuction
The liposuction technique used depends upon the chosen type of liposuction. Based upon a patient’s specific goals for cosmetic plastic surgery, our Gainesville plastic surgeon may choose from the following options to facilitate the optimal results to liposuction surgery. To learn more about the different types of liposuction or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
The Most Popular Choice! Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is the most common type of liposuction. It involves the injection of a large amount of medicated solution into the treatment area prior to fat removal. The sterile solution mixture is comprised of an intravenous (IV) salt solution, which aids in fat removal; an anesthetic, such as lidocaine, which relieves pain; and a drug, epinephrine, which contracts the blood vessels. The fluid mixture causes the area to swell and stiffen. The surgeon then makes small incisions into the skin and inserts a cannula, or thin tube, under the skin. The cannula is connected to a vacuum that suctions the fat and fluids from the body.
The Dynamic Duo! Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) is sometimes used in conjunction with tumescent liposuction. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a metal rod that emits ultrasonic energy, or sound waves energy, under the skin which ruptures fat-cell walls and fatty deposits in order to simplify the fat-removal process. With UAL, the fat is liquified and then suctioned out. Innovations in liposuction technologies additionally serve to improve the contouring of the skin while reducing the occurrence of damage or injury to the skin.
The Precision Approach! Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) uses high-intensity laser energy to liquefy fat cells. During LAL, the surgeon makes a small incision in the skin through which a laser fiber is inserted and, as a result, the fat deposits emulsify. Thereafter, the fat is removed with a cannula and surgical vacuum or drained through small tubes. Because LAL uses a cannula that is smaller in size than cannulas used in other types of liposuction surgery, this type of liposuction may be preferred for confined areas, such as the chin, jowls, and face. A benefit of LAL is the stimulation of natural collagen due to the laser’s high-intensity energy.
The Quick & Easy Solution! Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a cannula with a vibrating tip, which breaks up fatty tissues and fat deposits, in a back-and-forth motion. The vibration may allow for fat to be more easily and more quickly removed than with other liposuction procedures. PAL may also result in less pain and swelling to the surgical site and result in a higher degree of precision with regard to fat removal. This liposuction is ideal for patients who require large volumes of fat and fatty tissues to be surgically removed from the body.
CoolSculpting® Elite
CoolSculpting® is a non-invasive, body sculpting procedure that eliminates fat cells for long-term results. CoolSculpting® Elite is the only FDA-approved, non-invasive body contouring treatment for stubborn fat reduction that utilizes cooling technology to destroy and disperse subcutaneous fat (the layer of fat just under the skin). Once destroyed, the fat cells are then absorbed by the body and eliminated through their normal waste-removal processes. The result is a slimmer you! CoolSculpting® offers the benefits of targeted fat reduction with a quick, low-risk procedure and no scarring, with significant, noticeable results.
What Is Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction, or body contouring, is a form of cosmetic plastic surgery through which fatty deposits are removed with a cannula or a small, hollow tube. Incisions are made in areas of the body where the natural creases will minimize any potential scarring. Incisions are smaller than a centimeter in length. Once the incision is made, solutions containing anesthesia and epinephrine (“wetting solutions”) are infused to minimize pain and blood loss. Once the treatment area has been infused with a wetting solution, the cannula is connected to a suction unit and guided by the expert hands of Dr. Tyrone and our Gainesville plastic surgery office. The cannula is then used to suction the unwanted fat. Care is taken to both avoid irregularities in the skin caused by aggressive superficial liposuction as well as to avoid depression caused by aggressive techniques.
How Can Liposuction Benefit You?
Body contouring through liposuction can provide patients with a wide range of benefits, including improvements to body contours and proportion and the permanent removal of excess fatty tissues and fatty deposits located in the thighs; hips; buttocks; abdomen and waist; upper arms; back; inner knees; chest; cheeks; chin; neck; calves and ankles. Liposuction is often performed as a permanent solution to stubborn fat that cannot be removed by diet and exercise. What’s more, liposuction can either be performed as a singular procedure or in conjunction with another face, breast, or body plastic surgery procedure, such as a facelift, breast reduction, mini tummy tuck, or gynecomastia reduction. To learn how liposuction can benefit you, contact us!
The Liposuction Recovery Process
After undergoing liposuction, patients can expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in and around the surgical site, which will eventually subside as the treatment area heals. In some cases, the incisions may be left open with drains to promote fluid drainage. Wearing compression garments can help reduce swelling and is typically required for 1-2 months after surgery. Before the procedure, our plastic surgery office will provide you with detailed post-surgical care instructions, including information about prescriptions and medications, reducing scars, and when to return for a follow-up appointment. To learn more about liposuction recovery and what to expect, contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction is the perfect solution for individuals who are within or above their ideal weight range and are bothered by isolated pockets of fat or a reduced body contour. It is not recommended for those with significant amounts of excess skin or skin of poor quality, as excisional surgery like a tummy tuck may be more suitable. Ideal candidates for liposuction are in good overall health, and free of conditions that could cause complications during surgery, such as restricted blood flow, diabetes, or a weakened immune system. If you’re considering liposuction, our plastic surgery practice in Gainesville, FL is responsive and knowledgeable to help answer any question you may have. Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your goals and determine if liposuction is right for you!
During your initial liposuction consultation with our Gainesville plastic surgeon, Dr. Tyrone, you’ll discuss your medical and surgical history, including current medications and allergies. It’s important to be thorough when discussing your medical history as safety is always our top priority. You’ll also discuss your concerns and motivations for seeking liposuction, as well as procedure details such as incision placement and pre and postoperative requirements. Dr. Tyrone will review before and after photographs of actual patients, examine and photograph the intended treatment area, and note any asymmetry. After the consultation, you’ll meet with Dr. Tyrone’s patient coordinator to discuss scheduling for the surgery. Get one step closer to your goal body and schedule an initial consultation today!
As with all types of plastic surgery, there are potential risks associated with liposuction. While the majority of patients do not experience significant liposuction side effects, each patient is unique and may experience different liposuction side effects. During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will discuss the possible risks associated with the procedure and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident about the success and post-surgical results of your liposuction procedure. Although uncommon, the potential side effects of liposuction include, but are not limited to:
- Contour irregularities
- Fat embolism
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Internal puncture
- Kidney and heart issues
- Lidocaine toxicity
- Skin numbness