Overview
Despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some people may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to family traits rather than a lack of weight control or fitness. Dr. Champaneria at Manish C. Champaneria, MD, FACS in San Diego, CA performs liposuction to slim and reshape specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits, improving the patient’s body contours and proportion and enhancing their self-image. Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, waist, upper arms, back, inner knees, chest area, cheeks, chin, neck, calves, and ankles. In some cases, liposuction is performed alone, but in other cases it is used with plastic surgery procedures such as a facelift, breast reduction, or a tummy tuck.
Reviews
Surgical Technique
Tumescent "Super-Wet"
Tumescent liposuction, known as the “Super-Wet” approach, is a suction-assisted (SAL) technique that uses a solution and power-aided motor to help remove stubborn fat. Dr. Champaneria injects the solution, made of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine (to control bleeding), into the problem areas. Dr. Champaneria then inserts the cannula attached to the motor to remove fat cells from the body at a controlled speed. The motor helps surgeons remove anywhere from several ounces to a few pounds of fat.
Liposuction Video
During/After Surgery
Liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or surgery center. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes for each body part. It can be a stand-alone surgery, or combined with other procedures. However, the surgeon may suggest performing the surgery over a period of time for the safety of the patient. After surgery, patients are required to wear a compression garment to help the body adjust to its new shape. Bruising and swelling will subside within 1 week, but patients will not see final results for several months. Liposuction does leave a small scar, but it fades over time.
Plan Your Procedure
- Recovery Time
- 3-4 Weeks
- Average Procedure Time
- 1-2 Hours
- Post-op Follow-up
- Varies
- Procedure Recovery Location
- Out-Patient
Liposuction FAQs
Is it Safe?
While today’s surgical techniques are safe, patients can experience poor results from inexperienced surgeons. It is important for patients to do their research, and find an experienced surgeon that can help them achieve the best, most natural-looking results.
Permanent Results?
The results of liposuction can be seen for many years following surgery if the patient follows a healthy diet and exercise program. Removed fat cells do not come back, but patients can still gain weight if their remaining fat cells grow.
Too Much Fat?
Yes, there can be too much fat. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not recommend removing more than 10 pounds of fat for the safety of the patient. Removing more than 10 pounds is considered high-volume liposuction, which increases the chances of complications from the surgery. Patients are advised to be near or at their ideal weight before undergoing liposuction.
Skin Tightening?
While liposuction removes fat and improves contour and shape, it does not address sagging or drooping skin. If skin laxity is a concern, patients can talk to the surgeon during the consultation to discuss their options for improving skin texture, such as a tummy tuck, thigh, neck, arm or butt lift.
