Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes unwanted fat (adipose tissue). This allows patients to achieve a more sculpted and toned physique. Also known as suction-assisted lipectomy, it is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery that can effectively reduce excess fat deposits in various areas of the body. John T. Alexander II, M.D., J.D., F.A.C.S. and Jordan Kaplan, M.D. at Alexander Cosmetic Surgery in San Diego, specialize in this aesthetic procedure to deliver precise and natural-looking results without the need for more extensive surgery.

If you’re considering liposuction, it’s important to understand that this procedure is not a substitute for weight loss ⁽¹⁾  or maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Rather, it is intended to address specific areas of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. Drs. Alexander and Kaplan will work with you to determine if liposuction is the right option for your goals during a personal consultation at their San Diego office. Contact us at (858) 455-7557 or fill out an inquiry form on our website to schedule an appointment with us.

Before and After Photos

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About Liposuction

Unwanted fat deposits can be a source of frustration for many people, despite rigorous diet and exercise. Fortunately, liposuction can provide an effective solution to this problem. Liposuction is the second most-performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. ⁽²⁾ And for good reason! It removes excess fat and sculpts the body for a more desirable appearance. 

Patients can address stubborn pockets of fat in various areas of the body, including the following.

At Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, we offer advanced and minimally invasive techniques to help our patients achieve their desired results. Our primary goal is to ensure patient safety and satisfaction throughout the entire process – from the initial consultation to postoperative care.

Liposuction Techniques

Tumescent Liposuction

Nearly all current liposuction procedures use the tumescent technique. The tumescent technique involves injecting a large volume of diluted local anesthetic solution into the fatty tissue as a first step. This solution contains lidocaine, which numbs the area and minimizes pain during the procedure. Additionally, it contains epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels and reduces bleeding, making it easier for the surgeon to remove fat with minimal blood loss.

After injecting the solution, the surgeon inserts a small cannula through tiny incisions made in the skin. The cannula connects to a vacuum pump that removes the fat cells from the body. The tumescent technique allows for more precise body contouring, as the surgeon can remove smaller amounts of fat at a time. This helps to achieve smoother and more natural-looking results.

VASER (Ultrasound-Assisted) Liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, also known as UAL, is a type of liposuction that uses ultrasonic waves to break down and liquefy fat cells before they are suctioned out of the body. This technique is often used in areas where traditional liposuction may not be effective, such as fibrous or dense areas like the upper back, male chest, or areas with scar tissue.

One of the main benefits of ultrasound-assisted liposuction is that it can provide smoother and more even results than traditional liposuction. It can also be less traumatic to the surrounding tissues, resulting in less bruising and swelling. In some cases, UAL can also stimulate collagen production, leading to tighter and more toned skin.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

During power-assisted liposuction, a vibrating cannula is used to break up and remove excess fat cells from the targeted area. The cannula is powered by a motor, which allows it to move back and forth at high speeds, breaking down the fat cells and making them easier to extract. A tumescent solution containing both local anesthesia and epinephrine is injected in the same manner that is described above. This technique ensures that the surgeon can remove more fat cells in less time, resulting in improved results for the patient.

Liposuction 360

The focus of any liposuction surgery is to restore balance and leave patients with natural, elegant results. Commonly patients have multiple pockets of stubborn fat that are resistant to diet and exercise alone. Liposuction 360 addresses all areas of concern during one surgery and often involves a change of patient positioning during the procedure. This position change allows Dr. Alexander and Dr. Kaplan to analyze and treat both the front and back of a patient rather than be limited to one area. 

High Definition Liposuction 

Not all liposuction is focused on debulking areas of fat. For the right patient, someone who is already lean but lacks muscular tone, advanced liposuction techniques can be utilized to increase definition by highlighting the valleys that lay adjacent to well formed muscles. Ultimately, muscles appear fit because of the shadows that sit next to them and high definition liposuction can be used to create this effect. It is vital to seek treatment from a highly trained surgeon who understands the nuances of this advanced surgical technique. The procedure begins with detailed preoperative analysis and discussion which starts at your initial consultation. 

Benefits

Dr. Alexander’s and Dr. Kaplan’s approach to liposuction is tailored to the unique goals and anatomy of each patient, ensuring natural-looking results. Here are some more benefits you can expect from their approach to liposuction:

Candidates

Liposuction is suitable for the following candidates. ⁽¹⁾

Personal Consultation

If you’re considering liposuction for body contouring, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the scope of the procedure. During your consultation with our doctors, they will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and discuss your cosmetic goals. They will explain the procedure in detail and answer any questions you may have. Drs. Alexander and Kaplan take great care to ensure that their patients feel informed and empowered to make the best decision for their unique needs.

It’s important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires careful consideration and evaluation by a qualified surgeon. Our doctors have extensive experience performing cosmetic procedures and are committed to providing personalized care to each of their patients. 

If you’re interested in learning more about liposuction or other cosmetic procedures, contact Alexander Cosmetic Surgery at (858) 455-7557 to schedule your consultation.

Preparing for Liposuction

Following the preparation guidance we provide will ensure you achieve the most effective results. Your personalized instructions may include the following.

Liposuction Procedure

Our experienced staff will ensure that you are ready for your procedure on your surgery date. Liposuction is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the extent of the procedure. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the treatment areas, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted to remove unwanted fat cells. The procedure can take a few hours to complete, depending on the number of areas being treated. 

Can Liposuction Be Combined with Other Procedures?

Yes! Liposuction is often combined with other body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck or breast reduction. Combining procedures can provide more comprehensive results and reduce overall recovery time.

Recovery & Results

After the procedure, patients will need to allow time for recovery. It is essential to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

To minimize swelling, patients are advised to rest in an elevated position, avoid heat exposure, stay hydrated, and wear compression garments for the first few weeks after the procedure. Bruising can be managed with prescribed medications and topical treatments. 

Medications

Pain management is a crucial part of the recovery process, and we will prescribe pain medications to help alleviate discomfort. We encourage patients to take these medications as directed and report any unusual symptoms or side effects.

Compression Garments

Compression garments are essential for proper healing and contouring after liposuction. These garments provide support to the treatment area and help prevent fluid buildup, which can lead to complications such as seromas.

Scar Minimization

Scar minimization is of utmost importance to Dr. Alexander and Dr. Kaplan. They use advanced techniques to make incisions in inconspicuous areas to minimize their appearance. 

Liposuction is a safe and effective procedure that can help you achieve your desired body shape and contour. After just a few weeks you will be able to enjoy your final body contouring results.

How Much is Liposuction in San Diego?

At Alexander Cosmetic Surgery, we encourage all potential patients to contact us at (858) 455-7557 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaplan or Dr. Alexander. During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss all aspects of your treatment plan, including the costs involved. We are committed to helping our patients achieve their aesthetic goals while providing exceptional care and support throughout the process.

References

1. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/ 
2. Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020;87(6):367-375. doi:https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097