About Liposuction
Many people who successfully lose weight still have pockets of fat that keep them from feeling confident in their results. Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre is proud to offer the latest techniques to safely rid certain parts of the body of stubborn fat. Lipo, or liposuction surgery, is a body reshaping procedure that removes fat from parts of the body, like the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks, to produce a more defined appearance. This treatment at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre can be blended to treat several areas. During your initial visit, La Mesa, CA plastic surgeon Scott Sessions will examine your problem areas so you can reach your personal goals. We want to help you look and feel your best.
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Ideal Candidates
Liposuction is a good procedure for patients who are at a healthy weight but have pesky areas of fat that have been hard to lose with exercise and diet. Patients contemplating liposuction should have skin that is taut and has good elasticity because liposuction does not address loose or sagging skin. It is also important to realize that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure but more of a body contouring or sculpting treatment. Weight gain during pregnancy can significantly alter results so women may wish to wait for liposuction until they have completed their families. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sessions will discuss what kind of results you can realistically expect.
Surgical Technique
Surgical liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under general anesthesia. A very small incision is made in the skin, and a cannula will be inserted through the incision to enter the fat tissue. The cannula is a tube that helps loosen the fat as it is being removed. There are three common variations to the procedure:
- Traditional liposuction, or surgical suctioning of excess fat deposits
- The tumescent or superwet technique, which requires an infusion of saline solution with adrenaline and possibly anesthetic prior to removal of excess fat
- The ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, which uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy excess fat prior to surgical suctioning
Once the desired amount of fat deposits have been suctioned out, Dr. Sessions will close the incision. Depending on the number of areas receiving treatment, your surgery could last 1 – 3 hours. In our dedicated recovery area, your post-op team will help manage any pain and care for your incisions until your discharge.
What to Expect
After your procedure, you will be bandaged and fitted with a compression garment to help control swelling. Most patients are able to return to light activities the same day and can return to work in about a week. Depending on the number and size of the treatment areas, it is normal to see swelling and bruising for 1 – 4 weeks. What is most important after having lipo surgery is allowing your body time to rest and heal. When you are ready to return to work after your procedure, you need to remember to go slow. To build up your strength, stick to short walks and light workouts as advised by Dr. Sessions. Keep in mind that you may see some changes after six weeks, but it can take 6 – 10 months before your new body shape and contour is fully attained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does liposuction cost?
Your cost for liposuction will vary based on the technique being used and the number of areas being addressed. During your consultation, Dr. Sessions will develop your custom liposuction surgical plan based on your needs and goals. Once your plan is developed, estimated costs can be discussed. To make your surgery affordable, Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre accepts many payment options, and we can help you find low-interest financing.
What about cellulite and loose skin?
Surgical liposuction only addresses excess fat in the body. If you have loose skin, Dr. Sessions may suggest combining liposuction with a surgical body lift. Liposuction is often performed with skin tightening surgery, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thighplasty, to produce the best results. At your consultation, tell Dr. Sessions about your concerns, like loose skin and cellulite, so a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed.
Will I have scars?
Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, incisions will be made and stitched. This will create scars, but Dr. Sessions does his best to minimize their appearance. This includes making small incisions in the natural folds of your body or in less visible areas. After your surgery, Dr. Sessions or a member of his team will explain how to care for your stitches so they heal flat and eventually fade.
Will my results last?
Before you have liposuction surgery, it's important to be committed to maintaining your results. While liposuction does remove fat cells, the remaining cells can still grow and shrink. Dr. Sessions recommends that you be at or near your ideal weight before having liposuction surgery. Afterward, it is best to stay within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Pregnancy after liposuction will also impact your results; however, a second surgery can be performed to refresh your appearance.
Look Fit and Toned
Liposuction at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre offers individuals the opportunity to have unwanted fat removed almost immediately. Without liposuction, it can be seemingly impossible to get the slimmer results you want. We offer various choices for liposuction treatment based on your personal aesthetic desires and invite you to contact our practice in La Mesa, CA to schedule your private consultation with Scott Sessions, M.D. Dr. Sessions has almost 25 years of experience in all types of plastic surgery procedures and can help you achieve your ideal figure.