LIPOSUCTION OVERVIEW
Liposuction (liposculpture, lipoplasty) surgery is one of the most effective options to achieve permanent fat loss in stubborn problem areas and “trouble zones.” Although it is often performed in conjunction with one or more complementary body surgery procedures (i.e. breast reduction, arm lift, thigh lift, tummy tuck), liposuction can also be performed as a solo procedure, to target and remove unwanted fat from designated problem areas. Common liposuction sites include, but are not limited to, the: arms, abdomen (“muffin top”), flanks (“love handles”), hips, thighs (“saddle bags”), calves, chest, knees, neck (“jowls”), and buttocks. Liposuction should not be thought of as a weight loss tool, but rather as a surgical procedure designed to sculpt and enhance the contours of the body by removing unwanted fat deposits.
As with all surgical procedures, liposuction is associated with a risk of potential complications, and should only be performed by a respected plastic surgeon with extensive clinical expertise in the field of body contouring surgery. From the comfort of Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery’s state-of-the-art facility, located in Stockton, CA, Board Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hugh L. Vu puts his many years of specialized plastic surgery training to work helping his patients safely sculpt lean, well-defined physiques with expertly-performed liposuction procedures.
LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE
Liposuction techniques have advanced significantly over the past decade, and now include power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted techniques, in addition to the traditional suction-assisted method. The average liposuction procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes 1-3 hours to perform; however, this time frame can vary significantly, depending upon the size and number of areas to be treated, and whether or not ancillary procedures are being performed simultaneously.
After you are properly anesthetized, Dr. Vu will make tiny incisions in the areas where fat is to be suctioned out. He will inject a diluted tumescent solution comprised of saline (salt water), epinephrine (to decrease bleeding and subsequent bruising), and lidocaine (a local anesthetic to decrease pain post-operatively) and will then pass a cannula (a slender, hollow metal tube attached to suction) repeatedly through the designated treatment areas to break up and remove the fat deposits.
At the conclusion of your surgery, Dr. Vu will carefully suture the incisions closed and apply a sterile dressing and compression garment to minimize swelling. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, and can resume all of their normal activities when it is comfortable to do so. The aesthetic benefits of your liposuction surgery will become apparent as soon as the post-surgical swelling and fluid retention have subsided.
Contact Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
At Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Stockton, CA, we set ourselves apart from other cosmetic enhancement practitioners with our professionalism, state-of-the-art facility, and commitment to providing exceptional patient care. Our lead plastic surgeon Dr. Hugh L. Vu operates under the premise of two very simple, yet critically important goals:
- Offer only the most advanced surgical and cosmetic techniques in order to maximize your safety and comfort
- Earn and maintain your trust and confidence by upholding the highest possible code of ethics and personal integrity
When you select Dr. Vu as your cosmetic surgeon, you can feel confident knowing that you will receive the highest quality care and the best possible results. If you would like more information about having your liposuction surgery performed at Vu Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, please contact our office today. We look forward to speaking with you and to scheduling your initial consultation with Dr. Vu.