Liposuction in San Diego

Procedures Body Liposuction in San Diego

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is an excellent method of reducing pockets of stubborn fat from around the waist, buttocks, thighs, and other areas. Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today. It offers the surgeon a high amount of control in contouring and shaping the body. It is ideal for patients who are close to their ideal weight, but have stubborn or difficult areas of fat deposits. Patients should understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. Drs. Jeffrey and William Umansky can also combine tummy tuck surgery with liposuction for more comprehensive body contouring.

Liposuction in San Diego

The first step in the liposuction (liposculpture) procedure is to insert a slim, hollow tube known as a cannula through small incisions near the targeted area. Once inside, the cannula is moved through the layers of tissue to extract the necessary fat. To accommodate the needs of all of our patients, our surgeons offer three of the most advanced liposculpture techniques: tumescent liposuction, power-assisted liposuction and new SmartLipo laser-assisted liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction

During tumescent liposuction, a large volume of dilute anesthetic is injected into the targeted area, causing the fat cells to swell up and consolidate. This improves the surgeon’s ability to remove the unwanted fat smoothly and more effectively. The tumescent technique can also reduce post-op pain, bruising, swelling and blood loss, allowing more fat to be safely removed.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) can be performed in conjunction with the tumescent technique and involves the use of a specialized vibrating cannula. The cannula’s rapid vibrations loosen deposits of fat quickly and comfortably, making the targeted fat cells easier to remove. As a result, power-assisted liposuction patients often experience less bruising and a shorter recovery time than after traditional liposuction treatment. PAL is especially helpful for areas that have been previously treated for liposuction and for male gynecomastia surgery.

SmartLipo™

SmartLipo is one of the latest advances in liposuction technology and is offered by our surgeons. It is a laser-assisted liposuction procedure that uses laser energy delivered through a very small cannula. This appears to lead to less bruising, faster recovery and better skin tightening. Contact our practice in La Jolla, San Diego to discuss the benefits of each liposuction (liposculpture) technique or explore our other body contouring procedures.

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Our Technology

At Umansky Plastic Surgery, we strive to provide the highest level of care for our patients by using the most advanced liposuction technology available. To improve our patients’ results and reduce post-operative discomfort and recovery time, we use extra small cannulas. With these cannulas, our surgeons can work through tinier incisions, resulting in less-noticeable scars. They can also reduce the amount of bruising and swelling caused by larger cannulas.

Drs. William and Jeffrey Umansky are also experienced in working with small, power-assisted cannulas. The tips of these instruments are designed to produce tiny vibrations that effectively break up fat cells in a targeted area. Because the power-assisted cannula makes fat deposits easier to remove, our surgeons can work more quickly and efficiently. Ultimately, patients benefit from a shorter surgery and reduced discomfort during their recovery. Our newest technology, laser-assisted liposuction or SmartLipo, was FDA approved in November 2006. This procedure uses laser energy to disrupt fat cells, seal blood vessels and tighten the skin.

The Drs. Umansky also perform fat transfers to restore youthful contours to the lips, cheeks, eyes, and other areas of the face. During a fat transfer, unwanted fat cells are removed from a targeted area of the body using liposuction techniques. Then the fat cells are isolated and prepared for transfer. Finally, the fat cells are gently injected into the selected facial region.

In addition to liposuction, SmartLipo and fat transfer, the Drs. Umansky also offer CoolSculpting™ in San Diego. This minimally invasive technology utilizes the controlled application of cooling to reduce fat bulges. With little discomfort and no downtime, CoolSculpting is the ideal treatment for smaller areas of fat that remain despite rigorous diet and exercise regimens. CoolSculpting can be performed after mommy makeover surgery, liposuction and other body contouring procedures to help maintain the surgical results.

Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

What Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction?

Liposuction can effectively treat multiple areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, neck, under the chin and the chest (for men). Our San Diego plastic surgeons will evaluate your specific concerns during consultation to determine which areas would benefit most from treatment and help you achieve your desired body contouring goals.

Does Liposuction Provide Permanent Results?

Liposuction results can last for many years and are generally considered permanent. The number of fat cells we have throughout our adult lives stays relatively constant, so those that are removed won’t come back. However, the remaining fat cells can still expand in response to weight gain, negatively impacting your results. By following a healthy diet, exercising regularly and maintaining your weight, you can enjoy your new contours for years to come.

How Much Downtime Should I Expect?

Most patients can return to normal activities within one to two weeks after liposuction. You’ll need to wear compression garments for about six weeks to support healing and achieve optimal results. Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks. Recovery time varies based on the extent of your procedure.

Will I Have Visible Scars After Liposuction?

Liposuction incisions are very small, typically less than half an inch long. These tiny incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous areas to minimize visible scarring. Over time, any scars that do form usually fade significantly and become barely noticeable. Proper post-op care and following your surgeon’s instructions help promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.

Is Liposuction a Weight Loss Procedure?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure but rather a body contouring treatment. The goal is to sculpt and reshape your body by removing localized fat deposits, not to achieve significant weight reduction. Most patients lose only a few pounds from the actual fat removal. The procedure is best suited for individuals who are already at or near their ideal weight.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Good liposuction candidates have stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond well to diet and exercise, are close to their ideal weight and in good overall health. You should have realistic expectations about results and be committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery. During your consultation at our La Jolla practice, we’ll assess your candidacy to determine if liposuction is right for you and develop a treatment plan tailored to your unique goals.

Explore Your Liposuction Options at Umansky Plastic Surgery

Ready to achieve the sculpted silhouette you’ve always wanted? At Umansky Plastic Surgery in La Jolla, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. William Umansky and Dr. Jeffrey Umansky, offer advanced liposuction techniques tailored to your unique goals. From tumescent liposuction to SmartLipo technology, we provide personalized treatment plans to help you contour your body with confidence. Contact our San Diego practice today to schedule your comprehensive liposuction consultation and discover how we can help transform your appearance.