At our La Jolla plastic surgery practice, we offer several advanced liposuction techniques. Your plastic surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy, treatment areas and goals.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a solution containing saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine into the treatment area before fat removal. This solution causes fat cells to swell and firm up, making them easier to remove with greater precision. The technique also reduces bleeding, minimizes bruising and decreases post-operative discomfort. Tumescent liposuction remains one of the most widely used methods due to its excellent safety profile and consistent results.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Power-assisted liposuction uses a specialized cannula that produces rapid vibrations to break up fat cells before they are suctioned out. This mechanical action allows for more efficient fat removal with less manual effort from the surgeon. The technique is particularly effective for treating fibrous areas, such as the male chest and back, and for revision procedures where scar tissue may be present. Patients often experience less bruising and shorter recovery times compared to traditional methods.
Smartlipo® Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Smartlipo uses laser energy delivered through a small cannula to liquefy fat cells before removal. The laser also promotes new collagen to form in the skin, promoting a degree of skin tightening after fat removal. This technique can be beneficial for patients with mild skin laxity who want improved contraction after the procedure. Smartlipo typically produces less bruising and may allow for a faster recovery than other methods.
“We often combine techniques depending on what each treatment area requires,” notes Dr. Jeffrey Umansky. “For example, we might use Smartlipo in areas where skin tightening is desirable and power-assisted liposuction in more fibrous regions. This customized approach helps us achieve the best possible outcome.”
The Liposuction Consultation Process
Your consultation at Umansky Plastic Surgery provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns and learn whether liposuction is appropriate for your goals. Dr. William Umansky or Dr. Jeffrey Umansky will examine your body, assess your skin quality and elasticity, and evaluate the fat deposits you wish to address. They will also review your medical history and discuss any factors that might affect your surgery or recovery.
Come prepared to describe which specific areas bother you and what improvements you hope to see. Your surgeon will explain which technique would work best for your situation, discuss what realistic results look like for your body type, and show you liposuction before-and-after photos of previous patients with similar concerns. You will receive detailed information about the procedure, recovery expectations and costs.
What to Expect During Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction takes place at our accredited surgical facility in La Jolla. Depending on the extent of your procedure, we may use local anesthesia combined with sedation or general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. The length of surgery varies based on how many areas are being treated. More minor procedures may take one to two hours, while more comprehensive body contouring can require three hours or more.
Your plastic surgeon begins by making small incisions, typically less than a centimeter in length, in inconspicuous locations near the treatment areas. Tumescent solution is then infused into the fat layer. The laser is usually used next to liquify the fat and to tighten the skin. Then the cannulas are inserted and moved through the fat in a controlled, fan-like pattern to sculpt the desired contours.
Throughout the procedure, your surgeon carefully monitors the amount of fat being removed and constantly assesses the emerging shape. The goal is smooth, even results that appear natural. After completing your fat removal, the incisions are closed, and you are fitted with a compression garment to support healing.
