Liposuction in Miami

A consultation about the liposuction procedure with board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Bernabe Vazquez, can help you decide if it could be the answer to your stubborn fat deposits.  Many people still have problems with pockets of fat that remain on their body despite healthy diet and exercise habits. These problem areas occur for both men and women and both sexes can benefit from the smoothing and contouring effect of a liposuction procedure. Dr. Vazquez is uses both S.A.F.E. and ultrasound-assisted liposuction techniques to remove fat bulges from the abdomen, thighs, hips, flanks, back, anterior neck, arms and breasts.

S.A.F.E. Liposculpture

S.A.F.E. liposculpture is a relatively new technique popularized by a board-certified plastic surgeon from Louisiana. “S.A.F.E.” stands for separation, aspiration and fat equalization, which are basic concepts from the earliest days of liposuction. These simple concepts have been organized in such a way that the procedure becomes safer and more effective. The procedure can be thought of as a more “organic” liposuction technique.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or UAL, is an effective fat removal procedure that works by liquefying fat in the treatment area through use of the VASER® device, which administers ultrasound waves. Once the fat is emulsified, it is then removed from the body. The UAL technique is effective for removing large portions of fat and removing fat with precision in a safe procedure that minimizes bleeding and swelling and results in a shorter recovery than the traditional liposuction approach.

Is Liposuction for You?

Wondering if you are a good candidate for the liposuction procedure? You may be a good candidate if you:

• Are healthy and have no serious medical concerns
• Have fat pockets on your body that are resistant to diet and exercise
• Are at or close to your target weight
• Have maintained a healthy weight for several months
• Are psychologically healthy
• Have realistic expectations for surgery

Who Is Not a Good Candidate For This Procedure?

Conversely, a person who is not considered a good liposuction candidate is one who:

• Is in poor health
• Is seeking to treat cellulite only
• Has excess skin on the body, but no excess fat
• Is not maintaining a stable weight
• Is wanting to use liposuction as weight loss surgery
• Is planning to get pregnant in the near future

Liposuction or Weight Loss?

Liposuction is an effective tool to be used for removing fat from specific areas of the body that carry fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of the body, or which interfere with a smooth body contour. Liposuction is not weight loss surgery or meant as a substitute for natural weight loss. If you are 30 or more pounds overweight, it is recommended that you lose the excess weight and maintain the new weight for several months before having liposuction.

Liposuction Procedure Details

Both liposuction procedures are commonly done on an outpatient basis. However, depending on the volume of fat removed, the procedure may require an overnight stay in the hospital. Performing this procedure can take from one to five hours (depending on the amount and size of the treatment areas). Liposuction is performed under local anesthesia, I.V. sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the size of the treatment area, the amount of fat removed and other factors unique to each patient. Dr. Vazquez will discuss the type of anesthesia he recommends for your procedure during you pre-operative visit.

In the beginning of the procedure, the doctor will inject a fluid mixture into the treatment area, which will expand the fatty tissue and decrease blood loss so that the fat can be removed with ease and precision. Small incisions are made in the area and liposuction cannulas (thin, hollow suction tubes) will then be inserted to remove and smooth out the fat. Small sutures are used to close incisions.

The Liposuction Recovery Period

You will need to have someone drive you home and stay with you after surgery, or after leaving the hospital (if a stay is necessary) the following day. Someone should also stay with you for the first 24 hours after you arrive home, as your mobility will be limited. Try to rest as much as possible for the first couple of days, in order to promote proper healing.

Swelling and soreness are common during this time, and discomfort can be relieved with pain medication prescribed by the doctor. After the procedure, you will receive a compression garment to help minimize swelling and protect your body as it heals.  You will be required to wear the garment for about six weeks. It is important to walk around the day after surgery in order to support blood circulation and reduce swelling. Swelling can take anywhere from one to six months to fully subside; the exact timeframe will largely depend on the size of the treatment area and the amount of fat removed. Most patients are able to return to office or other sedentary work after the first week. Light exercise can be resumed after two weeks.

Liposuction Results

You can expect to see the results of your liposuction procedure immediately; these results will be subtle, but noticeable, as you begin to see your body shape improving in as little as a week after surgery. These results will become more significant and noticeable over time, with the final results of surgery usually seen at the six-month mark.

Many people wonder whether the results of their liposuction procedure will be permanent. It is important to note that your results will be maintained as long as you maintain a stable weight. Often, people who undergo liposuction are so pleased with the results that it motivates them to maintain their new, more attractive body shape by following healthy diet and exercise habits. If you do gain weight after liposuction, the added weight will not return to the area that has been treated with the procedure, but instead will be evenly distributed throughout the body.

Call to Schedule Your Consultation Today

Are you at a healthy, stable weight but frustrated with unsightly fat deposits that ruin an otherwise sleek physique? If so, you are an ideal candidate for liposuction. Dr. Bernabe Vazquez has helped hundreds of patients feel more comfortable in their skin by using this procedure, and he can help you do the same. Schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Vazquez today and he will answer any questions you have and determine the best treatment option for you. To schedule your consultation, call (305) 858-8222.