Liposuction Surgery Facts Before Going Into Procedure

Liposuction surgery is a popular method of removing excess fat from a given area, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, neck, back of arms, and other parts of the body that can benefit from sculpting. At Bayshore Cosmetic Surgery, we believe that the ideal candidate for this procedure is someone who is at relatively normal weight, but who has localized fat deposits that interfere with a streamline silhouette.

Ensuring the Desired Result

Though Dr. Bernabe Vazquez continues to achieve impeccable results from his exquisitely performed liposuction techniques, he does insist that the patient have a good diet and exercise plan already in place. This, along with decent skin tone and the ability to follow certain specific pre and post surgery protocols, will help ensure the desired result.

Several Methods of Liposuction

There are actually several methods of performing liposuction, and one of them is generally chosen by a surgeon depending on the nature of the procedure at hand, as well as his or her comfort with a specific technique. Here are some of the types of lipo you may come across as you research the process:

Suction Assisted Liposuction (SAL)

This is the correct term for the normal standard liposuction technique. This protocol uses a straw-like tool to remove fat cells by literally sucking them out of a given area. This tool, or cannula, is inserted into the area by way of a small incision. With a tiny vacuum-like device attached, the doctor uses a series of backwards and forwards movements to break up fat cells so that they can be removed through suction.

Ultra Sound Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This is where ultrasound is applied via a special cannula, transmitting vibrations designed to burst open fat cell walls. This action helps to liquefy the fat, allowing it to be easily drawn out by a series of pulses. The method is especially good for fibrous parts of the body like the upper back or male breast, and redo liposuctions. Once the ultrasonic process is complete, the liquid fat is removed either via the same cannula or a separate cannula in routine form.

Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

This method uses a power-based cannula that facilitates the work the surgeon needs to do to break up fat cells manually. Otherwise this, the procedure is the same as Suction Assisted Lipo.

Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL)

With WAL, lipo can be used on several parts of the body at the same time. A relatively gentle technique, a stream of water is directed to the area in order to loosen the structure of the fat tissue there. It is then removed by a special type of cannula that theoretically causes less swelling and less trauma to blood vessels and nerves.

Laser Assisted Liposuction

This is one of the most misrepresented and misused forms of liposuction where a thin laser fiber is directed towards the area to enter the fatty tissue and liquefy it. The liquefied fat is then removed by a standard suction process. This method theoretically produces less bruising and bleeding, but the problem is that the heat produced during the process can cause tissue damage and has to be used in small liposuctions only and very carefully.

Our Preferred Methods

At Bayshore Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Vazquez’s preferred methods for liposuction include
UAL and SAFELipo™, which stands for “separation, aspiration, and fat equalization.” As one of today’s state-of-the-art techniques, this allows for an extremely safe removal of fat that provides a smoother result in the area after healing. The procedure is accomplished by breaking up the fat, removing it through suction, and then using the original basket cannula to smooth out the area to achieve a tighter appearance.

Harmonizing With Your Body Structure

The advantage of liposuction is that it creates a wonderful contoured look, especially when done by an artist such as Dr. Vazquez, who works to find the ultimate harmony with your own body structure. Under his expert hand, the procedure is safe and produces a completely natural look.

Pre Surgery Protocols

Undergoing liposuction means you will have either general or local anesthesia. You’ll be advised not to take any anti-coagulants for up to two weeks beforehand, and if you are having general anesthesia, not to eat at least 12 hours before your surgery. If you are a smoker, you will also be directed to stop approximately two months prior to the procedure, as nicotine interferes with essential and healthy circulation.

Your Results are as Good as Your Doctor

 

As with any health issues, the quality of your result is determined by the quality of your doctor. At Bayshore Cosmetic Surgery we are proud of Dr. Bernabe Vazquez’s impressive credentials, but also his extreme dedication to perfecting and honing his knowledge and skills over the many years he has been in practice. The impeccable results he achieves from all of his surgeries have become legendary in the Miami area and beyond.

More On Fat Removal

Often in the case of liposuction, the fat that is removed is used as filler in another area of the body, such as being extracted from the stomach area and then placed in the buttocks to shape them, or in the face to fill in wrinkles. A client will need to have a certain amount of fat available for removal in order for the procedure to be successful. He or she must also be in good physical shape, as certain conditions such as diabetes, circulation and heart problems can cause complications. Older people may not find the procedure to be as effective as they would like because of lessened skin elasticity and tone that makes it more difficult for tightening once fat is removed.

Before and During Lipo

There are several protocols that are essential to fulfill before having liposuction done. The first is the discussion of the outcome and risks with your doctor and then signing a consent form after agreeing on which area will be treated. You will then be advised to take an antibiotic one hour before or after the procedure. Preparation for the surgery includes marking the areas on your body from where the fat will be taken. A sterilizing solution is then applied and a local anesthetic is injected or, in the case of general anesthesia, an IV or oral sedative is given. With a monitoring device attached to your body, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate can be watched during the procedure.

What to Expect after Surgery

Once you are ready to go home, which is normally the same day, you can expect a recovery from between two days and two weeks. You should wear a garment to put over your bandages that compresses the area, but allows for movement. Swelling will begin to diminish, though you may feel numbness in the area for several weeks. The final result will be visible from one to six months after the liposuction, allowing you to enjoy the full benefit of your new shape.

Before and After

At Bayshore Cosmetic Surgery, we like to take before and after photos so that you have a record of your transformation. There is nothing more wonderful than seeing yourself as you wish and deserve to be, and making a comparison with your former look will strengthen your pride and enforce good diet and exercise habits to keep what you now have.

Contact Us

Please contact us today for more information on liposuction and how we can help you achieve the body of your dreams.