Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted body fat to improve the shape of your body. Though not a weight loss procedure, plastic surgeons perform liposuction on many areas of the body, from the chin to the ankles. At Goldberg Facial Plastic Surgery in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, Joshua E. Goldberg, DO, FACOS, performs liposuction procedures to help patient achieve their weight loss goals. To schedule a liposuction consultation, call the office or request one online today. 

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery that removes excess fat from various parts of the body to improve shape. Plastic surgeons perform liposuction on the:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Ankles and calves
• Arms
• Cheeks
• Chin
• Hips
• Knees
• Neck
• Waist
• Chest and back

Plastic surgeons use liposuction for breast reduction in men with gynecomastia. Liposuction is also the primary procedure for a fat transfer.

Am I a candidate for liposuction?

Liposuction removes unwanted fat but isn’t a weight loss procedure. The ideal candidate for liposuction should be in good overall health and close to or at their desired body weight.

The plastic surgery procedure works best at getting rid of fat that fails to respond to diet and exercise. 

What are the types of liposuction?

Plastic surgeons use many techniques when performing liposuction. Types of liposuction include:

Tumescent liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the most common type. During this procedure, the plastic surgeon injects a solution containing saline (assists in fat removal), lidocaine (controls pain), and epinephrine (constricts blood vessels to reduce bleeding) into the area undergoing treatment.

The surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a cannula that vacuums out the fat and solution. 

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)

For UAL, the plastic surgeon uses ultrasonic energy to break up the fat before the extraction. UAL is often combined with tumescent liposuction. 

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)

For LAL, the plastic surgeon uses laser energy to emulsify the fat before removing it. 

Power-assisted liposuction

The PAL is a special type of liposuction tool that rapidly moves back and forth under your skin, creating a vibration that makes it easier for the surgeon to remove the fat. 

Depending on the amount of fat removal, plastic surgeons may use local anesthesia to numb the area or general anesthesia so that you’re asleep during the procedure.

How long is the recovery following liposuction?

You may need to take it easy for a few days following your liposuction procedure at Goldberg Facial Plastic Surgery, and you may not be able to resume some of your more strenuous activities for a couple of weeks. 

It may take a few weeks for the swelling to go away, and it may be several months until you see the full results of your liposuction.

Liposuction is a form of plastic surgery that improves your body’s shape and contours. 

Dr. Goldberg has access to state-of-the-art equipment, so you get the results you expect. 

To schedule a liposuction consultation, call Goldberg Facial Plastic Surgery or request an appointment online today.