Liposuction

Liposuction near Seattle, WA

In today’s world, a fit and well-proportioned body is considered by many as a sign of health, vitality, and attractiveness. But often, despite our best efforts, we may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These “problem areas” are often due to heredity rather than a lack of diet and exercise, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. There is a solution, and it’s liposuction.

The liposuction procedure should always be performed with the patient’s unique anatomy and individual goals in mind. At Partington Plastic Surgery, Dr. Partington brings his medical and technical expertise along with his artistic skills to create a shape as beautiful and unique as you are.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves the careful removal of unwanted fat from the face or body using a cannula to loosen the fat and a vacuum to suction it out. There are a number of different liposuction techniques for fat removal that have been developed over the years, but the specific body contouring techniques we perform at our clinic are tumescent liposuction and S.A.F.E liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction requires an infusion of saline solution with a numbing agent and “twilight” sedation prior to the removal of excess fat. The tumescent fluid helps to loosen up the fat so it’s easier to remove. Compared to traditional liposuction, the tumescent liposuction technique has fewer risks and offers better results. This method can be used to reduce localized fat deposits in these areas:

  • Cheeks
  • Chin
  • Upper arms
  • Breast or male breast
  • Back
  • Abdomen and waist
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Calves, ankles, and knees

S.A.F.E Lipo

S.A.F.E. Lipo is a three-step process. It starts with fat separation (S), then continues with aspirating the fat (A), and then finishes up with fat equalization (F, E). Most forms of liposuction may cause some degree of tissue damage, irregularities on the surface, and dermal adhesion. However, S.A.F.E. Lipo offers you dramatic but natural-appearing results without these issues. Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. came up with this method initially for revisional liposuction procedures.

S.A.F.E. Lipo-trained and board-certified plastic surgeon can help you achieve natural and smooth body contours.

The Procedure

Liposuction is commonly performed as a stand-alone procedure, but it can also be combined with other procedures like a facelift, breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or a tummy tuck. For example, when liposuction is combined with a tummy tuck, unwanted fat and excess skin can be removed in one treatment session.

Please remember that liposuction is not considered a weight loss solution or a replacement for proper diet and exercise. Liposculpture through liposuction is also not a treatment for cellulite or other irregularities that appear on the thighs, hips, and buttocks.

Before your procedure, we’ll have a consultation where we’ll discuss:

  • The goals you’re looking for
  • What your expectations are
  • Your medical history
  • What liposculpture will not do for your body, such as remove or shrink sagging skin

All our cosmetic surgeries are performed in our state-of-the-art, accredited surgical facility in our Kirkland clinic. We avoid general anesthesia, preferring to give ‘twilight sleep,’ which allows you to breathe on your own and ensures you can drive yourself home afterward. Dr. Partington will carefully follow the surgical treatment plan he has set forth with you, using the safest technique to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure and satisfied with your results afterward.


Are you put to sleep for liposuction?

Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia or twilight/IV sedation are options for some patients.

Can I get liposuction if I am overweight?

Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and is best for those who are at or near a healthy weight.

Can visceral fat be removed?

Visceral fat, which is deeper within the body, cannot be removed using liposuction.

Does fat come back after lipo?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. It is possible to gain weight in other areas, however, if you do not keep up with a healthy lifestyle.

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction is not generally a suitable option for cellulite.

What is the recovery time after undergoing liposuction?

We encourage you to get back to normal activity as soon as possible. With the 24/7 Rapid Recovery Routine, many patients are back to normal activity the next day. Be mindful of certain maneuvers that may put too much strain on your incisions. Soreness and discomfort typically subside after 2-4 weeks. Be sure to talk with your care team to see when you can resume all your usual activities.

Are there any potential risks or complications associated with liposuction?

Liposuction, while generally safe, carries common risks including bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, numbness, irregular contouring, skin irregularities, and rare but serious complications such as blood clots or allergic reactions to anesthesia. Our team will thoroughly discuss potential risks with you prior to your procedure.

How long does it take to see the final results of liposuction?

Patients typically begin to see noticeable results from liposuction within a few weeks after the procedure, as swelling subsides, and the treated areas start to heal. However, it may take several months for the full extent of the results to become apparent, with final results usually becoming visible around 1-3 months post-surgery. It’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon to optimize healing and achieve the desired outcome.

Can liposuction be performed on any part of the body, or are there specific areas where it is more effective?

Liposuction is versatile and can target localized fat deposits across various body areas, including the chin, abdomen, hips, waist, back bra roll, upper arms, breasts, buttocks, thighs, calves, ankles, knees, and more.

Is liposuction a permanent solution for removing excess fat, or is additional maintenance required?

Liposuction results are typically considered permanent since the procedure removes fat cells permanently from the body. Weight gain post-liposuction is generally distributed evenly throughout the body and not predominantly in treated areas.


The Recovery

Post-surgical pain varies with each patient, and liposuction post-op recovery is usually 7 to 10 days for most. Some patients can return to work within a few days, while others prefer to take more time off. Your estimated time to take off work will be given to you on the day of your consultation and will depend on the areas we are treating.

There are scars associated with liposuction, and patients scar in different ways. For most patients, scars start out red and eventually fade into inconspicuous marks that can be hidden underneath everyday garments like underwear and bras. The vast majority of patients feel that the faded scars are a worthwhile trade-off for the improvement in their body shape, confidence, and self-image.

Liposculpture

Liposculpture is a surgical technique that removes fat from small areas of the body. While liposuction works on larger areas, liposculpture refines smaller areas. This surgical procedure helps create the toned and defined figure that you desire.

Liposculpture is minimally invasive and removes stubborn fat deposits from areas including the arms, abdomen, breasts, buttocks, chin, neck, thighs, and love handles.

There are different forms of liposculpture, including laser-assisted liposculpture, power-assisted liposculpture, and ultrasound-assisted liposculpture. Laser-assisted liposculpture uses lasers to melt excess body fat away. Power-assisted liposculpture uses a vibrating device to separate fat cells into smaller pieces for removal. Ultrasound-assisted liposculpture uses ultrasound waves to break up fat cells to aid in removal. Candidates for liposculpture include individuals who are near their ideal weight, in good health, have healthy elastic skin, and want to sculpt their body shape.



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