What is Liposuction/Body Sculpting/Lipo-sculpting?
"Liposuction", "Body Sculpting", and "Lipo-sculpting" are often used interchangeably.
These terms refer to a cosmetic surgical procedure which removes unwanted fatty bulges from areas of the body which are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction/Body Sculpting extracts the fat with a very thin rod called a "cannula", which is attached to a suction apparatus. By inserting the rod through very small incisions made in the skin, Dr. Abrams is able to meticulously and precisely remove your unwanted fat and thereby re-contour and sculpt your body.
How long has Liposuction been around?
Liposuction was first performed in the United States over 25 years ago.
Since its inception, Liposuction has undergone many improvements/advances in surgical technique, instrumentation, and anesthesia. These modifications have:
- dramatically improved the cosmetic outcome
- limited complications
- shortened post-operative recovery
Because of the success of liposuction and the great interest in it, liposuction has become the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States.
What is the "new technique" I've heard about in the news recently?
The "tumescent technique" is a state-of-the-art technique which has become the "standard of care" in liposuction.
The surgeons of Wilshire Aesthetics only use the Tumesent technique.
"Tumescent" is a medical term which means engorged. The area to be sculpted is engorged with a solution containing lidocaine (an anesthetic )and epinephrine (a blood vessel constricting chemical). Engorging the area allows for easier and more uniform fat removal. The epinephrine reduces blood loss and dramatically minimizes subsequent bruising. The lidocaine eliminates pain during the procedure. For some procedures, a light intravenous sedation may be given for greater patient comfort.
What is ultrasonic assisted Liposuction?
While still used by some liposuction surgeons, it has been abandoned by most. It involved converting sound waves (ultra sound) into heat in order to melt the fat during liposuction. It resulted in too high of incidences of serious burns internally to be considered safe.
Is Liposuction a good way to loose weight?
Liposuction is not designed for weight loss. Liposuction changes the shape of the body by removing unwanted fatty bulges. It is a very successful way of contouring the body for individuals who are within approximately 10% of their ideal body weight. Liposuction is not a quick fix for people who are significantly overweight.
So I'm not going to be able to achieve my washboard stomach through liposuction?
By removing fat from the abdominal area you can definitely accentuate the abdominal muscles. However, a person has to exercise to build and define muscle. You can't make a person who doesn't exercise look like he has great muscle tone. Liposuction can only remove unwanted fatty layers; it can't build muscle.
What areas of the body can be Liposuctioned?
Just about any area of the body that has a localized accumulation of fat is amenable to liposuction. Common areas are the hanging neck region, the back of the arms, breasts (males), abdomen, love handle area, thighs and knees. Men usually request liposuction in areas above the waist, while women tend to request liposuction in areas below the waist, as well as above.
Once fat is removed from an area by Liposuction, does it come back?
Scientific evidence indicates that fat cells removed from the body by liposuction do not grow back. The number and placement of fat cells in an individual usually remain constant throughout adulthood. Fat cells are like balloons, having the ability to store and release fat. A person can still store fat in the fat cells remaining after liposuction surgery. However, if a person maintains a weight close to their normal body weight through proper diet and exercise, there is every reason to believe the changes in body contour achieved by liposuction will be permanent.
How long does Liposuction surgery take?
Generally speaking, the procedure takes two to three hours. It depends on how many areas of the body are being done, the method of anesthesia and the speed and experience of the liposuction surgeon.
Will I be awake during the procedure?
Except for limited procedures, it is encouraged that the patient be in a state of light anesthesia administered by a licensed anesthetist to allow Dr. Khosravi to devote his time and attention exclusively to the surgery. If only a small area is being done, it can often be performed using only local anesthesia using the tumescent technique which does not require a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.
How long will my recovery be?
Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure within our own "state-of-the-art" Surgery Center. After the surgery, you are usually allowed to go home after 60-90 minutes of observation. You are expected to rest for a day or two without any strenuous physical exertion. From the very first day you will be able to get up and walk, use the bathroom, eat, drink, etc. For procedures above the waist, you can generally resume work activities after 2 or 3 days. For procedures below the waist involving the weight bearing areas of the legs, recovery takes a little longer and a week or so is recommended before resuming work. Physical exercise may resume in 7-14 days after surgery depending on the region liposuctioned, the extent of the surgery and your individual recuperative ability. You must wear a compression garment over the liposuctioned areas for approximately three to four weeks.
What are the possible complications of liposuction surgery?
The most common complications are varying degrees of bruising and soreness. While everyone bruises differently, patients should expect some bruising. Soreness and pain is a very subjective matter. For the most part, patients find the pain associated with liposuction quite tolerable. Some people complain of only mild soreness, while others experience pain requiring an oral pain killer. People rarely require pain medication for more than two or three days. Soreness may last a week or two in areas above the waist and two to three weeks in areas below the waist. Blood loss is minimal. There is always the possibility of infection, although it is extremely rare. For women who have cellulite, the tumescent technique does reduce the degree of cellulite but is unlikely to eliminate it.
What are the scars like?
Again, everybody heals somewhat differently but the incisions made during liposuction surgery are usually less than one quarter of an inch long and generally heal with minimal scarring . Dr. Khosravi makes every effort to hide the small incisions in natural skin folds and areas like the belly button and pubic hair so you have to really look to find any scar.
When can I expect to see results from my liposuction surgery?
In most people, results can be seen as early as two to three weeks. Because of early bruising and swelling, significant results aren't really seen until about two to three months. Improvement continues for an additional two to three months as swelling from the procedure totally resolves and the scar tissue which forms in the fat compartment completely retracts.
Are touch-ups ever required?
A touch-up procedure may occasionally be necessary if an individual either elects to have more fat removed from a particular area or unevenness exists. Touch-ups are usually very minor surgical procedures and are ordinarily performed under local anesthesia.
How much does Liposuction surgery cost?
The cost varies widely depending on the area of the body to be liposuctioned and the type of anesthesia used. Surgeon's liposuction surgery fees vary greatly but generally range from about $4,500 to $9,000.
Can Liposuction be performed on HIV positive patients?
Yes. Liposuction can be performed on HIV positive people. Liposuction surgery can be performed safely on HIV infected individuals who show no signs of illness.
Wilshire Aesthetics was the first medical practice to treat the disfiguring side effects such as "Buffalo Hump" using liposuction. We understand the nature of HIV, as well as the effect of HIV medications, and post surgical care.
Why should I choose Wilshire Aesthetics?
Wilshire Aesthetics is widely recognized as one of the world's leading liposuction surgery centers. We have performed more liposuction surgery than any other surgery center in Los Angeles. You'll have peace of mind knowing that Wilshire Aesthetics is one of the best in its field. And, at a time when results count, you can count on Wilshire Aesthetics to give you the results that you want.
Our Surgery Center
Wilshire Aesthetics Surgery Center is the best run, most advanced in the area. Our Surgery Center has consistently secured AAAHC certification from the most stringent regulatory board. You can rest assured that the facility and equipment are the safest, most state-of-the-art possible.
Just as important, our Surgery Center is located within our office. So when your big day arrives, you will not have to meet your surgeon at a third party, remote location. You'll meet Dr. Khosravi right here, a place you know and where you are comfortable. You'll have peace of mindknowing that Dr. Khosravi has complete oversight of the Surgery Center and Recovery Area. All within Wilshire Aesthetics.
Our Surgical TeamOur Team is exceptionally well trained and has been working successfully together for many years. Each member is licensed and certified for his or her specific tasks. They have perfected their teamwork and are completely focused on your safety and well-being. When you "go under the knife", you'll have peace of mind knowing that you are surrounded by medical professionals who are experts in their field and who have been working successfully together for many years.
