Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned the latest in body contouring on Body Beautiful with host Vicki Liviakis. My recent KRON 4 appearance reveals how Tummy Tucks can help after weight loss and childbirth. By removing disproportionate fat and repairing loose abdominal skin and muscle laxity, you can have a rejuvenated belly. This is part four of the video series; however, links to all four parts are available at the bottom of this post. Watch the show on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and learn about the latest techniques of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
This is the final of four video segments about procedures for tightening your tummy. The video includes more viewer questions from the live broadcast. If you didn’t have a chance to call in during the broadcast, but you have questions, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 4
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
How much does a Tummy Tuck cost?
Does insurance cover Abdominoplasty costs?
What type of Tummy Tuck is best for you?
Modifications of Abdominoplasty (Fleur-de-Lis Tummy Tuck) for skin tightening after massive weight loss and after bariatric surgery?
How long is the Tummy Tuck recovery?
Can an Abdominoplasty be performed safely with Diabetes?
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 4 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast. Information on procedures frequently combined with Tummy Tuck procedures, like Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, with a Tummy Tuck is also available. The combination of Tummy Tuck and Breast Enhancement (Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, etc…) is often called a Mommy Makeover.
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned what’s new in body contouring on my recent KRON 4 Body Beautiful appearance with host Vicki Liviakis. Tummy Tucks can help after lost weight, childbirth and other causes of abdominal laxity. You can watch the show, in its entirety, on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, and learn about the latest techniques of Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
This is the third of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. This video includes viewer questions from the live broadcast. The combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty is reviewed. If you have questions, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 3
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
Should you lose weight before Abdominoplasty surgery?
Does having more fat mean more Tummy Tuck costs?
Can a Tummy Tuck be performed after a C-section?
Will Abdominoplasty interfere with my gym work-outs?
Can I have more children after a Tummy Tuck? Is it a good idea?
Does age matter?
Can I combine other procedures, like Breast Augmentation or Liposuction, with a Tummy Tuck? (Breast Augmentation with Tummy Tuck is often called a Mommy Makeover)
What are the alternatives to Abdominoplasty?
What exactly does a Tummy Tuck repair?
Loose Skin?
Loose Muscle?
Excess Fat?
Stretch Marks?
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 3 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
I recently appeared on Body Beautiful, and San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned what’s new in body contouring. If you have lost weight, had a baby or have stubborn bulges of fat, cosmetic plastic surgery may be right for you. Hear the latest about Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
Below is the second of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. This video includes before and after pictures of tummy tucks both large and small. Comparisons between liposuction and tummy tuck are made. Please note, the (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only. If you have questions about abdominoplasty, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the left column.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video Part 2
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
Abdominoplasty Before and After Pictures after massive weight loss (post-bariatric surgery)
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures after childbirth with stretch mark removal
Abdominoplasty Before and After Pictures with muscle tightening
Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures with removal of lower abdominal fat and muscle tightening
What is the difference between a Mini Tummy Tuck and a Full Tummy Tuck?
Where does Liposuction fit into abdominal rejuvenation?
Where is the scar located for a Tummy Tuck?
Is the Mini Tummy Tuck scar really shorter than the traditional Abdominoplasty scar?
What can be done to minimize the Tummy Tuck scar?
Massage
Topical Silicone
Laser treatments
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 2 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.
Dr. Mele discusses Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tucks, Mini Tummy Tucks and Liposuction) on the Bay Area's News Station, KRON4.
On a recent television appearance on the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON4, I discussed what’s new in body contouring. Broadcast topics included: Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck surgery), Mini Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) and Liposuction. On Body Beautiful, San Francisco Bay Area Tummy Tuck patients learned about the latest plastic surgery techniques used to smooth the belly, and a lucky few were able to phone in and have their questions answered.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Video
Below is the first of four video segments about abdominal rejuvenation. It includes a comparison of liposuction and tummy tuck procedures. The (415) phone number in the video was for the live broadcast only. If you have questions about abdominoplasty, feel free to call my office directly at (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form at the bottom of the column to the left.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Information
This Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Video includes:
What is a Tummy Tuck? What is Abdominoplasty?
What is included in a Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty?
Can a Tummy Tuck substitute for weight loss?
Can weight loss accomplish the same thing as Abdominoplasty?
What is the partnership between weight loss and Tummy Tuck?
How do Liposuction and Abdominoplasty differ?
Can Liposuction and Tummy Tuck be combined?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) before and after pictures are in part 2
Finding the Right Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgeon
If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your tummy, or any body part, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon like myself, as part of your personalized consultation appointment.
Additional Information on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
This is part 1 of 4 in a video series on Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) in the San Francisco Bay Area. Additional segments can be found here:
Abdominoplasty San Francisco Bay Area (Tummy Tuck) – Part 4 of 4 (Coming Soon)
Additional information on Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tucks, Mini Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tucks, Liposuction and many other procedures is available on my main Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery website and information on breast implants and breast augmentation is available on my specialty breast site: San Francisco Breast.
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. It is the most effective method of spot removing fat ever devised. Unlike weight loss, liposuction allows you to select where on your body the fat should be reduced.
Liposuction before and after pictures - Left: Before disproportionate fat pockets on the outer and inner thigh were interfering with the fit of clothing. Left: After liposuction of the thighs, clothing fits better and bulges have been replaced with smooth beautiful curves.
Areas Commonly Contoured with Liposuction
The trunk and thighs are the most common areas treated with liposuction. The lower abdomen, flanks (sides) and lower back encompass the “muffin top” and are the most common areas of disproportionate fat for both men and women. Women also frequently have disproportionate fat on the inner and outer thighs. The outer thigh region is often called the saddlebags. The posterior thigh, below the buttocks (the muffin bottom?) can also preferentially take up extra fat. This area is also called the banana roll, due to its shape. Other areas where liposuction can help are fat collections under the chin, on the upper arms and on the chest for men.
Liposuction Before and After Pictures - Left: Before disproportionate fat of the lower abdomen & sides (flanks). Right: After liposuction of the abdomen & flanks improves appearance in and out of clothing.
Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction is great way to remove stubborn fat, but it is not an effective method of weight loss. For liposuction to be maximally effective, you need to be close to your desired weight, and willing to maintain it. Successful liposuction is truly a partnership between you and your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. A good candidate for liposuction has collections of disproportionate fat, a stable weight and a plan to maintain that weight. This is how to protect your investment, and get maximum results from your body sculpting.
Schedule a Liposuction Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about how liposuction can be specifically tailored to your needs, call (925) 943-6353, and schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Mele. Dr. Mele is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has been assisting Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery patients with Liposuction, Breast Augmentation and other Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures since 1997.
The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) remains one of the most frequently performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. After blogging about the extreme tummy tuck last week, the fleur-de-lis tummy tuck, I received a lot of questions about when I would use that technique instead of a traditional abdominoplasty. Bay Area residents want to know, so let me start small and work my way through the time-tested techniques for tucking your tummy — from liposuction to the fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty - Left (before): Multiple rolls of redundant skin are seen after massive weight loss. Right (after): The loose abdominal skin is removed and the muscle wall is tightened, making finding clothes that fit much easier.
Tumescent Liposuction (Liposculpture, Suction Assisted Lipectomy or SAL)
Diet and exercise are always the first line of defense. No plastic surgery can eliminate the need for a proper diet and exercise plan. However, there are some problems that diet and exercise cannot fix. Localized accumulations of fat, which are disproportionate, are discussed in the previous post about Tumescent Liposuction. For bellies with small amounts of excess fat, that have good muscle and skin tone, tumescent liposuction provides a simpler and faster alternative to tummy tucks. Liposuction (SAL) cannot tighten loose skin. Even laser liposuction (LAL) and ultrasonic liposuction (UAL) cannot tighten skin that has lost its tone. If fact, liposuction can make loose skin look worse by further deflating the skin. By removing the fat, the support for the skin is removed, and the skin will fold over itself. The tummy tuck was designed specifically to address this problem.
Mini Tummy Tuck (Mini-Abdominoplasty)
When the abdominal skin and muscle laxity is isolated to the area below the belly-button (umbilicus), a mini tummy tuck may be the best option. For a mini tummy tuck, liposuction is often used in the upper abdomen and the sides to reduce unwanted fat, and a low abdominal incision is used to tighten the skin and muscles of the lower abdomen.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) With a “Floating” Belly-Button
In situations where the abdominal skin and muscle laxity is isolated to the area below the belly-button, but there is a small amount of loose skin just above the belly-button a “floating” belly-button technique is used. This is not the normal way to do a tummy tuck, and patients for this technique need to be carefully selected by an experienced, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If you are a candidate, however, it usually means more improvement with the same scar as a mini tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck - Top (before): Excess skin, muscle laxity and disproportionate lower abdominal fat contribute to a flabby appearance. Bottom (after): Excess skin and fat have been removed, and the abdominal muscles tightened. The sides of the rectus abdominus muscle are closer to the midline after the repair.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the work horse of abdominal rejuvenation, and the gold standard to which every other abdominal tightening procedure is compared. It requires and incision low on the abdomen, and one around the umbilicus. The procedure allows not only for tightening the abdominal skin, but the removal of excess fat and tightening of the muscles of the abdominal wall. This muscle tightening provides a tighter foundation on which to build your new tummy.
The fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is used when the amount and laxity of the abdominal skin is massive. This is most often seen after bariatric surgery or weight loss of greater then 75 pounds. The fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty incorporates all the features of a tummy-tuck with an additional incision running down the middle of the abdomen to remove excess skin from the midline. It is the biggest operation available, designed to reduce the most extreme amounts of excess abdominal skin.
The Lower Body Lift (Belt Lipectomy)
The lower body lift is a tummy tuck that extends all the way around to body. It is almost exclusively performed in post-bariatric surgery patients. The combination of extreme weight gain stretching out the skin, followed by loss of this weight, leaves a skirt of loose skin that can extend all the way around the back. In these cases, additional weight loss will not improve the appearance. The lower body lift is also called a belt lipectomy because a belt of excess skin and fat is removed. The abdominal muscles can also be tightened to enhance the abdominal contours, like in a traditional tummy tuck.
Body Beautiful on KRON4
Next Monday, March 14th, at 11:00 AM, I will be on KRON4′s Body Beautiful discussing Tummy Tucks. Feel free to call in and have your questions answered live, on the air. For a less public response, use the contact form on the left. While I do my best to provide you with accurate general information about all aspects of cosmetic plastic surgery on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog, the only way to get information specific to your needs is with a personalized consultation appointment. Give me a call at (925) 943-6353 to schedule your consultation today.
Liposuction remains one of the most frequently performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in the San Francisco Bay Area, California and the US in general. It is an effective method of selectively removing fat from problem areas.
Before (Left) shows localized fat of the chest (gynecomastia) and abdomen. After (right) reveals improved contours and better muscle definition with tumescent liposuction.
How Much Fat Can be Removed With Liposuction?
To improve patient safety, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery released a joint statement recommending an upper limit on the volume of fat removed of 5 liters. This is not to say that more fat cannot be removed safely. This recommendation was made for patients undergoing elective outpatient liposuction, on a come-and-go basis. In others words, if you are having liposuction and going home that same day.
Five liters is about 10 pounds, so you can see that liposuction is not a good method of weight control. Liposuction is best if you are near your ideal weight, and have localized, disproportionate accumulations of fat. Unlike weight loss, liposuction can remove fat from the areas you choose, this makes it ideal for stubborn areas that won’t leave. The selective nature of liposuction has lead some to use the term liposculpture.
Over the last few years, as the demand for liposuction increased, a large number of different liposuction techniques sprung up like weeds. All claim to better than every other technique, and most have no or an insignificant amount of proof to back their claims. The best technique remains the tumescent technique, under the guidance of a well trained professional. Ultrasound Liposuction (VASER, Liposelect) and Laser Liposuction (SmartLipo) both piggy back onto Tumescent Liposuction. As a result they get the same benefits of Tumescent Liposuction, but with increased cost and the chance of getting burned.
Before (left) localized fat collections of the inner and out thighs. After (right) tumescent liposuction provides smoothed contours, improved appearance and enhanced fit of clothes.
Can Liposuction Tighten My Loose Skin?
Loose skin is a contraindication for liposuction. While all techniques claim to shrink skin, none can significantly tighten loose skin. Studies comparing tumescent liposuction and other liposuction techniques have been done. In a well controlled study, in which tumescent liposuction was performed on one side of a patient, and laser liposuction was done on the other side, neither patients, nor surgeons, could not tell which side was which. Significant skin tightening remains a problem from all liposuction. You will find examples where the skin seems to dramatically tighten, but these lucky people would tighten with any modern technique. Unfortunately, they are the exception rather than the rule.
Liposuction Safety
The most important aspect of any elective cosmetic surgery is safety. It is surgery, and should be performed by a qualified surgeon in an accredited facility, with proper monitors, excellent anesthesia, meticulous sterile technique and with proper equipment.
How to Choose a Liposuction Specialist
As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon trained in a program well known for cosmetic plastic surgery, I am biased, and with good reason. As a group, plastic surgeons receive the best surgical training available specific to plastic surgery. The San Francisco Bay Area has been home to three world class training programs, and as a result, you have many excellent professionals from which to choose. While there are some unique individuals, trained in other disciplines, who can get good results, if you are considering Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, considering seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
At a minimum, your surgeon should be a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and even better, a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). ASAPS members are plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS members are required to be Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, members in good standing of their local societies, operate only in certified facilities and allow periodic review of their results. More about these organizations can be found by clicking on their names.
If you were peaking ahead, the preview screen on the video shows a side-by-side comparison of before and after pictures for breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty). I perform many different aesthetic breast enhancement surgeries. Sometimes reducing the volume and lifting the breasts is the best course of action. For patients with large breast and symptoms like lower neck and upper back pain, shoulder rutting from the bra straps and even recurrent rashes beneath the breasts, breast reduction surgery can provide an improved quality of life. It goes beyond being able to find clothes (and bras) that fit, but my patients are happy about that too.
Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation and Breast Implant Revision Before and After Pictures
The 800 number in the video was used as part of the live show to allow viewers to have their questions answered by me, live, during the original broadcast. If you have questions, or would like to schedule a consultation appointment, please call (925) 943-6353, or use the contact form on the left side of this page.
Bay Area Breast Implants – Part 2 or 4
This cosmetic breast enhancement video includes information about:
Cosmetic breast enhancement including before and after pictures
I cannot emphasize this enough. If you are considering breast augmentation, be certain to review the benefits, and the risks, with a qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, like myself. This is an important part of any breast augmentation consultation appointment. This is equally important if you have developed problems with your breast implants. A consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is the best first step toward finding relief.
Additional Information on Cosmetic Breast Enhancement
Liposuction is one of the most frequently requested cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, in my San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office. Almost every day I see someone interested in Liposuction, and curious about what it can do.
Below are before and after pictures of a woman who wanted her pre-baby body back. She is young, in good shape, near her ideal body weight, and had localized, disproportionate fat on her abdomen and flanks (sides). Despite her recent pregnancy, her muscles were in good shape and her skin was tight. In other words, she was the ideal candidate for liposuction.
Abdomen before tumescent liposuction - side view
Abdomen after tumescent liposuction - side view
Abdomen before tumescent liposuction - front view
Abdomen after tumescent liposuction - front view
When the muscles are stretched, and the skin is loose, a tummy tuck is a better choice. This patient, however, had strong, flat muscles and excellent elasticity of her skin. The disproportionate fat was removed via two small (5 mm) incisions placed low on the abdomen. A tumescent technique was used to facilitate fat removal and reduce post operative bruising and soreness. No laser, ultrasound, water jet, or power hand piece could improve this result. Safe, predictable and uncomplicated tumescent liposuction is still the king of liposuction. Every “new” technique uses it.
New Liposuction Technology
There are a lot of procedures claiming to be the best liposuction technique available. Just this morning I have seen advertisements for:
SmartLipo (Laser Liposuction) LAL
InnoGyn’s LaserPro Lipo (Laser Liposuction) LAL
Vaser and the new Vaser 2.0 (Ultrasonic Liposuction) UAL
Body-Jet (Water-Jet Liposuction) WAL
STARS liposuction (Power Assisted Liposuction) PAL
How to Choose
If you are trying to figure out which liposuction is the best liposuction, it can be very confusing. While all the above make the claim that they are the newest and best way to do liposuction, the claims are largely unproven. It is hard to improve upon tumescent liposuction.
If you are a patient considering liposuction, you don’t have to choose the right tool, you have to choose the right doctor. An experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon can help guide you in achieving your cosmetic surgery goals. Finding the right doctor and letting them choose the right tool is more likely to get you the results you are looking for.
My recent television appearance discussing liposuction, and recent posts on liposuction, have generated many questions about the use of lasers for fat removal.
Laser liposuction is red hot in the media, but the hype is louder than the truth about laser liposuction.
The Myth
Laser liposuction marketing is focussed heavily on the supposed skin tightening advantage of using a laser. The thought is that heating the subcutaneous tissues can tighten the skin.
The Facts
The only reliable way to tighten skin is to surgically remove the excess. While modalities like lasers and radiofrequency energy have shown promise in this area, in fact, the amount of shrinkage is usually small and unpredictable. Head to head studies of laser liposuction compared to tumescent liposuction show no difference in the amount the skin shrinks.
Thin cannula, tumescent liposuction remains the “gold standard” for all liposuction. It still provides the fastest, safest and most reliable method of spot fat removal available today.
The Science is Still Pending?
There are no published large prospective trials comparing laser liposuction to traditional tumescent liposuction. Laser liposuction has been available for some time now. I have to believe the manufacturers of these devices have tried to prove that is a superior product; however, the evidence is conspicuous by its absence. Evidence that it is not better is available.
The best randomized, double-blinded, controlled study shows no difference between laser liposuction and traditional liposuction. In this study, half the patient was treated with laser liposuction and the other half of the patient was treated with traditional tumescent liposuction. Neither the patients nor the doctors could tell which half was treated with the laser. Both sides appeared to have equally good results. This is a well constructed, prospective, randomized and doubly blinded study.
Laser liposuction requires a laser.
Lasers add expense and danger. You cannot be burned with a normal tumescent liposuction cannula, but ask anyone who works around lasers, lasers can burn. Without any benefits, you get only the risks.
Laser liposuction adds more steps, so it takes longer.
For most techniques, the laser is passed under the skin prior to traditional tumescent liposuction, and sometimes again afterwards. Without any benefits, you get only a longer operation.
Traditional tumescent liposuction has two steps:
Infiltration
Aspiration
Laser liposuction has four steps:
Infiltration
Laser applied to the fat
Aspiration
Laser applied to the subdermal skin
Infiltration is administering a wetting solution (saline+lidocaine+epinephrine) to the subcutaneous tissues. This decreases bruising and increases post operative comfort.
Aspiration is the suction assisted removal of the fat (or burned fat for laser liposuction). Fat is very soft and easy to remove with suction. The laser heats, melts, damages the fat cells (and surrounding cells). Some proponents advocate using only the laser and letting the body absorb the damaged cells, but removal decreases the inflammatory mediators.
Skin Shrinking Ray
Treat all you friends to the latest laser treatment.
I am a proponent of finding a way to shrink skin without surgery. This would be a huge leap forward for plastic surgery. Many technologies are being investigated; however, when it comes to liposuction, I am still waiting for a technology that does a better job. A technology that provides a result every time, for every patient, not just for those who have tight elastic skin. Great skin will remain firm not matter what is done to it. A true skin shrinking ray will tighten poor skin and make it great again. If I find a skin shrinking ray, my San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog readers will be the first to know!
