Liposuction is a procedure that removes small pockets of fat that are difficult to “burn off” and to improve the shape of your body. The areas most commonly treated include the hips, abdomen, thighs and buttocks, and face.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

A good candidate for liposuction should have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure as well as these basic qualities:

• Average or only slightly above-average weight
• Firm, elastic skin
• In good overall health
• Concentrated pockets of fat that do not respond well to diet and exercise

What Do I Need To Know Before Undergoing Liposuction?

The first step before undergoing liposuction will be to arrange a consultation with your physician. During the consultation, Dr. Kim will discuss which options are best for you, your skin type, the effectiveness and safety of the procedure, the potential financial cost, and what your expectations should be. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have.

Once you have decided to undergo liposuction, our staff members will give you any instructions you will need to prepare for the surgery. This may include dietary guidelines or alcohol restrictions or the taking or avoiding of certain vitamins. Be sure to let your surgeon know of any allergies you have as well as any and all medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications as well as herbal supplements.

How Is Liposuction Done?

The procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure at the doctor's office under local anesthesia.

Before the procedure begins you will be given an anesthetic. It could be that the anesthetic only be applied on your skin or you may require a general application in which case the surgery will be done while you are sleeping. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the liposuction procedure is performed using a suction device attached to a small, stainless steel instrument called a cannula. Through small incisions, the cannula is inserted into fatty areas between skin and muscle where it removes excess fat either using a suction pump or a large syringe. This results in a smoother, improved body contour. The length of the procedure will vary with the amount of fat needing removal.

Technique of Liposuction

Though the basics of liposuction described above remain the same, there are a couple of different techniques that can be used during liposuction. Green Laser Clinic uses the Tumescent liposuction technique. During procedure, the surgeon will inject a solution into your fatty areas before the fat is removed. It is made up of a saline solution, a mild painkiller and epinephrine, a drug that contracts your blood vessels. The solution not only helps the surgeon remove the fat more easily but it helps reduce blood loss and provides pain relief during and after surgery.

How Long Does Recovery After Liposuction Last?

Under most circumstances, when liposuction is an outpatient procedure, recovery is usually quick. Most people can return to work within a few days and to normal activities within about two weeks. You should expect bruising, swelling, and soreness for a least a few weeks. However, every person's outcome will vary based on factors such as volume of fat cells removed and area of removal. Dr Kim will discuss what results you can expect to achieve and how to best maintain your new body shape.