Liposuction in Beverly Hills

Remove unwanted fat with Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular treatment for targeting areas of cellulite. For most people, looking and feeling good is vital to their confidence and self-esteem. Eating right and exercising can help us lose weight and change our body shape. However, there are a number of people who experience the frustration of dealing with unwanted pockets of fat, regardless of how much they diet and exercise. Common problem areas include the hips, buttocks, thighs and stomach.

Fortunately, you don’t need to live with unwanted fat any longer. Liposuction can remove these stubborn fat cells, toning and contouring the body, creating a more defined and attractive shape. Dr. Lesavoy is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon with a notable reputation for delivering exceptional liposuction services to patients in and around Beverly Hills, CA.

Liposuction Before and After Photos

Types of liposuction

There are two main varieties of liposuction, traditional and laser. The type of body contouring that is right for you will depend on your personal circumstances and will be discussed with you at your consultation appointment with Dr. Lesavoy.

Surgical Liposuction

Surgical liposuction is performed under a general anesthetic and usually takes between one and three hours, depending on the extent of fat to be removed.

Body contouring is most often recommended for patients who have stubborn areas of fat on their stomach, thighs, bottom and hips.

During surgical liposuction, salt water is injected into the body to break up the fatty deposits. Next, a cannula – a thin, metal tube attached to a vacuum – is inserted into the fat, sucking away the adipose tissue.

It may be necessary to perform multiple extractions to remove all of the areas of fat and create a smooth appearance. However, the incisions made by the cannula are extremely small and do not require sutures. They might leave small marks, but these will fade over time and will be virtually imperceptible.

What is Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction is performed under a local anesthetic, and it is usually quicker than surgical body contouring. Laser is often used to target areas such as the chin, upper arms, back and knees.

During laser liposuction, the laser is inserted into the body through the cannula, where it liquifies the fat cells, before they can be gently sucked out. Again, it may be necessary to insert the cannula multiple times to remove all of the necessary areas of fat.

Liposuction Myths and Facts

Liposuction will eliminate cellulite

While removing unwanted fat in cellulite prone areas, cellulite is primarily a condition of the skin.  Removing fat can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, but an exercise program that includes strength training is recommended.  Good muscle-tone also helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite.  Cellulite is a condition within the layers of the skin involving connective tissue that acts as an anchor between the muscles and skin.  No cream, laser, or massage treatment will permanently remove cellulite.

Liposuction is a Substitute for Exercise

Liposuction is not a substitute for anything.  As we get older, our metabolism decreases thus increasing our chances of weight gain.  All potential body contouring patients must commit to a lifestyle change that includes adjustments in diet & exercise.

Liposuction Removes Stretch Marks

Liposuction removes unwanted fat underneath the surface of the skin.  Stretch marks are scars as a result of damaged skin and are usually through all layers of the skin.  In few cases, body contouring can help decrease the appearance of stretch marks, but unfortunately are there to stay.  Patients with stretch marks on the abdomen may need to consider a mini or full tummy tuck to achieve the desired results.

Liposuction Requires One or Two Weeks of Recovery

Liposuction is a real surgical procedure that requires an adequate healing period as with any surgical procedure.  Most patients will experience swelling and bruising that usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to disappear.  After the bruising and swelling disappear, additional healing continues to allow for the skin to shrink.  Compression garments will be worn to help expedite this process.  Patients should avoid sun exposure during this time and drink plenty of water.  Patients are also advised to maintain a healthy diet, and may be able to return to their normal exercise program as soon as one or two weeks following the liposuction procedure.

Am I a candidate for liposuction?
In order to be a good candidate for cosmetic, you need to have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you.

Body contouring can enhance your self confidence and appearance , but the results won’t necessarily change your looks matching your ideal or cause other people to change the way they treat you.

Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Lesavoy before you decide to have surgery.

There is a greater risk during the procedure for individuals with medical problems such as significant heart or lung disease, diabetes, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area that the procedure will take place.

Women may have body contouring performed on their hips, thighs, and stomach, under the chin, and in the under arm and breast area.

Healthy, normal-weight people who have elastic skin and pockets of excess fat are considered good candidates for liposuction surgery.

What is the liposuction consultation?
In your initial consultation, Dr. Lesavoy will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Lesavoy will explain the body contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you.

You may believe you want body contouring in the abdominal area, and Dr. Lesavoy may consult you that an abdominoplasty or that a combination of traditional body contouring and UAL may be the best choice for you.

Be frank in discussing your expectations with Dr. Lesavoy. He will be equally frank with you, describing the procedure in detail and explaining its risks and limitations.

How do I prepare for liposuction?
Dr. Lesavoy will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed.

Though it is rarely necessary, Dr. Lesavoy may recommend that you have blood drawn ahead of time in case it is needed during surgery.

In addition, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, to help you at home for a day or two afterwards if needed.

What kind of anesthesia is used for liposuction?
Various types of anesthesia can be used for liposuction procedures. Together, you and Dr. Lesavoy will select the type of anesthesia that provides the most safe and effective level of comfort for your surgery.

Liposuction can usually be performed under local anesthesia if only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved. Local anesthesia will numb only the affected areas. The local anesthesia, if you prefer, is usually used along with intravenous sedation to keep you more relaxed during the procedure.

For more extensive procedures, regional anesthesia can be a good choice. The epidural block is a type of regional anesthesia, which is the same type of anesthesia commonly used in childbirth.

Some patients prefer general anesthesia, especially if a large volume of fat is being removed. A nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist will be called in if this is the case to make sure you are completely asleep during the procedure.

What can I expect after liposuction?
You will more than likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions after surgery. A small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for few days to prevent fluid build-up. You may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks to control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours.

Dr. Lesavoy may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.

Do not expect to look or feel great immediately after surgery. Although newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Lesavoy, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.

It is also normal to feel anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling should subside as you begin to look and feel better.

What is liposuction recovery?
Healing is a gradual process. Dr. Lesavoy will probably tell you to start walking around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You should begin to feel better after about a week or two and you should even be back at work within a few days following your surgery. The stitches are removed or will dissolve on their own within the first week to 10 days.

Strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month as your body continues to heal. Although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within three weeks, some swelling could remain for six months or more.

Dr. Lesavoy will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and to see if any additional procedures are needed.

If you have any unusual symptoms between visits – for example, heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in pain – or any questions about what you can and can’t do, call Dr. Lesavoy.

How will I look after liposuction?
You’ll see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body soon after surgery. Improvement should become even more apparent after about four to six weeks however, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling will usually disappear and the final contour will be visible.

If you have realistic expectations, you should be very pleased with the results of your surgery. You may find that you are more comfortable in clothes and more at ease in your own skin. You can help to maintain your new shape by eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, as well.

A more proportional look will emerge as healing progresses. A slimmer body contour can help you feel more confident and comfortable.

What are liposuction risks?
Cosmetic body contouring procedures are performed by the thousands successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon trained in body contouring, results are generally positive. But as with any surgery, there are always risks associated and specific complications associated with cosmetic surgery.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong hospital stays. Risks of blood clots can be minimized by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Poor healing will result in conspicuous scars and may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop smoking, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Lesavoy’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Call now!

Book a complimentary consultation with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy and let him help you with your cosmetic goals.

310-248-5451

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  • 9301 Wilshire Boulevard #410
  • Beverly Hills, CA 90210
  • US

Phone

310-248-5451

Email

drlesavoy@aol.com

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