Liposuction (Liposculpture)

For many men and women, liposuction is a dream come true. Liposuction is the most commonly requested elective cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States and the World. It provides a means to safe removal of unwanted deposits, bulges, contours, distribution of fat. Thin, highly polished blunt tubes (called cannulae) are placed through small round skin punctures, allowing removal of fat tissue via application of a low vacuum produced by syringes.

Liposuction is not intended as a weight-loss technique. However, liposuction is commonly used to remove stubborn, diet and exercise resistant fat deposits to sculpt the body into a slimmer profile. Resistant fat deposits are most commonly an inherited problem, and can be seen within a patient’s own family. Since the fat cells do not cell divide, removal from those hereditary sites provide a permanent solution to those distribution problems. To maximize the results, we believe that patient’s must be willing to maintain good diet and exercise habits.

In women fat deposits may be located in multiple areas such as the abdomen, hips (flanks), inner and outer thighs-buttocks, knees, and lower legs. In males, deposits are common on the abdomen, ‘love handles’, breast, and neck areas. These are some of the areas where body contouring with liposuction produces impressive results. Other areas treated include the arms, underarms, neck, and face (jowl).

Dr. Sadati has performed literally thousands of lipocontouring procedures.

At the Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, liposuction is mostly performed under IV sedation. Tumescent infiltration (placement of dilute local anesthetic and adrenalin solution into the fat layer) is also used to reduce bleeding, and improve safe removal of fat deposit. Depending on the extent of the fat deposits, surgery usually lasts approximately 1-2 hours. Patients typically are ready for discharge about 45 minutes after the procedure.

Compression garments and wraps are often used to help minimize swelling and promote healing. Recovery time is relatively short. Patients see the early changes associated with the actual fat reduction, with final shrinkage completed over the next several months. Patients with larger volume liposuction are usually able to return to normal activity or work in about one week.

What Is Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)?

Ultrasonic liposuction is an advanced method of removing fat from the under the skin. The fat is gently broken up by ultrasonic energy, and then removed by conventional syringe suction to remove the debris.

During ultrasonic liposuction, high energy sound waves are produced by a computer-controlled generator. These waves are transmitted to the tip of a specially designed metal cannula. As the tip of this instrument passes through the fat layer, cell walls are interrupted to release the lipid content inside the cells. Once emulsified, the liquefied fat and debris is removed by low pressure syringe suction to clean the site. In heavily fibrous areas, like in many males, or previously treated areas, ultrasonic-assisted liposuction seems to offer significant advantages over traditional liposuction.

Breast Reduction With Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction!

As a less invasive alternative to traditional breast reduction, UAL has proven of value to reduce the volume of breast tissue using much smaller openings. In patient’s whose primary concern is the heavy underarm and breast deposits, it offers a minimally invasive alternative. This has the advantage of much less scarring and typically preserves the ability to breast feed. In patients with severe droopiness of the breast, this option may not be recommended.

In this technique either traditional liposuction or ultrasonic-assisted liposuction is used to reduce the fat of the breast. A small round incision is used, often in the crease under the breast. It is not uncommon to remove more than 1 liter (1000 cc) from each breast.

Skin envelope contraction may be more significant than was previously thought, especially if careful suctioning close to the skin is performed. The benefits may include fewer complications, reduced recovery time, better breast sensation, and less noticeable scarring. In some case a mastopexy (lifting) may be needed to reduce the skin envelope, and maintain a natural breast shape with more acceptable scars than a traditional breast reduction.

We suggest that patients have pre-surgical mammography or ultrasonic imaging to establish baseline tissue density on a natural breast. Mammograms may be more dense after surgery, but studies show that the changes can usually easily be distinguished from those of breast cancer. Yes, I would like to make an appointment for a complementary consultation.

Yes, I would like to make a complementary appointment with Dr. Sadati.