Whether you are looking to eliminate unwanted body fat or are at the tail end of your weight loss journey, sometimes, losing weight on your own can be a challenge. Luckily, at Watterson Plastic Surgery, our liposuction procedure allows for the permanent removal of excess skin and body fat that has become unresponsive to traditional methods of weight loss. If toning your body and finally reaching your goal weight is something you’re looking to achieve, this procedure will benefit you.
What Areas Can Liposuction Treat?
As a very common fat removal plastic surgery procedure, liposuction, also known as lipo, can be applied to the following areas:
- The neck
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Thighs
- Legs
Each area has unique considerations and requires different approaches and techniques.
Liposuction is often used in conjunction with other procedures, such as facelifts, tummy tucks, and fat grafting procedures. The newer infiltration techniques coupled with power-assisted liposuction and special cannula configurations make liposuction very popular.
At Watterson Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Paul A Watterson draws from years of experience to work with each patient on a personalized treatment, especially when it comes to fat removal. He will work with you to determine exactly where and how excess fat can be removed from your body to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Why Do People Get Liposuction?
Liposuction can be a life-changing procedure, leading to many benefits that allow patients to achieve body transformations. Liposuction may be performed for a number of reasons, including:
- Achieving a goal weight
- Completing their weight loss journey
- Eliminating excess fat and skin
- Removing stubborn fat in areas unaffected by traditional weight loss methods
- Achieving a more toned, contoured figure
- Lessening body aches and pains
- Improving health conditions related to weight
- Better fitting clothing
- Increased self-esteem
The Liposuction Procedure at Watterson Plastic Surgery
While there are many different ways a liposuction can be performed, Dr. Watterson commits to providing a liposuction treatment that prioritizes patient safety and satisfaction. His approach to plastic surgery involves technique with aesthetic results in mind.
Liposuction is performed by first marking and identifying the area of concern. Then, after adequate anesthesia, either local or general, the fat is removed via a cannula (tube) with suction. Dr. Watterson utilizes the power-assisted liposuction technique as it is fast and efficient. He also uses the SAFE (Separation and Fat Equalization) technique, which focuses on vibrating the skin tissue as fat is removed to ensure smooth, aesthetic results for patients. This particular technique uses a vibrating system to separate and then smooth the area after suctioning the fat away. The results are usually excellent and depend heavily on patient selection and site location.
For Dr. Watterson, a major part of the success of a liposuction procedure is not just the excess fat and skin removal but also compression, ensuring that a patient’s skin can move appropriately after surgery. To achieve this, Dr. Watterson avoids lifting and shifting skin tissue around during the procedure as much as possible. Additionally, it may be recommended that some patients receive a tummy tuck after their liposuction procedure for the best results.
What Are The Different Types Of Liposuction?
For decades, liposuction has been one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States. With the goal of eliminating unwanted body fat, the liposuction procedure comes in three different types. These are:
Suction-Assisted Lipectomy (SAL)
As the most traditional form of lipectomy, the SAL liposuction procedure breaks up fat and uses a high-negative pressure vacuum to remove the fat through the cannula. This cannula is inserted through a small incision in the skin, often placed in inconspicuous areas to hide the visibility of any potential scars.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)
The UAL liposuction procedure is beneficial for patients wanting to eliminate larger, more stubborn amounts of fat.Â
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
The PAL liposuction procedure involves the use of a vibratory device, which allows for a more precise and thorough fat-removal process.Â
At Watterson Plastic Surgery, we work with each patient to determine the best type of liposuction for their needs and aesthetic goals.
Will Liposuction Help Me Lose Weight?
Although liposuction will help to get rid of unwanted fat and excess skin, allowing the body to lose several pounds of that removed weight alone, the liposuction procedure should not be thought of as a weight loss alternative. It can be a beneficial surgical procedure to help tone your body once you are as close to your goal weight as possible. Liposuction focuses on redefining the shape of your body rather than helping you lose weight.Â
Additionally, the results from your liposuction procedure may change if weight is gained unexpectedly. To avoid this, maintaining a stable weight through healthy dieting and routine weight loss methods like exercise is key to achieving optimal liposuction results.
Patient Testimonial
"I had a great experience with Dr Watterson. From the consultation, Pre-op to actual procedure. He had me fully prepared and informed. I came out of my surgery without any complications and had a normal recovery. I am very happy with my transformation. Would highly recommend Dr Watterson to anyone. His professionalism and work ethic is impeccable."
–Nira M.
Liposuction Candidates
The ideal candidate is a patient with a localized area of fat and who has excellent skin elasticity. It is not a weight loss procedure. It is a sculpting procedure and can provide dramatic and long-lasting results.
What Is Recovery Like From Liposuction?
The recovery process and duration after a liposuction procedure may vary from patient to patient. However, most patients will experience side effects such as bruising, swelling, and tenderness in their treated areas after their procedure. These common side effects should subside after the first 48 hours of recovery.
Light walking, simple exercises, and compression garments will be beneficial to minimize swelling. However, it is recommended to prioritize rest to allow your body to heal, rather than participate in intense physical activity for a couple of weeks.
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Risks Of Liposuction Surgery
With any surgery, risks such as infection and blood clots exist. Our surgeons will always talk with you about potential risks specific to your procedures in your consultation. Other risks include asymmetry, skin irregularity, pigmentation changes, fluid retention, or loss.
Liposuction FAQs
Is liposuction painful?
Liposuction is typically performed under anesthesia, ensuring patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort or soreness may occur during the recovery period, similar to the sensation of intense muscle soreness. Pain management options, including prescribed medications, are provided to help patients remain comfortable as they heal.
What is the difference between traditional and laser-assisted liposuction?
Traditional liposuction involves the use of a cannula to manually break up and suction out fat deposits. Laser-assisted liposuction, on the other hand, uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before removal. This technique can result in smoother contours and may provide some skin-tightening benefits. During a consultation, the surgeon will discuss which method is best suited to the patient’s needs.
Can liposuction help with cellulite or sagging skin?
While liposuction is highly effective at removing excess fat, it is not specifically designed to address cellulite or sagging skin. In some cases, complementary procedures like skin tightening treatments or a tummy tuck may be recommended to achieve optimal results for patients with significant skin laxity.
Can fat come back after liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in the treated areas. However, it is still possible to gain weight if a healthy diet and exercise routine are not maintained. Usually, new fat is gained in untreated areas, so long-term results depend on your commitment to a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.
How long do liposuction results last?
Liposuction results can last indefinitely when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Maintaining a stable weight helps preserve the sculpted contours achieved through the procedure. Keep in mind that natural aging and hormonal changes can still affect body shape over time.
Can liposuction treat small, stubborn areas of fat?
Yes, liposuction is an excellent option for removing small, localized pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Common areas include the abdomen, thighs, arms, and chin. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s specific concerns to determine the best approach.
What are the weight limits for liposuction candidates?
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and is best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight. Patients with a BMI over 30 may not be ideal candidates and should discuss other options with medical professionals if significant weight loss is a goal.
How do I prepare for liposuction surgery?
Patients should follow specific pre-operative instructions provided by Dr. Watterson and his team. These may include avoiding certain medications, quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and arranging for transportation and aftercare. Preparing in advance ensures a smoother recovery process.
Why should I choose Dr. Watterson for liposuction?
Dr. Watterson stands out as a leading expert in body contouring procedures, including liposuction, thanks to his extensive training, surgical precision, and patient-centered approach. With years of experience performing liposuction, he has honed techniques to deliver exceptional results tailored to your unique anatomy and goals.
Our practice emphasizes safety, informed decision-making, and high patient satisfaction. Choosing Dr. Watterson means trusting a surgeon who prioritizes excellence, safety, and personalized care, supported by a track record of successful outcomes.
Schedule A Consultation
To learn more about liposuction, please contact our office today at 801-571-2020 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Paul Watterson. Proud to serve patients in Draper, UT, and its surrounding areas, Dr. Watterson is prepared to help you look and feel your best! Contact us today!
