Liposuction in Tucson

Patients looking to enhance their body contours with the aid liposuction in Tucson, have the opportunity to choose between a number of techniques (tumescent, ultrasonic, water jet or laser liposuction). A certified liposuction surgeon can help decide which method is the most convenient for the patient.

The main objectives of Liposuction are:

Aid in the removal of unwanted fat, which is otherwise very difficult to remove with just diet and exercise.
It is used to help patients shaping their figures; it is not intended as a weight loss alternative.
A starting point of a new shape and proper healthy life style.

In Tucson you will find experienced liposuction surgeons offering tumescent and laser liposuction. Here you can learn the basics of these fat removal techniques.

Traditional (tumescent) Liposuction vs Laser Liposuction:

Tumescent liposuction and Laser liposuction share a common ground (the removal of unwanted fat). The difference between the two lies in the technique used. The main advantages of Laser liposuction over traditional tumescent lipo are: it is safer, less invasive and the recovery times are shorter for the Patient.

Laser Liposuction is less invasive because the incisions required are smaller compared to the bigger incisions used with traditional liposuction. This means also if there are any scars are less visible, there is also less bruising and bleeding.

Lasers offer an additional advantage for the patient. The Laser beam has a tightening effect on the skin that traditional liposuction techniques do not achieve. Laser Liposuction is perfect fat removal option for targeted small areas that have a small amount of fat and that need special skin tightening and toning after the procedure.
The patient can also be awake during the whole procedure. With laser lipo there is no need to have the patient under complete anesthesia.

Tumescent vs Ultrasonic Liposuction:

The tumescent liposuction method uses a hollow tube, called a cannula, which is inserted through a small 1/2″ incision. Tumescent fluid is put into the fat to help in its removal. It contains a dilute local anesthetic which provides for pain relief both before and after surgery, as well as epinephrine, which reduces blood loss during the procedure. Fat is then broken up and suctioned out of the body.

The ultrasonic liposuction technique, or Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL), uses high frequency sound waves to break down fat cells, causing the fat to flow out. The fat combines with injected fluid to create an emulsion. The “liquefied” fat is then suctioned out using vacuum pressure. Ultrasonic liposuction is particularly useful for removing fat in difficult areas such as the back, upper abdomen and outer thighs. It is also good for treating excessively large male breasts, a condition called Gynecomastia.

These procedures may be performed with either general anesthesia or sedation.

In Tucson, ultrasonic and tumescent liposuctions are performed as outpatient procedures and can be combined with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift.

Liposuction Recovery:

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. Your doctor will discuss what results you can expect to achieve and how to best maintain your new body shape.

Limitations of Liposuction Surgery:

Not appropriate for obese patients or those who have excess or loose skin.
All humans are asymmetrical; symmetry may not result from liposuction.
Suction lipectomy alters shape but is not an answer to weight problems; weight is controlled with diet and exercise.
Skin dimpling (“cellulite”) present before surgery will remain after surgery.
Does not correct body contour irregularities caused by structures other than fat (i.e. muscle, muscle weakness, bone, intra-abdominal contents, grandular tissue).
Sometimes not possible to achieve ultimate result in just one operation.
Cannot provide skin elasticity. The ability to shrink over new contour is unknown; younger patients usually have better elasticity than older patients. The more fat removed from an area, the greater the difficulty for the skin to shrink smoothly over the new contour (regardless of age).

How long do the results of liposuction last?

Once removed, fat cells typically do not duplicate or reform. Reducing the number of fat cells in an area will produce a change in shape that is expected to be permanent. Subsequent alterations in the body contour may occur as a result of aging, large weight gain (20-30 lbs) or loss, pregnancy, and/or a variety of other circumstances which may not be related to the location of fat. The amount of fat that is contained in the fat cells that are left behind is controlled by diet and exercise; body weight may remain the same if diet and exercise levels remain unchanged. During your consultation in Tucson, tumescent and ultrasonic liposuction expectations will be discussed in detail to help you make an informed decision.