How Liposuction Works

Most liposuction procedures require about 45 minutes to 2 hours of operating time. Liposuction can be performed in an office setting, outpatient surgery center or hospital, depending on the volume of fat that is planned for subtraction. With minor procedures, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is chosen. Major procedures require general anesthesia, meaning you would sleep during the entire surgery.

Small incisions are made near the targeted areas. Dr. Aboolian saturates the fatty tissue with a special tumescent solution, providing anesthetic for comfort and facilitating easy subtraction. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted to dislodge the fat and extract it with suction. If a significant amount of fluid is lost during this process, it is replaced through intravenous fluids.

Is Liposuction Right for You?

Liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It is a surgical procedure for body slimming in localized areas. Liposuction is extremely versatile: Dr. Aboolian may use it in a variety of body contouring procedures, and in multiple areas of the body. If you have lost weight and want information on body contouring and post-weight loss surgery, Dr. Aboolian specializes in that as well.

Some of the most common areas of treatment include the following:

• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Back
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Chest (breast reduction)
• Arms (arm lift)
• Neck / Chin

If you have persistent fat deposits in any of these areas, you may be an ideal candidate for liposuction. You should be in good health, be at a stable body weight, and have adequate skin elasticity. Before choosing to undergo liposuction, you should also have realistic expectations for what the procedure can and cannot achieve. Although liposuction can be performed almost anywhere on the body, there are limits to the amount of fat that can be safely withdrawn.

How Liposuction Works

Most liposuction procedures require about 45 minutes to 2 hours of operating time. Liposuction can be performed in an office setting, outpatient surgery center or hospital, depending on the volume of fat that is planned for subtraction. With minor procedures, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is chosen. Major procedures require general anesthesia, meaning you would sleep during the entire surgery.

Small incisions are made near the targeted areas. Dr. Aboolian saturates the fatty tissue with a special tumescent solution, providing anesthetic for comfort and facilitating easy subtraction. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted to dislodge the fat and extract it with suction. If a significant amount of fluid is lost during this process, it is replaced through intravenous fluids.

What to Expect After Liposuction

After liposuction, a snug compression garment will be provided to help control swelling and promote skin contraction. You may be advised to walk around shortly after the procedure. During this time, medications will be prescribed to help control discomfort. Some numbness, swelling and sensations in the skin are normal during recovery from liposuction.

For best results and to avoid the return of fat in the treated areas, Dr. Aboolian recommends initiating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a routine schedule for exercise.

Lipocontouring and Fitness

Liposculpture is similar to traditional liposuction except that micro-cannulae are used to enhance the details of the specific area(s) such as the abdominal muscles of the male or the buttock and the waist area of the female. The volume of fat extracted is less than 2,000 cc since typical candidates are somewhat physically fit with excellent skin tone.

Abdominal etching is an example of finesse liposuction where the abdominal area in a physically fit male, such as a body builder, is suctioned very close to the skin removing a very small amount of fat which reveals the underlying rectus abdominis and oblique muscles.

Abdomen & Waist

The optimum abdominal contour may be achieved with either liposuction alone or in combination with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Liposuction alone is ideal for candidates who have good skin tone and want to get rid of the fat deposits in any area of the body that is resistant to diet and exercise. Three to six incisions, all less than 1cm and hidden in the pubic and belly button areas, are required for the liposuction. Both ultrasound assisted (UAL), and suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) are used for body contouring.

For patients with poor skin tone or skin wrinkle which is commonly seen after pregnancy or massive weight loss, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with or without liposuction might be ideal. This procedure gets rid of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area. Such patients may also have loosening or diastases of their abdominal wall which is commonly seen as a bulge especially in their lower abdomen; this may also be treated during abdominoplasty with tightening of the abdominal muscles and wall. Abdominoplasty dramatically reduces the appearance of protruding abdomen and helps create a slimmer waist.* The scar from the abdominoplasty is hidden in the bikini line and can be of varying length (see abdominoplasty for the various types available).

Back Contouring

While this is a common area for patients to complain about, it is also the least treated of all areas. The fat that is commonly seen bulging when wearing a bra can be taken care of with liposuction alone. This is done commonly in conjunction with liposuction of the abdomen, hips, flanks, and/ or upper arms.

For patients with poor skin tone or increased skin elasticity liposuction in conjunction with an upper body lift may be the procedure of choice. Upper body lift helps smooth out the contour of the back and the lift helps smooth out the contour of the back and the abdomen. When combined with a lower body lift it will also improve the wrinkles and contour of the thighs and the buttock. This is a major procedure with an incision that is again hidden in the bikini line.

Interested in Liposuction in Beverly Hills?

To learn more about liposuction with Dr. Andre Aboolian, please schedule a consultation. During your visit, you can get answers to specific questions that apply to your individual case.

If you are ready to take the next steps to getting a beautifully sculpted figure, call Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Andre Aboolian at (310) 888-8862.